Analysis and recommendations for people’s participation into community-based tourism in Pu Luong Nature Reserve Area : Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

Abstract

Community-based tourism not only contributes to the economic development at the locality, but it also serves as a medium to encourage and entice community members and visitors to preserve the originality of nature, conserve the authenticity of traditional values and breath-taking landscape. The objective of this research paper is to analyse and evaluate the current state CBT practice by the local community at Pu Luong Nature Reserve area and subsequently assess driving and influence factors as well as perceived barriers or hurdles obstructing their prospective participation. The research outcome shows that the local community’s participation into the practice is currently to some extent restricted and classified as relatively passive or functional in exchange for financial incentives. The paper identifies and evaluates four influence factors driving the community’s participation and commitment while some suggestions and recommendations at a macro-level have been put forward to enhance and strengthen the consensual engagement in tourism operations in the future.