Identity for Cultural Tourism of of Angkor, Kingdom of Cambodia

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to study the existing and inheriting identity of Angkor Wat, and, to study the role of cultural tourism that supported the inheriting identity of Angkor Wat. Data was collected by studying the documents, non-participation observation and in-depth interview from 12 key informants. Data was analysed by content analysis.

The Result found that:

1. The existing identity of Angkor Wat was Angkor Wat image, an angle on the wall or Apsara and Apsara dance.

2. The inheriting identity of Angkor Wat image go through 1) the ways of Khmernization, 2) management in and out of country, 3) tourism management plan, 4) create a career, 5) symbol or logo, 6) picture advertisement, 7) souvenir and decoration, 8) belief in religious, 9) acting and 10) tattoo.

3. The inheriting identity of Apsara go through the ways of 1) engraving conservation, 2) belief in the existing and lady model of Apsara spirit, 3) souvenir and decoration, 4) symbol or logo and 5) tattoo.

4. The inheriting identity of Apsara dance go through the ways of 1) dancing pose and bodysuit standard, 2) create a career, 3) symbol or logo, souvenir, 4) poverty reason, 5) teaching, 6) showing in community or restaurant or hotel, acting event and 7) tattoo.

5. In general, the role of cultural tourism that supported the inheriting identity of Angkor Wat was incomplete in cultural tourismelement because lake of the tourism knowledge giving and community participation, risk of business operator's identity conservation and unrespect identity of some tourist.