Author(s):
Tuan-Anh Le, PhD candidate* - Griffith University
David Weaver, PhD - Griffith University
Laura Lawton, PhD - Griffith University
Abstract:
Community-based tourism is a vehicle for socio-economic development in peripheral areas of less developed countries. It has been mainly assessed by outside experts who do not adequately consider residents' opinions. Moreover, studies focus on the 'pure' remote periphery and neglect the dynamic interface between periphery and semi-periphery regions. A grounded theory approach examines community-based tourism from the perspective of local residents in villages adjacent to Sa Pa. Findings show community-based tourism plays an economically, socio-culturally and environmentally positive complex and multi-dimensional role in facilitating development. Villagers perceive traditional cultures, beautiful sceneries, good infrastructure, and proximity to Sa Pa positively, while cultural modification, unattended trekking routes, lack of leadership, and limited length of visitors' stay are hindrances.
