The Role of Cultural Tourism in the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Cultural Values among Ethnic Minority Groups in Tuyên Quang

Abstract

Cultural tourism has emerged as a vital mechanism for safeguarding and disseminating the traditional values and practices of ethnic minority communities around the world. This study examines the role of cultural tourism in preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups residing in Tuyên Quang province, Vietnam. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork and in-depth interviews with local stakeholders, the research investigates how tourism-oriented initiatives have been leveraged to bolster the visibility and vitality of distinct cultural identities in the region. The findings indicate that when carefully designed and implemented, cultural tourism can serve as an effective tool for conserving endangered traditional arts, rituals, and livelihoods among ethnic minority populations. By facilitating deeper engagement with indigenous knowledge systems and cultural expressions, such initiatives have succeeded in counteracting the homogenizing forces of globalization and revitalizing community pride in ancestral traditions. Furthermore, the study highlights how tourism-driven preservation efforts have generated sustainable economic opportunities for minority groups, empowering them to be active stewards of their own cultural heritage. The research offers critical insights for policymakers, tourism operators, and community organizers seeking to harness the transformative potential of cultural tourism for the benefit of marginalized ethnic minority communities. It underscores the need for holistic, community-based approaches that prioritize the agency and self-determination of these groups in the design and management of cultural tourism programs. Overall, the study contributes to scholarly debates on the dual role of tourism as both a threat and an opportunity for the protection of intangible cultural resources worldwide.