The development of cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City: Impacts and Opportunities

Abstract

This submission reports on an investigation of the development of cruise tourism in Vietnam with a more specific focus on Ho Chi Minh City. The main aim of the study was to assess the impacts of cruise tourism for that city, its region and the wider nation. The research approach in the study employed a blended methodology within which the main research tools were semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey. In Ho Chi Minh City and its hinterland the sample consisted of 28 semi-structured interviews with a range of staff at tourist companies, port employees and local residents, alongside the distribution of 100 questionnaires to cruise tourists. Data was analysed by using thematic analysis for the interview elements of data collection and through the use of the SPSS-computer program for the questionnaire survey. Based on themes derived from the literature, the main focus for analysis was on the impact in relation to the economic, social-cultural, and environmental contexts of cruise tourism in the region. This structure aligns closely with the emerging literature on the concept of the ‘Triple Bottom Line’, which is discussed in the Literature Review chapter, and was used to develop the conclusions to the thesis. The findings of the study suggest that the impact in the three areas noted above have brought both positive and negative effects. Cruise tourism has enhanced the economy but has also created challenges for the environment in Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding area since there have been significant environmental impacts such as air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution. Crucially, it was noted that since Ho Chi Minh City does not have a direct dock to welcome cruise ships, most tourists are forced to disembark at the dock in the Phu My area (Ba Ria – Vung Tau province), which is a significant cause of pollution through its effect on road traffic. The recommendations from the research are that greater attention needs to be paid to the infrastructure to support tourism in Vietnam and that the negative environmental and cultural impacts should be ameliorated wherever possible through greater social engagement that involves all elements of both regional and national authorities.