Tourism in marine protected areas: A view from Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pham-Do, Kim Hang; Pham, Thuy Thi Thanh
• Is Part Of: Tourism management perspectives. Volume 33(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Marine protected areas -- Community's wellbeing -- Resource use -- Binary choice model -- Strategic games -- Sustainable tourism -- Nha Trang Bay; C78 -- Q56 -- C8 -- O13; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tmp.2019.100623
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-9736

Abstract

Abstract: Tourism development is considered a key accompanying strategy in creating alternative livelihood options for the communities living in and adjacent to the Marine Protected Areas. This paper examines the socioeconomic characteristics of the Nha Trang Bay protected area to determine the factors that influence the decision to participate in tourism sectors, and analyse whether these decisions would help to improve the economic wellbeing of the local communities. Using a mixed-method approach, including a strategic model and analysis of household surveys, the paper shows that tourism development has not yet helped to improve economic well-being of the communities, as was expected. The primary factors that prevent local residents from participating in the tourism industry are low levels of education, long distances between homes and tourism destinations, and perceptions of the effects of tourism. Thus, improving education and supporting the communities to meet multiple social and ecological goals should be a priority policy. Highlights: Tourism is booming in many coastal provinces in Vietnam. Marine Protected Areas often have multiple objectives and offer tourists many opportunities The perception of tourism effects on society and environment plays a key role in communities living adjacent to MPAs. Contemporary tourism mechanisms have not yet helped to improve the economic wellbeing of the coastal communities. Improving community education and community-based ecotourism is a possible priority solution.