COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM AS A SUSTAINABLE SCHEME? HIDDEN PARADOX FROM THE CASE STUDY IN THUYBIEU WARD, HUE CITY

Abstract

Community-based tourism (CBT) emerged as a form of anti-mass tourism because of its economic, social, and environmental benefits. This study examines whether CBT is faithful to those promises in reality. The research was carried out in Thuybieu ward, which is considered a famous CBT destination in Hue city, central Vietnam. By using the interpretive approach and qualitative methods, the results show that CBT started in the 2010s with the participation of small local groups and business startups. CBT then rapidly developed with the involvement and over control from private outsiders, resulting in elite capture, non-authenticity issues, and imbalance in benefit-sharing. The results also shed light on the truth that business agencies called for the community’s participation under the guise of sustainable development and community benefits that lead to risks for the community themself and changed the nature of CBT theory. Recognizing this, the study proposes policy implications towards a more sustainable and equitable development in the context of CBT.