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A Level Gg Tourism Case study - Vietnam |
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The role of tourism in the economic development of LEDCs
Vietnam
Background:
Vietnam is one of the least developed Asia-Pacific countries, held back by decades of war. It is a country rich in natural resources, with rich fishing grounds and huge quantities of minerals. Thanks to fertile soils and a favourable climate, farming could be very profitable. But it is tourism which could help Vietnam develop most quickly and with the least investment.
Impact of tourism:
Advantages
- Tourism provides many jobs
- Tourism does not require a highly skilled workforce
- Overseas tourists spend a lot of money
- Tourism creates jobs quickly
- Local people can adapt their existing jobs to provide food refreshment and souvenirs for the tourist market
Disadvantages
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Tourism needs investment by the government in roads, airports and water supply
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If the service is poor, the tourists will not return
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Rapid expansion in tourism can cause pollution
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Tourism causes traffic congestion
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Tourists come at certain times of the year. As a result, employment may only be seasonal
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If the environment becomes degraded, then tourists are likely to disappear
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Rapid development of tourism will mean that westernisation and acculturation may occur. The traditional way of life may be lost
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Migrants will quickly be attracted to the tourist areas
Towards sustainability
An 11.1 million project to promote sustainable tourism development will be carried out in five poorest provinces of Vietnam.
The targeted provinces, including Cao Bang and Bac Kan in the north, Thua-Thien Hue, Quang Binh and Quang Tri in the central region, have potentials for tourism development.
The five-year project is part of the “Greater Mekong Sub-region Sustainable Tourism Development Project” funded by the Asian Development Bank.
The project will improve tourism-related infrastructures, support pro-poor community-based tourism projects, facilitate private sector participation in tourism marketing and promotion.
It also aims to reduce the rates of poor households, contribute to economic growth, increase employment and promote the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in the beneficiary areas.
Areas of focus include:
Human resource development with women’ empowerment
To develop the skills of tourism workers so that qualified staff are in place to deal with tourism demand.
Heritage conservation and mitigation of negative socio-cultural impacts
To promote higher standards in the management of natural and cultural resources to maintain the value of what are the core tourism assets of the GMS, andTo strengthen socially responsible practices necessary to limit the negative impacts which uncontrolled tourism growth generates
Pro-poor tourism and Equitable Distribution of Benefits
To promote patterns of tourism development that help reduce the incidence of poverty and increase economic opportunities and incomes for the poorest through their empowerment.
Tourism-related infrastructure
To jointly plan and develop tourism infrastructures in 13 identified GMS priority zones and circuits to better spread the benefits of tourism.
More information is avaqilable at: http://mekongtourism.org/website/
D. Drake 2010
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