Community Participation in Heritage Tourism: A Sociological Approach from International Research Trends
Community Participation in Heritage Tourism: A Sociological Approach from International Research Trends
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1243/2fd2ga10Keywords:
community participation, heritage tourism, bibliometric analysis, narrative review, Vietnam, sociologyAbstract
This article analyses research trends on community participation in heritage tourism from a sociological perspective, based on a dataset of 519 publications retrieved from Scopus. Employing a systematic review approach, including bibliometric analysis and narrative synthesis, the study identifies key theoretical frameworks, research methods, themes, and major empirical findings in the field. Results indicate a sharp increase in publications after 2015, particularly during 2020-2024, reflecting the expansion of sociological approaches to sustainable tourism development. Central theories include Social Exchange Theory, Empowerment, and Sustainable Tourism Development, alongside emerging directions such as Co-creation, Resilience, and Digital Participation. Drawing on international trends, the article proposes a sociological approach for research in Vietnam, focusing on the social mechanisms of participation, the role of communities, and digital transformation in sustainable heritage governance.
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