Ecotourism development in Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area – Perspectives from stakeholders

Abstract

Given its multidimensional impacts on the economy - society, environment, culture, and local communities, ecotourism (ET) requires the effective participation of stakeholders to ensure sustainable development. Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA), with its rich marine ecosystem, is considered a highly promising area for ecotourism development. This study aims to analyze the stakeholder participation in ET development within Nha Trang Bay MPA, based on secondary data (2019 - 2023) and surveys of key stakeholders, including local communities, tourists, tourism enterprises, and management officials. The study proposes a multi-stakeholder-based management framework tailored to ecotourism development, while also emphasizing that stakeholder participation not only enhances management effectiveness but also fosters multidimensional coordination toward sustainable ecotourism development in the Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area.