Community-based tourism and development in the periphery/Semi-periphery Interface: A case study from Viet Nam

Abstract

This chapter investigates how local residents in community-based tourism (CBT) situations within the periphery/semi-periphery interface perceive the relationship between CBT and ‘development’. Qualitative research methods using a grounded theory approach were applied to examine perceptions of 55 local residents living in three CBT case study sites in the hinterland of Sa Pa town, a popular tourist destination in north-western Viet Nam. The study shows that residents not only regard development as a complex and multi-dimensional construct but overwhelmingly recognize the positive role played by CBT, and identify the influencing factors and recommendations to optimize the contributions of CBT for relevant stakeholders.