INTRODUCTION
T HE RESEARCHER
The researcher, hailing from Vietnam, a developing nation, obtained a BSc in Geography from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education between 2000 and 2004 Following graduation, he began his career as a lecturer at Sai Gon University in 2005, while simultaneously pursuing a Master's degree in Geography at the same institution, which he successfully completed.
In 2014, he was awarded a Vietnamese government scholarship aimed at lecturers for research opportunities abroad, allowing him to enhance his knowledge and training at Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom.
During his university studies in Vietnam, the researcher developed a keen interest in tourism research, completing an undergraduate dissertation on sustainable tourism in Can Gio District and a Master’s thesis on ecotourism in Da Lat City Despite gaining valuable experience, he recognized the need for further research exposure at a higher level, as his previous work involved limited data collection The Vietnamese government scholarship for PhD research in the United Kingdom provided him with the opportunity to deepen his studies and gain essential research experience under expert supervision The researcher aims to continue his academic pursuits after completing his PhD in the UK.
The opportunity to study in the UK has been invaluable, and the researcher aims for his findings to enhance cruise tourism in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, in the future.
B ACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH
Tourism plays a crucial role in driving development across various sectors in numerous countries, significantly impacting economic growth, social-cultural enrichment, and environmental sustainability According to UNTWO (2016), this industry serves as a vital engine for progress and transformation in these areas.
Tourism remains a leading economic sector that promotes inclusive socio-economic growth, supports sustainable livelihoods, fosters peace and understanding, and contributes to environmental protection.
According to Ehtiyar's 2016 research, tourism plays a crucial role in economic development, significantly contributing to income generation and job creation while also fostering the growth of various related industries.
Cruise tourism has emerged as a vital segment of the global tourism market, significantly impacting various regions and countries Over the past 45 years, it has developed into a key niche within the $2 trillion global tourism industry, highlighting its growing importance in the travel sector.
Despite the cruise industry generating only a small share of total tourism revenue, cruise travelers tend to spend significantly more per person than general tourists, according to a UNWTO report from 2015.
Cruise tourism, while representing a small segment of the overall tourism industry, generated significant revenue, totaling $40 billion in 2015 Notably, cruise passengers exhibit a much higher per capita spending, investing approximately $1,797 in cruise line services in 2014, compared to the $830 spent by general tourists.
Interestingly, cruise tourism is becoming more attractive for many researchers, which is reported in a statement of Larsen and Wolff (2016), who noted that:
The cruise industry garners significant public interest, highlighted by numerous newspaper columns and articles in popular media, alongside a growing body of academic research and publications focused on this sector.
This research focuses on cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, aiming to explore its development and the associated advantages and disadvantages Despite extensive studies on cruise tourism globally, there is a notable lack of research specific to this city, making this study unique Its findings could be particularly valuable for governmental agencies, especially the Vietnamese government, as they work towards enhancing the country's economic growth through tourism.
R ESEARCH ON CRUISE TOURISM
Cruise tourism has attracted significant attention from researchers across diverse fields, highlighting its importance in the tourism sector Notable studies include those by Hall and Braithwaite (1990), Dwyer and Forsyth (1998), and Younger (2003), among others This growing body of research, including contributions from Charlier and McCalla (2006), Dowling (2006a), and Honey and Krantz (2007), emphasizes the multifaceted nature of cruise tourism and its impact on the broader tourism landscape Further investigations by Nilsson (2007), Gibson and Bentley (2007), and Clayton and Karagiannis (2008) continue to explore various dimensions of this dynamic industry, underscoring its relevance and potential for future growth.
The cruise industry has experienced significant growth since the 1980s, with over four million North Americans choosing cruise holidays by 1990 (Hall & Braithwaite, 1990) Research by Clayton and Karagiannis (2008) highlights that cruise ship tourism has outpaced other tourism sectors since the mid-1980s Furthermore, Dwyer and Forsyth (1998) emphasize that the cruise business is a major growth area in international tourism.
“cruising in the rest of the world is often seen as marginal or ‘niche-like’, and it has been
Despite being less documented in academic literature, cruise ship tourism has been recognized as a significant sector in tourism development due to its rapid growth Gui and Russo (2011) highlighted this gap in research, stating that the lack of studies on cruise tourism is unjustified, especially considering that the industry has expanded faster than many other tourism segments over the past two decades This growth has led to increasingly relevant impacts on various maritime destinations and port cities.
In addition, Honey and Krantz concurred and claimed that:
Cruise tourism has rapidly become one of the most lucrative and popular segments of the tourism industry, evolving since the 1960s from an exclusive leisure activity for the wealthy to an accessible vacation choice for a diverse range of travelers.
Cruise tourism is increasingly recognized as a significant and expanding segment of the tourism industry, with Nilsson (2007) noting its growth and emerging trends Younger (2003) highlights that the cruise industry is not only broadening its reach into new markets but also introducing travelers to diverse and previously under-utilized destinations, thereby enhancing the overall appeal of cruise tourism.
The rise of cruise tourism globally highlights the varying impacts on cities, particularly between less developed and developed nations This study focuses on Ho Chi Minh City, a burgeoning tourism destination in Vietnam, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy Despite being a relatively new sector, cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City has significant growth potential due to its proximity to Phu My seaport As one of Vietnam's leading cruise tourism hubs, the city is poised for further development in this thriving industry.
16 shown in the report by VNAT (2015e) However, to date, there has been no investigation as to the impact of this activity on the city
Ho Chi Minh City plays a significant role in cruise tourism, positioning itself as a well-established yet evolving destination This city offers valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of cruise tourism within a developing country, enhancing our overall understanding of its impacts Additionally, it sheds light on the contributions of this sector to the local economy, making it a crucial case study for tourism studies.
C ONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This research is grounded in a conceptual framework developed from existing literature, which will be thoroughly examined in Chapter 3 It emphasizes the necessity of evaluating the impact of cruise tourism on destinations through three key areas identified by various researchers.
Cruise tourism has garnered significant attention from researchers over the years, with numerous studies examining its impacts (McKee, 1988; Ritter and Schafer, 1998; Dowling and Vasudavan, 2000; de Sousa, 2001; Ward, 2001; Johnson, 2002; Gibson and Bentley, 2007; Butt, 2007; Brida and Zapata, 2008, 2010a, 2010b; Eijgelaar et al., 2010; Chase and Alon, 2011; Klein, 2011; Garay et al., 2014; Del Chiappa and Abbate, 2016; Chang et al., 2016; McCarthy, 2018) Some researchers have explored the three main areas of impact, while others have focused on two primary foci (Johnson, 2002; Brida and Zapata, 2008, 2010a; Eijgelaar et al., 2010; Klein, 2011; Del Chiappa and Abbate, 2016; Butt, 2007; Chang et al., 2016; McCarthy, 2018) Additionally, certain studies have narrowed their focus to a single aspect of impact (McKee, 1988; Gibson and Bentley, 2007; Brida and Zapata, 2010b; Chase and Alon, 2011) This comprehensive examination of cruise tourism impacts is crucial for the current study.
17 majority of previous work has approached this topic in terms of the triadic formulation employed here
In 1988, McKee's research highlighted the economic advantages of cruise tourism, noting its lower infrastructure requirements compared to other tourism types A decade later, Ritter and Schafer (1998) identified the cruise industry's impact as primarily economic and social, suggesting it generates higher income while being relatively benign for local communities Additionally, Dwyer and Forsyth (1998) acknowledged certain economic benefits for cruise destinations, reinforcing the positive implications of cruise tourism on local economies.
Cruise tourism significantly contributes to local government revenues and expenditures, as highlighted by various studies, including those by 2000 and Ward (2001), who noted its cost-effectiveness and high value Gibson and Bentley (2007) further underscored the positive economic impacts of cruise activities on local economies More recent research by Brida and Zapata (2010b), Chang et al (2016), and McCarthy (2018) has continued to explore these economic benefits However, it's important to acknowledge the negative consequences highlighted by McKee (1988), which pointed out that the development of cruise tourism can lead to increased costs for supporting such activities at cruise destinations.
(2001) developed the understanding of McKee that cruise tourism not only brings much economic benefit but also creates some disadvantages for the destination
Research by Brida and Zapata highlights the significant impacts of cruise tourism, categorizing them into economic, socio-cultural, and environmental areas Their 2008 study emphasizes the need to understand these effects as the cruise industry continues to grow Additionally, scholars like Klein (2011) and Del Chiappa and Abbate (2016) have also examined the dual nature of cruise tourism's impacts, revealing that cruise ship activities can yield both positive and negative consequences for destinations.
18 cruise destinations in those same three areas: the economic, social-cultural, and environmental
This study was guided by a framework that emphasizes three interconnected areas of impact, influencing the entire research process This framework informed the development of research tools, the coding themes for data analysis, and the thematic presentation of findings.
T HE CONCEPT OF THE T RIPLE B OTTOM L INE
The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept, introduced by Spreckley in 1981, emphasizes the importance of measuring and reporting on three key areas: financial performance, social wealth creation, and environmental responsibility This framework is crucial for understanding sustainable business practices and their impact on society and the planet.
The term "Triple Bottom Line," first introduced by Elkington in a 1994 article in the California Management Review, represents a framework for evaluating corporate performance beyond traditional economic measures According to Tyrrell et al (2012), this approach incorporates socio-cultural and environmental factors, promoting a more balanced assessment of a company's impact By 1998, the concept was further elaborated in Elkington's book, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in business practices.
In "Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business," Elkington (1998) highlights the evolution of sustainability, introducing a corporate philosophy that transcends the traditional economic bottom line This new approach incorporates social and environmental indicators, allowing businesses to measure their impact beyond mere financial performance.
The Triple Bottom Line, as defined by Stoddard et al (2012), refers to a firm's accountability in economic, social, and environmental aspects, aligning closely with sustainable development goals This contemporary measure of corporate performance necessitates public disclosure of indicators reflecting organizational performance in these three areas, emphasizing social responsibility Additionally, Wise (2016) highlighted that the 'bottom line' serves as a framework in finance and accounting, underscoring the importance of integrating social, environmental, and financial dimensions in evaluating corporate success.
The concept of the Triple Bottom Line, often referred to as the three Ps—people, planet, and profit—serves as a vital framework for assessing a business's performance and success across economic, social, and environmental dimensions (Alhaddi, 2015) Recent research by Isil and Hernke (2017) emphasizes the importance of organizations considering their environmental and social impacts alongside their financial outcomes, thereby promoting a more holistic approach to sustainability in business practices.
The Triple Bottom Line approach, extensively researched by various authors (Elkington, 1994, 1998; Stoddard et al., 2012; Tyrrell et al., 2012; Wise, 2016; Alhaddi, 2015; Isil and Hernke, 2017), has gained significant influence across multiple fields Stoddard et al (2012) highlight that the economic dimension can be evaluated through traditional financial performance indicators such as sales revenue, profit, return on investment, and shareholder value models The social dimension, often termed social capital, encompasses human capital, which includes employees, contractors, suppliers, and advisors, as well as investments made by social systems that support the business Additionally, the environmental dimension is sometimes referred to as natural capital (Stoddard et al., 2012).
The exploration of the Triple Bottom Line has revealed a growing critique, as highlighted in Stoddard et al (2012) The study presents three key arguments: first, that the Triple Bottom Line tends to focus on mitigating negative impacts rather than enhancing positive contributions; second, that while economic and environmental metrics are relatively straightforward to evaluate, social indicators pose significant challenges; and third, it raises the question of whether additional bottom lines beyond the economic one should be measured and assessed.
Despite the critique, noted above, use of the theory of the Triple Bottom Line related to tourism, focusing on the relationship between three main areas, economic, social, and
Research on sustainability in tourism highlights the importance of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, as discussed by various scholars including Elkington, Buckley, Spirou, Stoddard, Tyrrell, and Wise Buckley (2003) emphasized that a comprehensive assessment of costs and benefits is essential for ecotourism stakeholders, urging a deeper evaluation of sustainability practices Wise (2016) expanded on this by linking TBL to contemporary sustainable development and regeneration in tourism Stoddard et al (2012) identified TBL as a critical measurement tool for sustainable tourism, advocating for strategies that encompass economic, environmental, and social dimensions Additionally, Tyrrell et al (2012) proposed a framework to assess the impact of tourism on community well-being, while Wise (2016) explored urban tourism regeneration within the TBL context.
This thesis investigates the impact of cruise tourism on Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, highlighting three key areas of influence: economic, socio-cultural, and environmental The literature review on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework demonstrates a strong connection to the study's findings The conclusion will discuss how the TBL approach can inform future research and development regarding cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City.
T HE AIMS OF THIS STUDY
This study explores the dynamics of cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting its significance in the broader tourism landscape It examines the effects of cruise ships and their passengers on the city's development, providing a contextual understanding of how this segment influences local tourism growth.
O BJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are:
To assess the impact of cruise tourism for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam;
To explore the opportunities for cruise tourism development in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
R ESEARCH QUESTIONS
The research questions for this study are:
What are the advantages of cruise tourism for Ho Chi Minh City?
What are the disadvantages of cruise tourism for Ho Chi Minh City?
What are the economic effects of the development of cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City?
What are the social and cultural effects of the development of cruise tourism in
What are the environmental effects of the development of cruise tourism in Ho Chi Minh City?
To address these questions, the researcher will review existing literature to understand the historical context of the issues and then perform systematic research for a comprehensive investigation The analysis will primarily focus on the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of cruise tourism, drawing on themes identified in the literature.
R ESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This research explores the impact of cruise tourism on cities, focusing on key stakeholders including cruise ship operators, host communities, and tourists To effectively gather data from the target population, a mixed-methods approach was employed While quantitative methods can reach a broader audience, they often lack the depth provided by qualitative techniques like semi-structured interviews Thus, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods was deemed more beneficial for achieving the research objectives, as highlighted by Creswell.
Combining qualitative and quantitative research offers deeper insights than using either method alone, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of research issues.
Qualitative data collection is initially conducted to explore a topic with participants in specific settings Following this, researchers enhance their understanding by gathering data from a larger, representative sample of the population in a second phase.
Data collection for this study utilized semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys as primary methods Conducted over two extensive periods in Vietnam, the semi-structured interviews involved 28 participants, including two managers and eighteen staff members from two tourist companies, three managers and three employees from two ports, as well as two local residents from Ho Chi Minh City and the Phu My area.
S TRUCTURE OF THE THESIS
This section will explain the structure of the thesis and summarise the main content of each chapter:
This chapter provides an overview of tourism in Vietnam, highlighting key statistics related to the country's cruise tourism sector It outlines the aims, objectives, and research questions guiding the study, while also introducing the mixed methods approach that will be further detailed in subsequent sections of the document.
Chapter 2 The context of the study
This chapter examines Vietnam's cultural history, economic growth, and the evolution of its tourism sector, highlighting the significance of cruise tourism for national development Additionally, it will analyze the characteristics of the country's cruise ports and their impact on the tourism industry.
This chapter explores essential concepts of the cruise industry, including definitions of cruise tourism and cruise ships It will also analyze the effects of cruise tourism on destination communities, highlighting three primary impacts: economic, socio-cultural, and environmental.
This chapter examines a mixed-methods approach, focusing on the use of semi-structured interviews for qualitative data collection alongside quantitative data collection techniques It will detail the processes of data collection and analysis, while addressing ethical considerations and the challenges encountered in implementing both qualitative and quantitative methods throughout the study.
This chapter presents the results of data collection following transcription and coding, highlighting that Ho Chi Minh City experiences both benefits and challenges from cruise tourism, specifically in terms of its economic impact.
24 social-cultural impacts, and the environmental impacts From this, it will be shown that
Ho Chi Minh City can enhance its cruise tourism by developing a direct terminal, which will serve as a crucial step in attracting more visitors Additionally, significant improvements in local transportation are essential to support this growth and provide a seamless experience for tourists.
This chapter presents a thorough analysis of the gathered data, delving into its economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts Furthermore, it highlights the study's unique and original findings, which contribute new insights not previously documented in existing research.
In this concluding chapter, the researcher summarizes the study's exploration of various participant perceptions in Vietnam The findings will be discussed, alongside recommendations aimed at enhancing the cruise industry in Ho Chi Minh City.
THE CONTEXT OF THE STUDY
O VERVIEW OF TOURISM IN V IETNAM
Source: http://www.geoatlas.com/medias/maps/countries/vietnam/vi028u/vietnam_pol.jpg
Vietnam (also called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) is located in the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2017; CIA, 2017; Wikipedia,
Vietnam, bordered by China to the North, Laos to the Northwest, and Cambodia to the Southwest, has a diverse geographical landscape that includes Thailand across the Gulf of Thailand and the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia across the South China Sea Since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, Hanoi has served as the capital, with major cities including Hai Phong, Ha Long, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho Covering an area of 331,210 km², Vietnam features land boundaries totaling 4,616 km and a coastline of 3,444 km With an estimated population of 95,261,061 as of July 2016, the country is home to 54 ethnic groups, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, which is characterized by both diversity and unity.
Vietnam boasts a rich history spanning approximately 4,000 years, marked by numerous wars that have shaped its identity The establishment of Van Lang State in the 7th century BC laid the groundwork for the development of a diverse economy and a sophisticated culture, known as the Red River civilization or Dong Son civilization.
For over 2,300 years, from the resistance against the Qin Dynasty in the 3rd century B.C to the late 20th century A.D., Vietnam faced numerous wars and uprisings against foreign invaders The decisive victory at Bach Dang in 938 A.D marked the end of Chinese dominance, leading to the establishment of various dynasties, including the Ngo, Dinh, early Le, Ly, Tran, Ho, and later the Le dynasty The Nguyen dynasty, which ruled until 1945, was the last to govern Vietnam.
From 1858 to 1945, Vietnam was a semi-feudal colony ruled by French colonialists The country achieved independence following the victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, but it was divided into two regions, with true freedom only in the North The South remained under temporary control of the French and Americans Between 1954 and 1975, Vietnam engaged in another war for national liberation and unification, enduring significant hardships throughout the conflict.
Following the historic Ho Chi Minh Operation victory in 1975, Vietnam achieved independence and faced two border wars until 1989—one with Cambodia in the Southwest and another with China in the North Fortunately, by the end of 1989, Vietnam entered a period of peace and has since experienced continuous development without further conflict.
Vietnam is now a member of 63 international organisations and has relationships with over 500 non-governmental organisations around the world such as APEC, United Nation, ASEM, ASEAN, WTO, and UNESCO 1
Vietnam boasts a rich cultural heritage that spans over 4,000 years, deeply intertwined with the nation's history The early Bronze Age, marked by the Van Lang – Au Lac State, represents a significant peak in Vietnamese culture, characterized by the iconic Dong Son bronze drum and advanced wet rice cultivation techniques Throughout its history, Vietnam has experienced the convergence of three cultural layers: indigenous traditions, influences from China and neighboring countries, and interactions with Western cultures A defining aspect of Vietnamese culture is its resilience against foreign assimilation, allowing it to integrate and adapt external influences while strengthening its local cultural foundations.
Vietnam boasts approximately 50 national musical instruments, with popular examples including the bronze drums (Trong Dong), gongs (Cong Chieng), and lithophones (Dan Da) The country's folk songs are diverse, featuring various forms and melodies such as Ho (chanty), Hat Quan Ho, and Ca Hue Additionally, traditional performing arts like Cheo, Tuong, Cai Luong, and the unique water-puppetry, which originated during the Ly dynasty, highlight Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.
In Vietnam, the art of sculpture in stone, copper and terra-cotta came into existence very early, dating back to the 10,000 BC Later, enamelled ceramics, wooden statues,
1 Government Portal of Socialist Republic of Vietnam: http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page/portal/chinhphu/NuocCHXHCNVietNam/thamgiacactochucquoct e
Vietnamese art showcases a remarkable level of artistic achievement through 29 shell-encrusted pictures, lacquers, silk paintings, and paper-made images This art form emphasizes the expression of deep emotions using simplified forms, employing various methods of stylization and emphasis to create impactful visuals.
The state has recognized 2,014 cultural and historical sites, including pagodas, palaces, stelae, community houses, citadels, tombs, and ancient towers Notably, the Ancient Capital of Hue and Ha Long Bay have achieved international acclaim as world heritage sites.
In the 20th century, the influence of Western culture, particularly following the restoration of national independence, led to the emergence and significant development of various art forms such as drama, photography, cinema, and modern art These new artistic categories achieved remarkable success by capturing the social and revolutionary realities of the nation.
Vietnam's tropical climate is characterized by year-round heat and humidity, along with significant rainfall and abundant sunlight, creating ideal conditions for agriculture This environment allows for the cultivation of various crops throughout the year Cooked rice, a staple and traditional dish for thousands of years, highlights the deep agricultural roots in Vietnam, where tropical farming has thrived since ancient times.
In 1884, French colonialists fully occupied Vietnam and imposed their rule over Indochina, primarily exploiting its natural resources and cheap local labor This period marked a significant turning point in the region's history, as the French prioritized economic gain over the well-being of the indigenous population.
In 1954, Vietnam faced a severe financial crisis, with only 1,233,000 Indochinese piasters remaining in the national budget, more than half of which were damaged notes The Indochina Bank remained under French control, prompting the Vietnamese Government to issue a decree on January 31, 1946, to print and circulate its own currency By the end of 1946, this new currency was distributed nationwide, marking a significant step towards financial independence.
In February 1949, the Government enacted a decree aimed at promoting economic development, which ensured food supplies for both civilians and soldiers while advancing military industries Between 1954 and 1957, land reform initiatives were implemented in North Vietnam to facilitate economic recovery, resulting in food production values reaching impressive levels.
In 1939, the industrial landscape transformed significantly, with the total industrial value accounting for 10% of the combined agricultural and industrial value Handicrafts experienced rapid growth, contributing to 63.7% of overall industrial production, while transportation systems were swiftly restored.
T OURISM IN V IETNAM
Tourism plays a crucial role in the economies of many nations, particularly in developing countries, as it is recognized as a key driver of revenue growth.
12 Qui Nhon Vietnam Cruise port: https://www.whatsinport.com/Qui-Nhon.htm
13 Nha Trang Cruise port: https://www.whatsinport.com/Nha-Trang.htm
14 Ho Chi Minh City Cruise port: https://www.whatsinport.com/Ho-Chi-Minh-City.htm
“Tourism is the first or second source of export earnings in 20 of the world's
In the past two decades, the industry in the 48 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) has experienced faster growth compared to that in OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations.
Tourism is a vital economic sector in Vietnam, significantly contributing to the country's economic renewal Research by Bennett (2009) highlights that the 1986 "Doi Moi" reforms recognized tourism as a key driver of economic activity Since then, tourism revenue has surged from VND 26,000 billion (approximately £838 million) in 2004 to VND 337,830 billion (approximately £10.11 billion) in 2015, demonstrating its positive impact on the economy In 2014, travel and tourism accounted for 9.3% of Vietnam's GDP, contributing VND 367,238 billion (approximately £11.8 billion) (WTTC, 2015: 1) Furthermore, the number of international arrivals, particularly repeat visitors, has increased, rising from 24.7% in 2005 to 33.9% in subsequent years, underscoring the sector's growth potential.
According to VNAT reports, international visitor numbers to Vietnam surged from 2.1 million in 2000 to 12 million in 2017, with 7.8 million foreign tourists visiting in the first half of 2018, marking a 27.2% increase from the previous year The WTTC reported that the direct contribution of Travel and Tourism to Vietnam's GDP reached VND 294,660 billion (approximately £9.5 billion) in 2017, accounting for 5.9% of GDP, and is expected to rise by 6.7% to VND 314,431 billion (approximately £10.14 billion) in 2018 Additionally, the tourism sector generated 2,467,500 jobs in 2017, representing 4.6% of total employment, with forecasts indicating a growth to 2,515,500 jobs (4.6% of total employment) in 2018.
36 employment) In fact, the economic contribution of travel and tourism has increased year by year from 2012 until the time of writing, as shown in Table 2.3 (see below)
Table 2.3 The economic contribution of travel and tourism in Vietnam
4 Purchases by tourism providers, including imported goods (supply chain)
Travel and Tourism to DGP (=3+4)
6 Other final impacts (indirect + induced) Domestic supply chain
9 Imported goods from indirect spending
Travel and Tourism to GDP
Direct contribution of Travel and
Travel and Tourism to employment
Cruise tourism is experiencing consistent growth, contributing significantly to the economic development of numerous countries worldwide According to McCarthy's 2018 research, global tourism plays a crucial role in economic development strategies, with cruise activities being a key component of this success.
In addition, cruise vessels have a unique image for passengers as a research of Lyu et al
Cruise ships represent a unique tourism product, serving as both a destination for onboard activities and a mode of transport between ports (2014) The growth of cruise tourism has been highlighted by various researchers, including Dowling (2006a) and Gibson (2006), with Dowling noting its phenomenal expansion over the past four decades and classifying it as a niche form of tourism Gibson further emphasized the significant growth of the cruise industry within the broader tourism sector The advantages of cruise tourism include the ability for passengers to visit multiple destinations in a short time, the self-contained nature of the ships, a focus on passenger enjoyment, high-quality dining experiences, and the convenience of starting and ending holidays on the same day (Dowling, 2006b) Additionally, cruise tourism not only generates direct benefits but also plays a vital role in the tourism industry.
Cruise tourism significantly contributes to economic development across various related industries, including port authorities, transport companies, food suppliers, car rental agencies, and engineering services In 2015, the global cruise industry generated a total output of $117 billion, supported nearly 957,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and attracted 23 million passengers (CLIA, 2016c).
Tourism can significantly benefit destinations, but it also poses negative impacts such as environmental degradation and shifts in socio-cultural practices Research by Brida and Zapata (2010a) highlights that cruise tourism in the Seychelles has led to detrimental environmental effects, including habitat loss, local construction exploitation, marine ecosystem damage, and pressures on endangered species Furthermore, the social consequences of tourism entail alterations in value systems, family dynamics, individual behavior, safety levels, moral standards, collective lifestyles, creative expressions, traditional ceremonies, and community organizations (Brida & Zapata, 2010a).
Cruise tourism has significantly contributed to the development of Vietnam's tourism sector, as evidenced by reports from VNAT and CLIA Since 2012, the number of cruise ships visiting Vietnam has surged, with Vietnamese seaports increasingly accommodating more vessels In 2015, Vietnam ranked 6th among Asian countries for total cruise calls, welcoming 316 ships, trailing only behind Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand By 2016, this number rose to 466 cruise calls, elevating Vietnam to 4th place in the region Popular seaports for tourism in Vietnam have been identified, highlighting the country's growing prominence in the cruise industry.
Popular destinations like Ha Long, Chan May, Da Nang, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City are consistently attracting cruise ships, bringing in thousands of international tourists.
Vietnam” Indeed, the number of total international passengers to Vietnam in general and the number of foreign visitors has grown dramatically from 2010 to 2018 (see below)
Table 2.4 International visitors to Vietnam from 2010 – est 2018 by sea
Number of foreign visitors travelling by sea
(the percentage rise over the same period last year)
15 VNAT (2010) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2010: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/3248
16 VNAT (2011) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2011: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/4286
17 VNAT (2012) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2012: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/5425
18 VNAT (2013) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2013: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/6709
19 VNAT (2014) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2014: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/8149
20 VNAT (2015) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2015: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/9968
21 VNAT (2016) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2016: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/11311
22 VNAT (2017) International visitor to Vietnam in December and 12 monts of 2017: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/12453
23 VNAT (2018) International visitor to Vietnam in October and 10 monts of 2018: http://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/index.php/items/13427
Cruise tourism in Vietnam is experiencing significant growth, with the number of foreign visitors arriving by ship rising from 50,500 to impressive levels over the past eight years This upward trend highlights the increasing popularity of Vietnam as a cruise destination, attracting more international travelers each year.
2010 to 200,052 in the first ten months of 2018
Vietnam's extensive coastline, measuring 3,444 km according to a 2017 CIA report, plays a crucial role in the potential growth of cruise tourism Despite experiencing significant advancements in recent years, the development of the cruise industry has faced a decline in growth.
In 2017, Vietnam was expected to receive 407 cruise calls, a decline from 466 in the previous year, primarily due to the country's ports serving mainly as transit destinations, according to a CLIA report.
Vietnam's cruise ship tourism market is experiencing significant growth, with a 67.7% increase in foreign visitors traveling by sea in 2016, totaling 284,855 arrivals By the first nine months of 2018, this number had reached 189,897, highlighting the sector's rapid rise in popularity According to Vietnamnet, Vietnam ranked sixth in the regional cruise tourism market with approximately 404 cruise calls in 2017, marking a remarkable 126% growth from 2012 to 2016, the fastest in Southeast Asia The expansion is evident as various ports, including Phu My, Nha Trang, Danang, and Cai Lan, welcomed international cruise lines Notably, Princess Cruises transported over 58,000 guests on 22 cruises to Vietnam in 2017, and in 2018, six of its ships are expected to bring more than 80,000 guests through 31 voyages, reflecting a 40% increase from the previous year.
Vietnam's extensive coastline significantly enhances its appeal as a cruise tourism destination, as highlighted by a 2008 report from Tourism Review News, which noted the country's ideal conditions for cruise activities.