Local Residents’ Perceptions Regarding the Overtourism Issue in Da Lat, Viet Nam
Huynh, Huong (2024)
2024
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024091325108
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024091325108
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Recently, the growing interest in Asian tourism has been noteworthy, with Vietnam being one of the most desirable destinations. While the tourism industry's economic benefits are substantial, the environmental and social impacts, particularly in cities like Da Lat, are under-researched. This thesis investigates the phenomenon of overtourism in Da Lat and its socio-economic and environmental impacts on local communities.
The research focuses exclusively on the city of Da Lat, excluding other regions in Vietnam that might also experience overtourism. The main objective of this thesis is to understand local residents' perceptions regarding overtourism in Da Lat. Specifically, it seeks to answer the main question: “What are the local residents’ perceptions regarding overtourism in Da Lat, Vietnam?” The sub-questions include: “What is the current state of tourism in Da Lat, Vietnam?”, “What are the negative and positive environmental, social, and economic impacts of overtourism in Da Lat?”, and “How do local residents propose to tackle the problem of overtourism in Da Lat?” The study is demarcated to focus on the local residents' perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and suggestions.
The theoretical framework of this thesis is built on concepts of sustainability, overtourism, and local residents' perceptions regarding the reality of the tourism situation in Da Lat. Sustainability is essential in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and social well-being. Overtourism refers to the excessive number of tourists causing detrimental effects on destinations.
This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with current and former residents of Da Lat. The data collection process started since December 2023, which involves selecting a diverse group of participants (current and former residents) to gather varied perspectives. The interviews were conducted online in May 2024, using Google Meet application as a way to aid the distance challenge. Participants were selected using snowball technique, and finally, their insights were reported in the thesis under quotation method.
According to the findings, one effective approach is to promote off-season travel and diversify tourist activities to reduce pressure on popular sites, thereby minimizing overcrowding and environmental degradation. Enhancing waste management systems and implementing strict regulations on resource usage, particularly water and energy, can mitigate the environmental impact. Additionally, involving local communities in tourism planning and decision-making processes ensures that their needs and perspectives are considered, leading to more sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism development. By integrating these strategies, Da Lat can maintain its appeal as a tourist destination while safeguarding its cultural aspects.
The research focuses exclusively on the city of Da Lat, excluding other regions in Vietnam that might also experience overtourism. The main objective of this thesis is to understand local residents' perceptions regarding overtourism in Da Lat. Specifically, it seeks to answer the main question: “What are the local residents’ perceptions regarding overtourism in Da Lat, Vietnam?” The sub-questions include: “What is the current state of tourism in Da Lat, Vietnam?”, “What are the negative and positive environmental, social, and economic impacts of overtourism in Da Lat?”, and “How do local residents propose to tackle the problem of overtourism in Da Lat?” The study is demarcated to focus on the local residents' perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and suggestions.
The theoretical framework of this thesis is built on concepts of sustainability, overtourism, and local residents' perceptions regarding the reality of the tourism situation in Da Lat. Sustainability is essential in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and social well-being. Overtourism refers to the excessive number of tourists causing detrimental effects on destinations.
This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with current and former residents of Da Lat. The data collection process started since December 2023, which involves selecting a diverse group of participants (current and former residents) to gather varied perspectives. The interviews were conducted online in May 2024, using Google Meet application as a way to aid the distance challenge. Participants were selected using snowball technique, and finally, their insights were reported in the thesis under quotation method.
According to the findings, one effective approach is to promote off-season travel and diversify tourist activities to reduce pressure on popular sites, thereby minimizing overcrowding and environmental degradation. Enhancing waste management systems and implementing strict regulations on resource usage, particularly water and energy, can mitigate the environmental impact. Additionally, involving local communities in tourism planning and decision-making processes ensures that their needs and perspectives are considered, leading to more sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism development. By integrating these strategies, Da Lat can maintain its appeal as a tourist destination while safeguarding its cultural aspects.