Bridging Heritage and Tourism through Interdisciplinary Theories: A Case Study of Traditional Performing Arts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract:

Introduction: Southern Vietnam’s traditional performing arts, particularly Đờn ca tài tử and Cải lương, are deeply rooted in the region’s cultural identity and represent valuable resources for enhancing tourism in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)1. Despite their cultural richness, the integration of these art forms into the city’s tourism strategies remains limited and insufficiently theorized within interdisciplinary frameworks. Methods: This study employs an in-depth qualitative research approach, combining document analysis, participant observation, and conducting 20 in-depth interviews. The analysis is guided by an interdisciplinary framework integrating stakeholder theory, cultural ecology theory, cultural economics theory, and sustainable tourism theory to examine how traditional performing arts can be effectively leveraged in tourism development while preserving their cultural integrity. Results: The findings indicate that sustainable tourism development involving traditional performing arts requires multi-stakeholder collaboration, including cultural practitioners, tourism authorities, policymakers, and local communities. The study identifies gaps in current policies, infrastructural limitations, and low public engagement. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing tensions between cultural preservation and commercialization in the tourism sector. Discussion and Conclusions: The study underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary strategies and stakeholder engagement in balancing heritage conservation with tourism development. It concludes with policy recommendations and practical solutions for integrating Đờn ca tài tử and Cải lương into HCMC’s urban tourism landscape. These proposals aim to foster a culturally rooted and resilient tourism model by enhancing the tourist experience through strategic stakeholder collaboration.

Keywords:

Traditional art, Cultural tourism, Heritage culture, Urban tourism, Heritage preservation, Vietnam’s intangible culture

Citation: Hoang Son Giang, Phan Thi Hong Xuan and Lam Nhan (2025). Bridging Heritage and Tourism through Interdisciplinary Theories: A Case Study of Traditional Performing Arts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Horizon J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Res. 7 (2), 227–237. https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2025.v7.n2.id1312.p227