Challenges in Conservation of Architectural Heritage and Tourism Development in Urban Areas: A Case Study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This study explores the challenges of preserving and promoting architectural heritage values for tourism development in urban areas, with a focus on Ho Chi Minh City. Despite having a rich cultural heritage, particularly in French colonial architecture, the conservation and promotion of heritage face several challenges. The study uses qualitative methods to identify these challenges, including violation of the space and landscape of heritage, overexploitation of heritage, and inadequate heritage management. The Ho Chi Minh City authorities have prioritized the economic value of heritage, leading to messy and overloaded monuments. The overlapping functions and unclear responsibilities of stakeholders in heritage management also pose challenges. To effectively develop heritage tourism, close coordination among stakeholders 44and balanced interests and responsibilities are necessary. However, implementing solutions remains a significant challenge. The study highlights the need for the state management agency to play an intermediary role and bring tourism in the right direction. The balance between preserving architectural heritage and developing tourism in urban areas is a long-standing challenge not only in Vietnam but also in other countries worldwide.