Enhancing Knowledge and Photography Experience for Tourists in Ho Chi Minh City through Edu-tourism Model

Abstract

 As a dynamic tourist environment, Ho Chi Minh City continually introduces various new tourism business models to meet the needs of different customer segments. Edu-tourism has emerged in the world and Vietnam, however, the majority of educational content selected in Vietnam still relates to history and culture, lacking diverse and appealing models for tourists. To overcome this limitation and provide an attractive and practical edu-tourism product, this study has developed a photography tourism model for a group of tourists who enjoy learning how to use vintage cameras and film cameras while visiting destinations. This integrates learning about the beauty of Vietnamese landscapes and creativity in their photography works. A qualitative approach through in-depth interviews (n=15), combined with participant observation employed in this study. The research team also approached 11 travel organizations conducting photography tourism activities in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists. The data collection was processed and managed by using N-Vivo software. The results show that photography tourism program was comprised of three main elements: tourism, photography knowledge and skills, and cultural experience. This combination creates a unique and memorable experience for tourists. The study also contributes to affirming the interdisciplinary nature of tourism phenomena and the diversity of tourism products to enhance the quality of edu-tourism in Vietnam.