Segmenting local residents by perceptions of tourism impacts in Sapa, Vietnam: a cluster analysis
International Journal of Tourism Cities
ISSN: 2056-5607
Article publication date: 20 September 2021
Issue publication date: 31 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to employ social exchange and social representation theories to explain Kinh and Ethnic minorities’ perceptions toward tourism development in Sapa. A cluster analysis is used to segment their perceptions based on tourism impacts.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary data collection involved a survey with local residents in Sapa, Vietnam.
Findings
The results from cluster analysis separate 357 local residents into three clusters which are supporters, pessimists and neutralists. The supportive cluster comprises mainly young, female and less-educated respondents who support tourism development because of their employment and income; however, the pessimistic cluster which mostly consists of highly educated and elder respondents show more concerns about tourism development. Demographic profiles of respondents are classified in each cluster, so that policymakers can put forward specific policy for each ethnic group.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is the high rate of incomplete responses in the questionnaires from ethnic minority groups.
Practical implications
Based on the findings of the study, implications are made for tourism planners and policymakers toward a future of more sustainable tourism development in the target context.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to segment the perceptions of Kinh and Ethnic minority groups toward tourism impacts in Sapa, Vietnam.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author appreciates the comments and suggestions from anonymous reviewers.
Citation
Nguyen, V.H. (2022), "Segmenting local residents by perceptions of tourism impacts in Sapa, Vietnam: a cluster analysis", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 153-167. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-03-2021-0046
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, International Tourism Studies Association.