Heritage Spaces and Business Events in Vietnam: A Comparative Assessment and the CIVIC Governance Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E11/2026-02Keywords:
MICE tourism, heritage venues, business events, cultural heritage conservation, authenticity, governance, Vietnam.Abstract
Background: Heritage spaces offer distinctive settings for business events, yet their reuse depends on values that intensive programming may place at risk. Objective: This article examines the opportunities, constraints and governance requirements associated with heritage-based MICE development in Vietnam. Methods: Qualitative document analysis and purposive comparison were applied to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Hue Imperial City and Cham temple-tower festivals, drawing on national legislation, dated reports and published research. Results: Evidence indicates potential for cultural differentiation, international visibility, incentive visits and premium dining experiences. It also highlights four tensions involving capacity, cultural meaning, infrastructure and public accountability. The proposed CIVIC framework combines Conservation-sensitive classification, Impact screening, Venue reversibility, Income accountability and Community review. Conclusion: Event use should be assessed against heritage sensitivity and community-recognised meaning before commercial benefits are considered. CIVIC is a conceptual management proposal, not an empirically validated assessment tool; further site-based research is needed to test its feasibility and effects.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Tran Diem Hang (Author)
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