Rethinking community-based tourism initiatives through community development lens: A case study in Vietnam

Abstract

ABSTRACT Guided by the Social Vocation of Territory (SVT) framework, this research delves into the challenges encountered by Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiatives in Vietnam, using Quang village as a focal point. Conducted through two fieldwork expeditions spanning 2019 to 2022, the study unveils key hurdles, including elite capture, social exclusion, disruption of community solidarity, and an increased burden on rural women. Aligned with the SVT framework, these findings emphasize the potential risk of undermining social cohesion when tourism overlooks local realities and norms. This research underscores the significance of adopting a community development perspective, offering insights to assess tourism’s impact on the social fabric. The current work advocates for implementing flexible, context-conscious CBT approaches grounded in a realistic understanding of local sociocultural dynamics.