OBSTACLES TOWARD SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SA PA TOWN OF LAO CAI PROVINCE

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1067.2024-0035

Abstract

Sa Pa is a famous tourist area in Vietnambut the rapid development of the tourism industryhas been bringing both positive and negativeimpacts to Sa Pa. This study uses in-depthinterviews and focus group discussions with keystakeholders of local tourism sector tocomprehensively assess the current state ofsustainable tourism development in Sa Pa based onthe criteria of the World Tourism Organization(UNWTO). The study points out multidimensionalchallenges for sustainable tourism development inSa town, including some critical issues such aspolicy accessibility, lack of adequate tourismproducts, incompetence human resources, unevendistribution of tourism resources betweenbusinesses and local people, or negative impacts onnatural resources and local culture. On that basis,the author has proposed solutions to Sa Pa'ssustainable development issues such asstrengthening the destination managementorganization model, building a code of conduct forSa Pa tourism, and establishing an onlinecommunication channel between local tourismmanagement agencies and residents and tourists.Finally, for Sa Pa tourism to develop sustainably inthe long term, it is necessary to focus on buildingthe capacity of local ethnic minorities andstrengthening the voice of indigenous communitiesin local policy