Heritage and cultural tourism: the role of the aesthetic when visiting Mỹ Sơn and Cham Museum, Vietnam

Aesthetic experiences play a pivotal role in transforming visitors' engagement with cultural heritage sites, often elevating their perception from mere interest to near-spiritual appreciation. This study highlights how the aesthetic dimensions of landscape and dance at Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the Cham Museum in Vietnam contribute to an evolutionary experience of place for tourists. By employing qualitative methods, researchers uncovered that these sensory elements significantly shape visitors' demand for heritage tourism, deepening their connection with indigenous Cham culture and its artistic expressions. The findings underscore the importance of aesthetic considerations in managing cultural tourist attractions, offering insights into how such experiences can foster a more profound and meaningful engagement with heritage.

Trinh, T. T., & Ryan, C. (2015). Heritage and cultural tourism: the role of the aesthetic when visiting Mỹ Sơn and Cham Museum, Vietnam. Current Issues in Tourism, 19(6), 564–589. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2015.1054269