The application of market segmentation techniques is long established in the tourism and hospitality literature. Various methods have been proposed for dividing market segments into homogeneous or distinct groupings with regard to socio-demographic, travel characteristic, psychographic, geographic and behavioural characteristics. In the present study, nationality (cultural differences) in combination with visitor demographics and travel characteristics were used to investigate the similarities and differences of international tourists from China and the USA with regards to their perception towards the Vietnamese service provider's attributes and performances. The results have shown that there are more differences than similarities between the two samples in terms of cultural values and perceptions.
As a researcher, Dr Thuy-Huong Truong has published in numerous peer-reviewed, books and many other academic journals and forums. Dr. Truong's academic expertise focuses on Cross-cultural studies, Marketing, Consumer behaviour, Tourism Principles and associated research. Dr. Truong has worked on numerous studies and projects. These include examining the Emerging Markets of Inbound Tourism in Vietnam, in Asia Pacific Region and in Developing Countries; Destination Resources and Product Development; International Marketing and Tourism, and Sustainable and Ecotourism Tourism. As a lecturer, Dr. Truong has coordinated and taught a range of Subjects including Marketing, Tourism, Consumer Behaviour, Hospitality, Management, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods spanning over 20 years at various institutions in Australia (Melbourne and Sydney), Vietnam, France, Malaysia, Kuwait and China. With her multiple language skills and extensive industry experience, Dr. Truong has being an assistant manager and business consultant for many international joint-venture companies across Vietnam. These comprise of various fields including marketing, tourism, hospitality, medicine, engineering and construction, water and waste water and, forestry and agriculture.