Chapter 4
Tourism Planning in the Central Highlands: Policies and Practices
Thuy T. Duong, Tuan Q. Pham, Hai Q. Truong, Huong T. Bui, Thanh D. Tran and Giang T.Phi
Abstract: This chapter discusses the gaps between planning for sustainable tourism and the reality of resource allocation and their utilization for development. The study is based on the case of Đắk Lắk Province located in South-central Vietnam. The area is not only the most populous province in the Central Highland Region it has the highest ratio of ethnic diversity in the country; 49 out of 54 ethnic minority groups find their homes there. Regional richness in cultural resources has evolved over the thousands of years of history derived from ethnic group lifestyles in harmony with the environment of mountains, highlands, powerful rivers, and waterfalls. The study aims to draw practical implications for tourism planning in an area that utilizes the richness of its resources through initiatives in alternative forms of tourism, namely ecotourism, cultural tourism, agri-tourism and wellness tourism. Based on the theories of sustainable and alternative tourism planning and in consideration of the Vietnamese context, this chapter provides a comprehensive spatial and resources analysis for tourism development in Ðắk Lắk province.
Chapter 4_Tourism Planning in the Highland_Policies and Practices (PDF file)