Sustainable cultural heritage tourism in cambodia case studies of angkor, preah vihear and sambo preikuk

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ANDTRAINING NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN CAMBODIA: CASE STUDIES OF ANGKOR, PREAH VIHEAR AND SAMBO PREIKUK Economic Management (Tourism Economics) Code: 9310110 A dissertation submitted to the National Economics University in fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism Management SUPERVISORS: Hanoi, 2022 DECLARATION I hereby declare that doctoral thesis “Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism in Cambodia: Case studies of Angkor, Preah Vihear and Sambo Preikuk is written by me and has not been submitted for any degree or has not been published yet I am responsible for my declaration i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This research has been completed with useful guidance, continuous encouragement, strong support, kind assistance and sincere love of a number of individuals who I wish to express my profound thanks and high appreciation here First and foremost, my sincerest gratitude goes to the Government of Socialist Republic of Vietnam through the Ministry of Education and Training Vietnam and the National Economics University for awarding me a doctoral scholarship that enabled me to undertake this research Next, my greatest gratitude goes to the Royal Government of Cambodia who always deliberately encourages and supports officials including myself to pursue higher education and exchange practical experiences for the purposes of capacity building Moreover, my profound thanks goes to my supervisors, Assoc Prof Dr Pham Hong Chuong, president of National Economics University and Dr Dong Xuan Dam who got me started and provided a way ahead when I got stuck I will be forever thankful for their insightful feedback and suggestions, continuous encouragement and support throughout this research Furthermore, my heartfelt thanks goes to Assoc Prof Dr Pham Truong Hoang, Head of Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality for his useful guidance, and kind assistance with many of the important issues during my study and research In addition, my special thanks goes to all professors and lecturers for their useful knowledge, hard work, and valuable time spending to teach me during my study Without you all, I can not complete each course successfully and have a chance to complete this research Also, my sincere appreciation goes to all international tourists, local communities, private sectors, and officials in tourism sector who participated in this research It has been a privilege to learn about their invaluable experiences, useful thoughts and essential opinions Finally, my deep love and sincere gratitude goes to my beloved nuclear and extended family for their great support and endless love, that gave me strength, courage and determination to pursue my goals even further ii TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii TABLE OF CONTENTS iii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vii LIST OF TABLES ix LIST OF FIGURES ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 Chapter Overview 1 Rational of the Study 1 Purpose of the Study Subject and Scope of the Study Contribution of the Study Context of the Study Outline of the Study 10 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 12 Chapter Overview 12 2 The Concept of Cultural Heritage Tourism 12 2 Definition of Cultural Heritage Tourism 12 2 The Elements of Cultural Heritage Tourism 13 2 The Importance of Cultural Heritage Tourism 15 The Concept of Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism 16 Definition of SCHT 17 The Dimension of SCHT 18 3 The Importance of SCHT 21 Measures of Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism 22 The Importance of CHT Management 22 Actions to Manage CHT 24 The Engagement of Stakeholders in CHT Conceptual Framework of the Study 25 26 iii Chapter Summary 28 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 29 Chapter Overview 29 Research Design 29 Qualitative Research 30 2 Case Study 30 3 Research Methods 31 3 Participants and Recruitment Procedures 32 3 Data Collection Methods and Procedures 33 3 Pilot interview 34 3 2 Semi-structured interviews 34 3 Focus groups 36 3 Observation 38 3 Documentation 38 3 Data Analysis 38 3 Coding Procedures 38 3 Data Triangulation 39 Research Trustworthiness 40 Credibility 40 Dependability 41 Transferability 41 4 Confirmability 42 Ethical Consideration 42 Consent Form 42 Confidentiality and Anonymity 43 Chapter Summary 43 CHAPTER 4: THE RESULT OF FINDINGS 44 Chapter Overview 44 Profile of Case Studies 44 Angkor 44 2 Preah Vihear 45 Sambo Preikuk 45 Perception of SCHT in Cambodia 46 iv 4 Understanding of SCHT Dimension… 52 4 Economic Dimension of SCHT 52 4 Social Dimension of SCHT 60 4 Environmental Dimension of SCHT 68 Involvement and Collaboration of Stakeholders in SCHT 76 Development of SCHT in Cambodia 85 Key Tasks Accomplished Related to SCHT 85 Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia 92 Meassures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia 99 Chapter Summary 105 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS 107 Chapter Overview 107 Discussion 107 Global Perception of SCHT in Cambodia 107 2 Engagement and Collaborating Mechanism in SCHT 111 Current State of Development of SCHT in Cambodia 114 Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia 116 General Conclusion 118 Clear Understaning of Perception of SCHT in Cambodia 118 Best Experience in Collaboration Mechanism but Need to Further Engage Relevant Stakeholders 118 3 Global Level of SCHT Achieved but Need to Enhance Dimensional Level 119 Successful Measure in Achieving SCHT in Cambodia 120 Recommendations 121 At National Level 121 At Site Level 122 5 Proposed Model of Managing SCHT 123 Limitation and Perspective of the Study 127 Chapter Summary 128 REFERENCES 129 APPENDICES 137 Appendix A: Research Information Sheet for Participants 137 Appendix B: Consent Form for Participants v 138 Appendix C: Interview Protocol for Interview and Focus group 139 Appendix D: Summary Tables of Participant Responses 141 Table 1: Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor)…………… ……141 Table 2: Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of PVH) 141 Table 3: Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) 142 Table 4: Summary of Economic Dimension of SCHT (Case of Angkor) 142 Table 5: Summary of Economic Dimension of SCHT (Case of PHV) 143 Table 6: Summary of Economic Dimension of SCHT (Case of SPK) 143 Table 7: Summary of Social Dimension of SCHT (Case of Angkor) 143 Table 8: Summary of Social Dimension of SCHT (Case of PVH) 144 Table 9: Summary of Social Dimension of SCHT (Case of SPK) 144 Table 10: Summary of Environmental Dimension of SCHT (Case of Angkor) 145 Table 11: Summary of Environmental Dimension of SCHT (Case of PVH) 145 Table 12: Summary of Environmental Dimension of SCHT (Case of SPK) 145 Table 13: Involvement and collaboration of stakeholders in SCHT (Case of Angkor) 146 Table 14: Involvement and collaboration of stakeholders in SCHT (Case of PVH) 146 Table 15: Involvement and collaboration of stakeholders in SCHT (Case of SPK) 146 Table 16: Summary of Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor) 147 Table 17: Summary of Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of PVH) 147 Table 18: Summary of Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) 147 Table 19: Summary of Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor) 148 Table 20: Summary of Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia (Case of PVH) 148 Table 21: Summary of Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) 149 vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank ANA APSARA National Authority ANK Angkor CATA Cambodia Association of Travel Agents CHT Cultural Heritage Tourism CRA Cambodia Restaurant Association CTF Cambodia Tourism Federation GDP Gross Domestic Product H Hotel ICC International Coordination Committee ICC-Angkor The International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of Historic Site of Angkor ICC-PVH International Coordination Committee for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Temple Preah Vihear ICCROM The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property ICOMOS International Council on Monuments and Sites IT International Tourist LC Local Community LTO Local Tour Operator MCFA Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts MICE Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition MLMUPC Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction MOE Ministry of Environment MOI Ministry of Interior MOP Ministry of Planning MOT Ministry of Tourism OUV Outstanding Universal Value PA Provincial Authority PPP Public Private Partnership PVH Preah Vihear PVHNA Preah Vihear National Authority RGC Royal Government of Cambodia vii SPK Sambo Preikuk SPKNA Sambo Preikuk National Authority SCHT Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization WCED World Commission on Environment and Development WHS World Heritage Site WTTC World Travel And Tourism Council viii LIST OF TABLES Table 1: The Characteristics of Research Participants……………………… 32 Table 2: The Summary of Participants for Semi-Structured Interviews……… 35 Table 3: The Characteristics of Participants for Focus Groups………………… 36 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Classification of Cultural Heritage…………………………………… …14 Figure 2: The Three Pillars of Sustainability…………………………………… …18 Figure 3: Sustainable Tourism Cycle……………………………………………… 27 Figure 4: The Conceptual Framework of Sustainable CHT………… …………… 28 Figure 1: Research Design ……………… ……………… …………… ………29 Figure 1: Proposed model of (3C+1C) of Collaboration in Managing SCHT in Cambodia 124 ix Appendix c INTERVIEW PROTOCOL FOR INTERVIEW AND FOCUS GROUP I OPENING - Greeting - Introducing each other and the purpose of research - Collecting signed consent form from the participants II BACGROUND INFORMATION - Could you tell me about your job? - How long have you worked here? III THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN CAMBODIA - What you understand about cultural heritage tourism? - What sort of things and who should involve in cultural heritage tourism? - To what extent is cultural heritage tourism important to your country? Please explain IV THE STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN CAMBODIA - What you think about the concept of sustainable cultural heritage tourism? Please explain - To what extent you think sustainable cultural heritage tourism contribute to economic development of the site? Please explain - To what extent you think sustainable cultural heritage tourism contribute to social improvement of the site? Please explain - To what extent you think sustainable cultural heritage tourism contribute to environmental conservation of the site? Please explain V THE COLLABORATION OF STAKEHOLDERS IN MANAGING SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN CAMBODIA - To what extent you involve yourself in the process of planning, organizing, managing and implementing of sustainable cultural heritage tourism? Please explain - In what ways you engage in sustainable cultural heritage tourism? Please explain - Are you satisfied with your current involvement level? Why or Why not? 139 VI THE CUREENT SITUATION OF SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN CAMBODIA VII What you think about the management of the site? Please explain Are you satisfied with this management? Why or Why not? WAYS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM IN CAMBODIA - In what ways/how you think the sustainability of cultural heritage tourism could be achieved in Cambodia context? - What you recommend for the best mechanism of management for sustainable cultural heritage sites? Please explain VIII CLOSING - Showing appreciation for participants’ time and opinion - Saying good-bye 140 Appendix D: SUMMARY TABLES OF PARTICIPANT RESPONSES Table Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor) N Answer SCHT focuses on preservation of CH assets SCHT is seen as development for longterm and next generation SCHT gives importance on natural environment and CH understanding SCHT is tourism development for income generation and local communities SCHT is considered as development which integrate relevant stakeholders No idea Total IT LC H #04 #03 #04 #01 #02 #04 #03 #05 #05 #02 #02 #05 R LTO MOT MCFA MOE MLMUPC ANA PA x #04 #02 #04 #05 #01 #02 #05 #01 #03 #03 x x x x #01 8 x #01 #03 Total 5 1 1 1 31 PA Total Table Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (case of PVH) N Answer SCHT focuses on preservation of CH assets SCHT is seen as development for longterm and next generation SCHT gives importance on natural environment and CH understanding SCHT is tourism development for income generation and local communities SCHT is considered as development which integrate relevant stakeholders Total IT LC H #03 #01 #05 #02 #03 #05 #01 #04 #03 #01 #02 #05 R MOT #01 #04 #02 MCFA #02 #04 MLMUC PVHNA x 10 #02 #05 x x x 141 x #03 #04 #05 MOE x #01 #03 #04 LTO 1 1 31 Table Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) N Answer SCHT focuses on preservation of CH assets SCHT is seen as development for long-term and next generation SCHT gives importance on natural environment and CH understanding SCHT is tourism development for income generation and local communities SCHT is considered as development which integrate relevant stakeholders Total IT LC #04 #03 #01 #05 #01 #02 #02 #04 #03 #05 5 H R LTO #01 #02 $04 #01 #05 MOT MCFA MOE MLMUPC SPKNA PA x #03 #04 Total x #01 #02 #03 #05 #01 #04 #03 #05 5 x x x 1 1 x 31 PA Total x 15 Table 4: Summary of Economic Dimension of SCHT (Case of Angkor) N Answer IT SCHT promotes development at CH site SCHT stimulates national development SCHT contributes to sustain financially CH preservation SCHT enhances economic development and preservation of CH No idea Total LC #02 #05 R LTO #04 #05 #01 #02 #03 #04 #05 #01 #03 #04 #02 #03 #02 #04 #05 H #03 #04 MOT #02 #05 MCFA MOE MLMUPC x x x #01 x #01 #03 ANA x #01 5 142 1 1 1 31 Table 5: Summary of Economic Dimension of SCHT (Case of PVH) Table 6: Summary of Economic Dimension of SCHT (case of SPK) N Answer SCHT promotes development at CH site SCHT stimulates national development SCHT contributes to sustain financially CH preservation SCHT enhances economic development and CH preservation Total IT #01 #03 LC H R LTO #03 #05 #02 #03 #05 #01 #01 #03 #04 #03 #04 #02 #05 #01 #02 #04 #02 #04 #05 #05 MCFA MOE MLMUPC x x x SPKNA PA Total x 13 #02 #05 #01 MOT x 5 x 1 1 31 PA Total Table Summary of Social Dimension of SCHT (Case of Angkor) N Answer SCHT increased living standard of local people SCHT contributed to improve social infrastructure SCHT contributed to CH preservation SCHT exposed social life of local people in CH site SCHT improved skill, knowledge and community involvement in CHT development No idea Total IT #02 LC H R LTO #04 #05 #01 #03 #04 #05 #02 #03 #05 #03 #05 MOT MCFA MOE x #01 #02 #04 #02 #03 x x #01 #04 x #02 #01 #03 ANA 12 #04 #05 MLMUPC x x #01 3 5 143 1 1 1 31 N Answer SCHT promotes development at CH site SCHT stimulates national development SCHT enhances economic development and preservation of CH Total IT #01 #02 #05 LC #03 #05 #03 #04 H R #01 #02 #04 #01 #02 #03 #05 #04 #03 #05 #04 #02 #05 #01 #02 #04 5 LTO MOT x MCFA x #01 #03 5 MOE MLMUPC PA Total x 14 x x PVHNA 10 x 1 31 Table Summary of Social Dimension of SCHT (Case of PVH) N Answer SCHT increased living standard of local people SCHT contributed to improve social infrastructure SCHT contributed to CH preservation SCHT exposed social life of local people in CH site SCHT improved skill, knowledge and community involvement in CHT development Total IT LC H #01 #04 R LTO #02 #03 #05 #03 #05 MOT MCFA MOE PA #01 #02 #05 #04 #05 #03 #02 #04 #01 #02 x 10 x #01 #04 x Total x #01 #03 PVHNA x #05 #02 #03 MLMUPC x #04 5 1 1 31 MOE MLMUPC SPKNA PA Total x x x 12 Table Summary of Social Dimension of SCHT (Case of SPK) N Answer SCHT increased living standard of local people SCHT contributed to improve social infrastructure SCHT contributed to CH preservation SCHT exposed social life of local people in CH site SCHT improved skill, knowledge and community involvement in CHT development Total IT LC H #03 #05 #02 #03 #05 #03 #04 R LTO #01 #04 #01 #05 #01 #04 #02 #02 #03 #02 MCFA #01 #02 #03 #05 #05 #01 #04 MOT x x x #04 5 144 1 1 1 31 Table 10 Summary of Environmental Dimension of SCHT (case of Angkor) N Answer SCHT raised awareness about importance of CHT SCHT encouraged participation from relevant stakeholders in CHT development SCHT enhanced CH preservation SCHT helped further promote CHT No idea Total TI LC H #02 #04 #03 #01 #03 #04 #05 #02 #05 #04 #01 #03 R LTO MOT MCFA #02 #03 #01 #03 #05 #01 #05 #02 #04 #04 MOE MLMUPC ANA x PA Total x 10 x x x #02 #05 x #01 5 5 1 1 1 31 Table 11 Summary of Environmental Dimension of SCHT (Case of PVH) N Answer SCHT raised awareness about importance of CHT SCHT encouraged participation from relevant stakeholders in CHT development SCHT enhanced CH preservation SCHT helped further promote CHT Total IT LC H R LTO MOT MC MOE MOL #01 #04 #02 #03 #01 #02 #05 #02 #03 #05 x x x x #03 #05 #02 #04 #01 #04 #01 #02 #03 #05 #04 #05 #03 #04 PNA PA 14 x x #01 5 Total 5 1 1 Table 12 Summary of Environmental Dimension of SCHT (Case of SPK) 145 1 31 N Answer SCHT raised awareness about importance of CHT SCHT encouraged participation from relevant stakeholders in CHT development SCHT enhanced CH preservation Total TI LC H R LTO #01 #02 #04 #01 #04 #02 #04 #05 #02 #05 #02 #05 #03 #05 #02 #03 #05 #01 #04 #04 #01 #03 #03 #01 #03 5 5 MOT MCFA MOE MLMUPC SPKNA x x x x PA 16 x Total 1 1 x 31 Table 13 Involvement and Collaboration of Stakeholders in SCHT (Case of Angkor) N Answer Develop business or management model in accordance with SCHT approach Participate to further promote SCHT Join hand with other relevant stakeholders Feel not yet involved in SCHT No idea Total IT LC H R LTO MOT #02 #03 #05 #01 #03 #04 #01 #02 #01 #04 x #02 #04 #02 #05 #05 #03 #02 #04 #04 #05 #01 #03 MCFA MOE ANA x x PA 13 x #03 x #01 Total x #05 MLMUPC 5 1 1 1 31 Table 14 Involvement and Collaboration of Stakeholders in SCHT (Case of PVH) Table 15 Involvement and Collaboration of Stakeholders in SCHT (Case of SPK) N Answer Develop business or management model in accordance with SCHT approach Participate to further promote SCHT Join hand with other relevant stakeholders Strengthening knowledge on SCHT Feel not yet involved in SCHT Total IT LC H R #03 #02 #03 #01 #02 #04 #01 #03 #04 #01 #02 #05 #04 #05 #01 LTO #01 #03 #05 #03 #05 #02 #05 MOT MCFA MOE MLMUPC x SPKNA PA x 12 x #02 #04 x x x #04 Total 5 146 1 1 1 31 N Answer Develop business or management model in accordance with SCHT approach Participate to further promote SCHT Join hand with other relevant stakeholders Strengthening knowledge about SCHT Total IT #01 #02 LC #03 H R LTO #01 #02 #05 #03 #04 #01 #02 #04 #03 #04 #01 #05 #03 #04 #01 #04 #03 #04 #05 #03 #05 5 MOT MCFA MOE MLMUPC x PVHNA x #04 10 x x Total x PA 1 x 1 1 31 Table 16 Summary of Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor) N Answer Sustainable #04 Acceptable #02 #03 #04 #02 Acceptable but need some improvements #05 #02 #05 #01 #03 Non-sustainable No idea Total IT LC H R LTO #05 #01 #02 #03 #04 MCFA MOE MLMUPC ANA PA x x x Total x 11 #01 #03 #04 #02 #05 #04 #05 #01 #03 MOT x x 10 #01 5 5 1 1 1 31 Table 17 Summary of Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of PVH) N Answer IT Sustainable Acceptable #01 #02 Acceptable but need some improvements #03 #04 #05 Non-sustainable Total LC H #02 #05 #05 #01 #02 #02 #04 #04 #01 #03 5 R LTO #03 #04 #01 #02 #05 MOT #02 MCFA MOE x #03 #05 PVHNA PA x x 1 10 x 31 Table 18 Summary of Current Situation of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) 147 Total x x #01 #04 MLMUPC Answer Sustainable Acceptable #02 Acceptable but need some improvements #01 #03 Non-sustainable No idea Total N IT LC H #05 #04 R LTO #02 #01 #04 #01 #03 #02 #05 #01 #02 #04 #03 #05 #02 #04 #05 #01 #03 #03 #05 5 MOT MCFA MOE MLMUPC x x SPKNA PA x x x x #04 Total 13 1 1 1 31 Table 19 Summary of Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor) N Answer Enhance more participation from relevant stakeholders Need to further balance conservation and development Need to further promote SCHT to tourists Establish specific income distribution Raising awareness on the value of CH No idea Total IT LC H R LTO MOT MOE MLMUPC #01 #03 #04 #05 #02 #04 #02 #04 #02 #03 #01 #05 #02 #05 #03 #05 ANA PA Total x x x #01 #02 #04 x #03 #04 #01 #03 MCFA x #05 x #01 5 5 1 1 1 31 Table 20 Summary of Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia (Case of PVH) N Answer Enhance more participation from relevant stakeholders Need to further balance conservation and development enhancing more training and capacity development and business opportunities Raising awareness on the value of CH Total IT LC H #01 #02 #01 #03 #04 #02 #01 #02 #05 #01 #04 #04 #03 #02 #05 #03 #04 #05 5 R LTO MOT MCFA #01 #03 #04 x x MOE MLMUPC PVHNA PA x x Total 11 x x #03 #05 #02 #05 5 148 1 1 1 31 Table 21 Summary of Measures to Achieve SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) N Answer Enhance more participation from relevant stakeholders Need to further balance conservation and development Need to integrate SCHT approach in business model More infrastructure development and business opportunities Raising awareness on the value of CH No idea Total IT LC H #03 #04 #01 #01 #01 #05 #02 #04 R #04 5 MOE MLMUPC x SPKNA PA x Total #03 #04 x #01 #05 #02 #03 #05 MCFA #03 #05 #02 #05 MOT x #01 #04 #02 #03 LTO #02 149 5 x 1 x 1 31 1 ... Table 1: Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of Angkor)…………… ……141 Table 2: Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of PVH) 141 Table 3: Understanding of SCHT in Cambodia (Case of SPK) 142 Table... Concept of Cultural Heritage Tourism 12 2 Definition of Cultural Heritage Tourism 12 2 The Elements of Cultural Heritage Tourism 13 2 The Importance of Cultural Heritage Tourism 15 The Concept of Sustainable. .. hereby declare that doctoral thesis ? ?Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism in Cambodia: Case studies of Angkor, Preah Vihear and Sambo Preikuk is written by me and has not been submitted for any