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VIET NAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

DANG THI THUY DUYEN

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN
SOUTHERN RED RIVER DELTA’S
PROVINCES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
Mayor :

Development Economics

Major code : 9.31.01.05

THESIS SUMMARY

Ha Noi - 2019


Thesis is completed in :
Gruduate Academy of Social Sciences

Supervisor

:
1. Associate Professor, PhD . Nguyen Ngoc Son
2. PhD . Nguyen Anh Tuan

Master Reviewer 1: …………………………………………..
Master Reviewer 2: …………………………………………..

Master Reviewer 3: …………………………………………..
The dissertation will be defended in the Council of PhD thesis council
at the Academy of Social Sciences at at ….day…..month….. year 20

The dissertation can be found at :
- Gruduate Academy Library of Social Sciences
- National Library, Hanoi, Vietnam


LIST OF PUBLISHED WORKS BY AUTHOR
Serial

The name

Place of publication

Determinants of the state

1

management of sustainable

Economy and forecast review

tourism development in the

issue 27 September 2019

sub-region of Southern Red

(709), page100 - 103

River Delta

2

To turn Vietnamese tourism

Economy and forecast review

into the key economic sector

issue 20 July 2019 (702), page
37 - 40

State management of tourism
3

4

development

in

Southern

Economy and forecast review
issue 36 December 2018

Red River Delta’s provinces

(682), page 123-126

The factors impacting tourist

Economy and forecast review

attraction in Southern Red

issue 27 September 2018

River Delta’s provinces

(673), page 74-78


INTRODUCTION
1. The necessity of research
Provinces in southern Red River Delta (including Ninh Binh,
Nam Dinh and Thai Binh) have an area of about 4,600 km2 and a
population of 4.6 million people. There are 5 biodiversity areas with
values Outstanding global biodiversity, they impact on the lives of
mankind and recognized as the world's first Biosphere Reserve in Red
River Delta of Vietnam under the Convention on Wetlands
Convention (RAMSAR) by United Nations Educational Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 2004. Those have diverse
types of terrain: low-lying plains, coastal plains, hilly and semimountainous areas. The coast is 142 km long so southern Red River
Delta has a lot of tourism values with a variety of natural landscapes
(beaches, historical sites, unique landscapes). Therefore, this is a
destination that attracts the attention of domestic and foreign tourists.

In recent years, these provinces have initially promoted the advantages
of tourism development and achieved remarkable results. In 2018,
southern Red River Delta’s provinces welcomed 9.9 million visitors
(900,000 international visitors), their tourism brought about 4,486
billion VND and created thousands of jobs.
However, tourism in southern Red River Delta’s provinces has
not promoted its advantages to make more significant contributions to
the economy in recent years. It is not an attractive investment place to
attract investors in travel. Income from tourism, guest spending and
days of stay is low. The increase in the number of passengers is fast
but the infrastructure and entertainment facilities cannot keep up.
Besides the increase in the number of direct tourism workers is not yet
associated with quality, contributing to the budget and creating jobs
for laborers is not commensurate. Not only is environment is polluted
but also the value of Biosphere Reserve has not been promoted and
the heritage is invaded that shows tourism development is the
unsustainable.
Based on that theory and practice, the author chose the topic
“Tourism development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces
towards sustainable development”.
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2. The objective and task of the research
The purpose of the thesis provides orientation and solutions for
tourism development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces towards
sustainable development.
Research tasks:
+ To systematize and clarify some basic theoretical issues about
tourism development towards sustainable development.

+ To analyze and assess the situation of tourism development
towards sustainability in southern Red River Delta’s provinces.
+ To analyze factors impacting tourism development towards
sustainable development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces, to
assess the strengths and weaknesses, to identify the limitations and
causes in tourism development in Red River Delta’s the southern
provinces.
+ Proposing orientations and solutions to help tourism
development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces towards
sustainable development in the coming period.
3. Object and scope of the study
- Object of the research: Theory and situation of tourism
development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces towards
sustainable development.
- Research scope:
+ Scope of location: research tourism development in southern
Red River Delta’s provinces including Nam Dinh province, Ninh Binh
province and Thai Binh province.
+ Scope of time: study the current situation of tourism
development in the southern Red River Delta towards sustainability
from 2005 to 2018, then proposing solutions to develop tourism in a
sustainable way until 2030.
4. Research Methods
Methodology: based on the views of dialectical materialism and
historical materialism. Based on the viewpoint of dialectical
materialism, the study places tourism in a dialectical relationship with
sustainable development. From the point of view of historical
materialism to emphasize the effects of ideology, political
organization and social institutions on tourism development in
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sustainable way. The thesis assessed the situation of tourism
development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces through surveys
of tourist, state management agencies, tourism business units and local
population from which to identify the problems in tourism activities,
systems of points of view and orientation of tourism organization
towards sustainable development.
Research Methods: After collecting information, the thesis
analyzed and processed the information through statistical,
synthesizing, comparing, contrasting methods and field research
methods.
5. New contributions of the thesis
Firstly, the thesis has generalized the theoretical basis of
tourism, tourism development, tourism development towards
sustainable development and the relationship between factors
affecting tourism development towards sustainable development.
Secondly, the thesis has assessed of factors affecting tourism
development towards sustainable development in the economic
integration, climate change and industrial revolution 4.0. Thirdly the
thesis uses qualitative research and quantitative survey findings to
analyze and make assessments on the situation of tourism
development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces towards
sustainable development. Fourthly, based on theoretical and practical
analysis, the thesis proposes certain solutions to promote tourism
development in southern Red River Delta’s provinces towards
sustainable development.
6. Theoretical and practical significance of the thesis
6.1 Scientific significance
To begin with, the thesis has generalized the theoretical basis of

tourism, tourism development, tourism towards sustainable
development and the relationship between factors affecting tourism
development towards sustainability.
Secondly, the thesis has assessed factors impacting tourism
development towards sustainability in the context of economic
integration, climate change and industrial revolution 4.0.
Thirdly, the thesis has mentioned the situation of sustainable
tourism development in the three localities. Through the analyzed
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model results, the thesis pointed out the limitations both quantity and
quality of tourism development activities towards sustainable
development.
6.2 Practical significance
By analyzing the secondary and primary data, the author has
made suggestions for tourism development in southern of the Red
River Delta’s provinces towards sustainable development. Firstly, in
terms of economy, (1) strengthening the development about tourism
and ancillary services businesses; (2) investing and mobilizing capital
for tourism development; Secondly, in terms of culture and society, it
is necessary to invest high quality human resources; Thirdly, on the
target environment (1) promoting communication, raising awareness
about the value of natural resources and the tourism environment, (2)
preserving tourism resources, (3) managing the value of resources.
tourism, (4) socializing investment, preserving and embellishing
relics, protecting the natural landscape environment; Fourthly, the
need for the state management role to develop tourism towards
sustainable development such as (1) improving the management
capacity, (2) completing the formulation and promulgation of

mechanisms and synchronous, modern and effective policies (3)
enhance the synchronous and flexible planning, (4) promote
promotion and cooperation to link tourism development with
neighboring provinces and other tourist areas.
7. Structure of the thesis
CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW
CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS ON
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT
TOWARDS
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 3: SITUATION OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
IN SOUTHERN RED RIVER DELTA’S PROVINCES TOWARDS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 4: SOLUTIONS FOR DEVELOPING TOURISM
IN SOUTHERN RED RIVER DELTA’S PROVINCES TOWARDS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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CHAPTER 1: LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1. Foreign situation of research
1.1.1 The content of tourism development and tourism development
towards sustainable development
Nikolova A. and Hens L., 1998 [84]: Sustainable tourism
requires the management of all forms of resources in a way that we
can meet economic, social and aesthetics while maintaining cultural
identity, basic ecological processes, biodiversity and life assurance

systems. “Linking Communities, Tourism, & Conservation: A Tourism
Assessment Process - Tools and Worksheets” [65]. “Tourism and
Sustainability: Principles to Practice” [91] synthesized and evaluated
the views on tourism development theory.
1.1.2 Criteria for assessing tourism development and tourism
development towards sustainable development
Criteria for evaluating sustainable development are included
“Towards Sustainable Development: On the Goals of Development
and the Conditions”. Indices reflected sustainable development by
providing reliable information about nature, the physical and social
world, preserving values and quality of life. Common indices such as
GDP, economic indicators were not enough because they only showed
cash flows but they did not indicate environmental condition,
destruction of resources or quality of life. “Indicator for Sustainable
Development: Theory, Method, Application” used systematic
approaches to find tourism sustainable development indicators from
which specific set of indicators to measure sustainable development
on subjects such as communities, states, territories and countries on
the world. Pamela A. Wight (1997) gave the basic principles as the
basis for sustainable development. The three target groups are
economy, society and environment which are of equal importance and
be addressed in a balanced way to achieve sustainable development
including: Community economy, rational conservation and combining
economy with environment.
1.1.3 Factors affect tourism development and tourism towards
sustainable development
Multidimensional aspects were considered and assessed for the
natural environment, culture, environmental impacts in development
5

policies and management implications. “Tourism and the
Environment: A Susstainable Relationship” [70]. “Sustainable
Tourism. What is it really?” [63], or “Ecotourism and Sustainable
Development. Who Owns Paradise?” [69] assessed the growth of
tourism in each country's strategy, its political system and economic
policies. They studied the economic and cultural implications of
tourism expansion for indigenous peoples as well as ecosystems.
“Indigenous Ecotourism: Sustainable Development and Management”
[66] researched ecotourism sites owned and operated by indigenous
people. They had brought benefits to indigenous communities and had
the impacts of tourism development on economy, society and the
environment around tourist destinations in particular and tourist areas
in general. “Sustainable Tourism in Protected Area: Guidelines For
Planning And Management”.
1.2 Domestic situation of research
1.2.1 The content of tourism development towards sustainable
development
Most authors approach the concept of: Sustainable tourism
development is the managed exploitation of natural and human values
to meet the diverse needs of tourists and concern about long-term
economic benefits while it still ensures a contribution to the
conservation and restoration of resources, maintain cultural integrity
for future tourism development, environmental protection and
improving the living standards of the local community.
1.2.2 Criteria for assessing tourism development and tourism
development towards sustainable development
“Studying and proposing solutions for development investment
of resorts”; “Scientific basis and solutions for sustainable tourism
development in Vietnam”; “The role of provincial governments in

Ninh Binh sustainable tourism development”; “Tourism development
in Binh Thuan province from the perspective of sustainable
development” directs the harmonious and reasonable tourism
development among the goals towards sustainability. However,
sustainable tourism development is associated with specific, unique,
quality from that creates satisfaction of tourists needs, economic and
social benefits. Extensive integration with all countries has a
6


significant impact on economic development in general, tourism
development in particular. Studying the impact criteria but authors put
them in the context of integration and globalization in a specific
tourist area. There is an agreement on the role of tourism sustainability
in the economy is the economic efficiency that tourism brings like
social stability and sustainable environment. “Sustainable tourism
development in Ninh Binh province in the present conditions”, the
author set a set of criteria for evaluating sustainable tourism
development of a province. It emphasizes the role and participation of
parties in sustainable tourism development in the present conditions.
1.2.3 Factors affect tourism development and tourism towards
sustainable development
There are a number of studies that have mentioned and analyzed
the factors affecting sustainable tourism development: “Sustainable
tourism”; “Sustainable tourism development in Phong Nha - Ke Bang
National Park”; “The role of provincial governments in sustainable
tourism development in Ninh Binh Province”; “Local state
management for sustainable tourism development in some central
provinces of Vietnam”. These referred to the role of the state
management agency in charge of tourism, especially inspection stages.

Then development solutions have been proposed by many topics, each
with specific characteristics of diffirent regions in “Scientific basis
and solutions for sustainable tourism development in Vietnam”. Bui
Thanh Toan (2018) [43] proposed the research model for sustainable
development for Phu Yen province in AEC.
1.3. Evaluation of research works
To begin with, this dissertation identified the basics of tourism,
tourism development, sustainable tourism, implications for sustainable
tourism development; the concept of sustainable development,
sustainable tourism development, tourism management ... There are
many different views both domestical and international dissertation.
Second, the hot trend is the countries focus on developing
tourism towards sustainable development. There are many different
experiences in the goal of developing tourism towards sustainable
development of some localities in Vietnam and countries around the
world.
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Thirdly, this dissertation analyzed and assessed the systematic
and sustainable nature of tourism. The role of sustainable tourism
development for the country, the region and the locality.
Fourthly, the situation of sustainable tourism development in
some provinces of Vietnam such as Lao Cai, Phong Nha Ke Bang,
Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh), of the Northeast, Western
Tourism regions, Tay Nguyen and North Central have been studied in
depth.
Fifthly, some sustainable tourism development solutions are
given: Planning, managing and organizing the implementation of
tourism planning; diversifing tourism products; investing in tourism

development; improving mechanisms and policies to attract the
efficiency of investment capital; improving the efficiency of tourism
resources.
CHAPTER 2. THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS ON
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
2.1 The concept of tourism
2.1.1 The concepts
Article 3 - Vietnam Tourism Law 2017: Tourism activities
related to trips of people outside their regular place of residence for no
more than 01 consecutive year to meet the needs of sightseeing,
relaxation, entertainment, exploration, discovery or other lawful uses.
From the above concepts, it is recognized that tourism is diversified
involving many objects such as tourists, transport, ... and many other
socio-economic fields in order to bring about economic, political and
social benefits for countries and localities. However, the impact of
tourism activities on localities and countries depends on many factors
such as: mechanisms and policies on tourism development, types of
tourism, tourism products and tourism resources of each region.
2.1.2 Features of the tourism industry
Firstly, tourism is a resource-dependent industry.
Secondly, tourism is an integrated business to serve the diverse
consumption needs of tourists
Thirdly, tourism is not only a business but also a service that
8


must ensure the security, political and social safety needs of tourists,
localities and countries to welcome tourists.
Fourthly, the tourism industry is a versatile economic - social service sector. It is also true that ranking tourism as an economic

industry, a cultural and social branch.
2.2 Tourism development towards sustainable development
2.2.1 Sustainable development
2.2.2 Tourism development towards sustainable development
2.2.2.1 The concepts
At the 70th meeting in September 2015, 154 member countries
of the UN General Assembly adopted sustainable Development
Agenda through 2030. The program consists of 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) , including a number of important goals
such as eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring
prosperity for all. In the tourism industry, UNWTO strives to link
tourism with global goals and actively contact governments, banks,
financial institutions and UN agencies to discuss and achieve
sustainable development goals, focusing on the 8 goals (Promote longterm, open and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all), goal 12 (Ensuring sustainable
consumption and production models), goal 14 (Conservation and
sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development), in which tourism is typical and important.
2.2.2.2 The content of tourism development towards sustainable
development
“Tourism development towards sustainable development bases
on the rational and efficient exploitation of resources, it also ensures
the three sustainable attainment: economic, sociocultural and
environmental sustainability in the locality, the region and the
country, that has to meet requirements and principles of sustainable
development.”
The implication of sustainable tourism development is the
development process that has a close, reasonable and harmonious
combination of three aspects of development, economic sustainability,
environmental sustainability and social-cultural sustainability.

Environmental responsibility requires all sectors to identify and take
9


interventions otherwise the environment is degraded in the future. The
tourism industry itself must know what to do to make tourism develop
more sustainably.
2.2.2.3 Criteria for assessing tourism development towards
sustainable development
Based on the reference of sustainable development criteria in the
United Nations and local sustainable development monitoring and
evaluation criteria for Vietnam from 2013 to 2020, the author chose
accordingly to form a system of general criteria for tourism
development towards sustainability.
An economic perspective: Location and scale of tourism,
economic benefits from tourism.
A cultural - social perspective: People's participation;
Livelihoods of local people, preserving the cultural and historical
value of the tourist destination.
An environmental perspective: Preserving tourism resources,
pollution reduction, conserve biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes.
2.3 Factors affect tourism development and tourism towards
sustainable development
2.3.1 Socio-economic environment
2.3.1.1 Planning systems and policies of government
2.3.1.2 Local business environment
2.3.2 Support services
2.3.3 Human resources
2.3.4 Cooperation activities in tourism
2.3.5 Tourists’ the satisfaction and needs

2.3.6 Promote tourism development
2.3.7 Impacts of climate change, international economic integration
and industrial revolution 4.0
2.4 Experience in tourism development towards sustainability
This dissertation explores domestic and international
experiences including the South Central Coast (Vietnam), AnnapurnaNepal Conservation Area, Thenmala- India, Koronayitu- NewZeland.
The dissertation draws some lessons: Firstly, fFully aware of
sustainable development. Secondly, to formulate a suitable tourism
development strategy for the region and the province. Third,
10


organizational management is unified and specific. Fourth, mobilize
all resources for tourism development investment. Fifth, the
participation of local communities is very important in sustainable
tourism development strategy. Sixth, training high quality human
resources. Seventhly, localities must have a suitable plan to promote
tourist sites. Eighth, rational exploitation of resources and
environmental protection is the responsibility of the state
management, local residents and tourists.
CHAPTER 3
CURRENT SITUATION OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN
SOUTHERN RIVER DELTA’S PROVINCES TOWARDS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
3.1 Tourism potential in southern Red River Delta’s provinces
3.1.1 Overview of south Red River Delta’s provinces
3.1.1.1 Natural features
The southern Red River Delta includes three provinces: Thai
Binh, Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh with area of 4,600 km2 and a
population of 4.6 million people. Its tourism is a lot potential such as

famous scenic spots: Cuc Phuong, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Trang An ...
and beaches of Hai Thinh, Quat Lam, Tien Hai…. Besides, these
provinces also preserved unique historical and cultural values like
relics of Bai Dinh, Hoa Lu, Co Loa, Keo pagodas ... Particularly, on
October 13, 2008, UNESCO awarded the certificate of World
Biosphere Reserve for coastal wetlands of these three localities. That
recognition has initially impacted on changing the perception and
management approach of government, department and localities to
enhance the value and promote the advantages of this large wetland
area including tourism.
3.1.1.2 Socio-economic features and tourist space
The three provinces of southern Red River Delta are planned in
the northern coastal economic region with various types of terrain and
142 km coastline. Its provinces have great potential tourism with long
and beautiful beaches, long historical sites and unique natural
landscapes. After more than 30 years of renovation, the economy of it
has witnessed a strong change and development. In recent years,
tourism has contributed significantly to provinces’ economic
11


development. Besides, many old tourist sites have been exploited and
new places have been built which create a unique attraction for it.
3.1.2 Tourism potentials of southern Red River Delta’s provinces
3.1.2.1 Natural tourism potentials
3.1.2.2 Cultural tourism potentials
3.2 Situation of tourism development in southern Red River
Delta’s provinces towards sustainability
3.2.1 An economic perspective
3.2.1.1 Position and scale of the tourism industry

a) Tourism in local economic policy
(1) Tourism in southern Red River Delta’s provinces is
increasingly being affirmed in terms of potential, location, image, and
quality on Vietnam's tourism map.
(2) The tourist sites are located in favorable locations, many
places border between neighboring provinces, that is convenient for
sightseeing, travel and links.
(3) The tourist sites are interspersed with residential areas not far
from the city center.
b) Tourism growth
Tourism growth is fast and continuous (at about 18.78%), which
is much higher than the GRDP growth rate in general and the service
sector growth rate in particular. Tourism plays an important role in
local economic development.
c) Shifting in the tourism industry’s structure
Tourism support services are insufficient and weak, specific
products are lack, entertainment areas and additional services need to
be plentiful. In the investment structure of the southern Red River
Delta, there is no foreign direct investment project in tourism but only
projects with domestic investment, most of which is state capital.
3.2.1.2 Economic benefits from tourism
a) Contribute to GRDP and other industries
In 2010, the added value of the tourism industry accounted for
0.57% GRDP, in 2018 it reached 1.5%. The contribution of tourism in
the GRDP is small, compared to with the position and potential of of
provinces’ tourism (in the whole country, tourism contributed about
5.9% GDP).
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b) Tourism labor
Along with the rise of the tourism industry, tourism labor saw
dramatic increases. Localities and tourist attractions have attracted and
addressed employment needs for the community, for workers from
other localities and industries.
c) Tourists
Domestic tourists to the southern Red River Delta’s provinces
accounted for more than 90% from 2005 to 2018, an increase of of
12%. The majority of domestic tourists to the southern Red River
Delta is to Ninh. Bình (over 70%). Although Ninh Binh is one of the
biggest tourist attractions in the country the southern Red River
Delta’s provinces attracts the lowest tourists in the tourist areas (at
only 1/3 of the central sub-region and ½ of the Northeast coastal
subregion).
d) Tourism revenue
In 2010, the total revenue from tourism in the southern Red River
Delta’s provinces reached 979,927 million VND. This figure rose to
4,486,000 million VND in 2018, and this was over three times. In the
coming years, the total tourism revenue of this region will increase,
contributing positively to the socio-economic development.
e) Travel service prices
Hotel prices, tickets at tourist destinations are also not higher than
some tourist destinations in Hanoi and neighboring provinces.
f) The spending level of tourists
The current average expenditure of the southern Red River
Delta’s provinces is mainly for accommodation, meals and
transportation. Travel service, guide groups to visit scenic places,
caves, pagodas... still accounts for a low proportion of the total
revenue. There are a variety of reasons to explain. Firstly, the number
of tourists often visit during the day. Secondly, the stay time is not

long. Those affected the total revenue of the tourism industry.
3.2.2 A social - cultural perspective
3.2.2.1 Livelihoods of local people
a) Jobs in the tourism industry
Similar to the tourism industry, labor in the tourism industry
increased considerably between 2005 and 2018. Localities and tourist
13


attractions have attracted labor needs for their community, other
localities and industries. However, the total number of employees
participated (both directly and indirectly) in tourism in the southern
Red River Delta’s provinces remained below 5% in 2018 - the
proportion is much lower than tourism potential.
b) The figure of local labor involved in tourism
When tourism developing, local labor’s career has changed
significantly, many poeple quit traditional jobs (mainly agriculture)
and turned to tourism services such as motels business, restaurant,
travel guide. With households works in handicrafts, tourism helps
them create more motivation for production development, especially
creating unique products which attaches the local traditional breath.
c) Local people’s income
Through the interview, the households who answered the better
income regularly participated in tourism activities in the provinces.
People’s income in the three provinces has increased considerably
from 2005 to 2018. The average local people's income in 2018 was
was over three times higher than those of 2005.
3.2.2.2 Preserving cultural and historical values at tourist sites
a) The conservation of monuments
The southern Red River Delta’s provinces are still exploiting and

researching to restore and conserve relics. In parallel, the provinces
submitted documents to the Ministry of Culture to verify, evaluate and
rank the relics at different levels, that hepls them mobilize and allocate
capital from investors combining local people’s preservation.
b) The number of traditional festivals and crafts villages is preserved
The number of festivals in the southern Red River Delta’s
provinces is very large, so the provinces have exploited to serve
customers. The festivals show poeple’s richness of the spiritual life in
provinces, those are also a great resource for managers to plan local
development policies. But it is also important to preserve and promote
the cultural identity and tradition.
3.2.2.3 Participation of the people
a) Forms of citizen participation in tourism activities
People's participation in tourism activities such as renting
houses, eating and drinking goods, souvenir, taking photos,
14


participating in management around tourist sites (parking,
participating in comments...).
b) Local people’s the level of satisfaction and cooperation
3.2.3 An environmental perspective
3.2.3.1 Preserving tourism resources
a) Density tourist destinations
In general, the density tourism destinations the southern Red
River Delta’s provinces is relatively dense with a full range of
cultural, historical, and monuments mixed with natural landscapes.
b) Number of planned tourist areas
The southern Red River Delta’s provinces had a comprehensive
and detailed planning for many tourist areas and destinations. Ninh

Binh had the planning for Trang An, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Van Long,
Kenh Ga-Van Trinh and Bai Dinh pagodas ... Thai Binh had the
planning Con Vanh beach and Keo Pagoda area. Nam Dinh planed the
tourism area of Xuan Thuy National Park, Tran cultural and historical
relics complex ...
c) The proportion of contribution to the conservation and protection of
environmental resources
70-80% of the fee are retained for local, 20% is remitted to the
state budget.
3.2.3.2 Minimizing pollution
In the southern Red River Delta, there are a national park, a
Ramsar site, a World Heritage Site and a world heritage site. The
"hot" development of tourism, especially in the peak season,
environmental and tourist capacity overload, which affects the plants
and behavior of the animals in the tourist areas.
a) Water power
Due to people’s perception in the use of fertilizers, pesticides,
industrial wastes, domestic wastes causes water pollution.
b) Waste is collected and treated
The arrangement of trash systems and garbage collection bags in
urban centers, tourist resorts and residential areas is inadequate and
not suitable for waste classification. Only a few operating businesses
have standardized waste collection and treatment system.
c) Air environment
15


Environmental pollution in trade villages is being alarmed in
provinces, especially Thai Binh and Nam Dinh. Some air pollution
sources like construction, means of transport, especially vehicles

carrying sand, bricks and stones, construction materials, craft villages,
exhaust gas from air-conditioning system ... with gas and dust
concentrations excesses allowed level such as CO2, CO, NO2, NO ..
3.2.3.2 Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes
a) Degradation levels of the tourist landscape
The urbanization process has had a significant impact to the
tourism landscape and nature. This greatly affected the space and
tourism environment. In addition, the use of some monuments does
not function, role and purpose in some tourist sites, leading to damage
and degradation.
b) Consumption of rare animal products
The survey results show that no store sells wildlife products as
souvenirs and decorations (such as the use of animal skins, horns,
teeth and claws).
* Overall assessment of the level achieved according to the
criteria of tourism development towards sustainability
There are 17/25 targets that have not yet reached the
sustainability criteria, combining with with the results of surveys and
assessments of the objects on tourism development towards
sustainability (most of the answers got an average score of 3-3,4/5)
shows that tourism development in southern Red River Delta’s
provinces has not been sustainable.
3.3 Situation of factors affecting tourism development towards
sustainable developmnet in southern Red River Delta’s provinces
3.3.1 Institutional and policy environment
3.3.1.1 Planning system and policies of the state and local authorities
The three provinces of southern the Red River Delta have had
valid plans about tourism development. For example, No. 3562 / QDUBND, September 9, 2017 of Thai Binh Provincial People's
Committee, approving the Planning on development of Thai Binh
Tinh tourism to 2025, orientation to 2030 and No. 1501 / QD-UBND,

September 1, 2011 of the People's Committee of Nam Dinh province,
approving the economic-technical report on the planning project of
16


Nam Dinh tourism development up to 2020, with a vision to 2030. On
August 30, 2018, the People's Committee of Ninh Binh province
issued No. 1124 / QD-UBND, approving the Master Plan for tourism
development in Ninh Binh Province up to 2025, with orientations to
2030.
3.3.1.2 Collaboration among agencies in tourism management
The state management about tourism has come into the system
with coordination between all levels, sectors, localities, businesses and
residents into tourism activities. Besides, There is the coordination
and participation of security forces to ensure safety and civilization for
tourist areas and destinations.
3.3.1.3 Participation of the community and stakeholders
In fact, the local people's contribution to tourism planning and
management is still very few. They are lacking in information about
tourism projects, so they have not really participated in the project
implementation and monitoring process.
3.3.1.4 Local business environment
In past several years, southern Red River Delta’s provinces have
made many changes and efforts to create a stable and healthy business
environment, in order to attract a large number of businesses to
participate in business and development local tourism.
3.3.1.5 Investment for tourism development
Three provinces have not had foreign direct investment projects
in tourism. This is also the general situation of some neighboring
provinces. The majority of development investment comes from the

state. Attracting other sources of capital for investment in developing
infrastructure for tourism still faces many difficulties because investors
are less interested in investing in tourism infrastructure.
3.3.2 The support services
3.3.2.1 The infrastructure
According to the tourists’ assessment about the quality of
infrastructure in three provinces: roads, Internet and communications,
electricity and water are good, but the point for the quality of the road
system is highest. Survey results show that good and very good 69.2%
are for the quality of roads, 58.8% for information quality, 59.28% for
electricity quality, 59.8% is devoted to water quality. However, the
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current rapid expansion of the information network, tourists want the
provinces to improve the quality of the Internet and communications
to connect domestically and internationally easier and faster.
3.3.2.2 Support services
a) System of material and technical facilities for tourism
The survey results of tourist about the quality of material
facilities - tourism techniques in three provinces are average and good.
b) Ancillary service system
Tourists assessed the quality of ancillary services: the health
system reached 3.38 points, the bank reached 3.37 points, that means
the quality of ancillary services reached an average level (over 56% of
visitors rated the quality of the health system as average, banking
services were rated at more than 60). Therefore, in the coming time,
the provinces need to increase the quality of ancillary services,
especially health services and banking to increase the tourists’
satisfaction.

3.3.3 Human resources
The tourism labors in southern Red River Delta’s provinces has
increased sharply over the years from 2005 to 2017 (2,143 and 10,658
respectively). But the percentages of tourism workers who are trained
professionally is still low. The quality of training labor is still limited,
they do not meet the requirements professionalism, management skills
and service quality.
3.3.4 Tourism cooperation
Since Tourism Association established, it has been on
strengthening the organizational structure and mutual assistance among
members such as promoting and introducing information about
businesses, products and goods services for members on publications,
on websites. Members support each other to organize events like the
the annual sea tourism season and the kite contest... Besides, there is no
outstanding link with the neighboring provinces. Linking the typical
tourism products with each other and with the others in the Red River
Delta and the Northern provinces as a highlight on the tour is limited
and fragmented.
3.3.5 Tourists’ the satisfaction and needs
Tourists with the 15 to 59 age group accounted for the majority
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and the the rate of first-time visitors was highest at 42.2%. However,
the number of second-time visitors is 36.9%, a positive signal for
tourist market in southern Red River Delta’s provinces.
3.3.6 Promote tourism
The southern provinces of the Red River Delta have paid
attention and diversified forms of tourism promotion. Tourism is
publicized on the media, on the website in English, French, Japanese

and Vietnamese. Moreover, it promoted socialization in tourism
promotion activities at the National Tourism Year Program,
international tourism conferences and fairs.
3.3.7 Impacts of climate change and international economic
integration and industrial revolution 4.0
In many years, southern Red River Delta’s provinces suffered
less damage to people, properties, crops ... due to natural disasters, but
more or less directly affected the environment, especially water
pollution. .
International economic integration has helped southern Red River
Delta’s provinces implement many tourism programs and tours with
diversified content and forms.
3.3.8 Analysis of factors affecting tourism development towards
sustainable developmnet in southern Red River Delta’s provinces
According to the regression equation, tourism development
towards sustainable developmnet has a linear relationship with the
factors: socio-economic environment, development policy, support
services, human resources, association and cooperation and advertising
and tourism promotion. The impact order from strongest to weakest is
human resources, support services, advertising and tourism promotion,
association and cooperation, environment and development policy.
3.4 Overall assessment of tourism development in southern Red
River Delta’s provinces towards sustainable developmnet
3.4.1 Results
* Economy: Tourism plays an increasingly important role in the
economic development orientation in southern Red River Delta’s
provinces: number of passengers and revenue growth is stable. The
tourist market is expanding (both domestic and international). Tourism
focused on products which exploited the cultural values associated with
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the Red River wet rice civilization... It created jobs for workers and
encouraged the traditional trade development. The role of the
community is increasingly enhanced through participating in local
tourism management.
* Social - cultural: Employment in the tourism industry increased
shardly (by 2017, this was 4.97 tim higher than in 2005). The average
annual growth rate from 2010 to 2017 was 10.4%. People have
participated in many generating tourism activities which their income
increased significantly and social order and safety is maintained. The
management agencies, ministries, branches and resident have
preserved, repaired and embellished historical and cultural heritages
and organized traditional festivals and trade villages. They propagate,
educate and raise the awareness of people and tourists about preserving
local tourism resources. The budget revenues from tourism in the
provinces make certain contributions to protecting heritages,
renovations and conservation of historical and cultural relics in the
provinces.
* Environment: The region, areas and tourist resource planning is
fully implemented. The relics in the strategy and plan to attract
investment from 2005 to 2020 all have general or detailed planning. All
tourist areas and sites have developed regulations on management of
natural resource exploitation activities and environmental protection.
Tourism investment projects have environmental assessment reports or
environmental protection commitments. Environmental management
and protection on the rise from treated water, air and waste
environments. Funding in the restoration and conservation increases
everyyear.
3.4.2. Limitations

* Economic: Attracting international tourists is low, it is not
commensurate with the potential. Investment resources have not been
attracted to turn potentials (especially marine tourism potentials) into
high quality tourism products for tourists. The number of tourists
(especially domestic ones came to Ninh Binh) has increased rapidly,
while related services (infrastructure, services ...) have not developed
adequately. Income from tourism is not high, contributing to the
GRDP of the provinces is lower than those of the provinces in the Red
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River Delta and the surrounding provinces. The capital for tourism
development is still limited, mainly from the state budget (without
foreign investment capital).
* Social - cultural: Human resources for tourism is lacking in
quantity and weak in quality. They lack of good management team,
tour guides and speakers. A part of the local population who
participates in tourism still lacks communication and behavior skills to
serve tourists, especially international visitors. Organizing and
preserving festivals are sometimes in form, not taking into account the
cultural tradition values. As a result, many festivals lose part of their
identity. Activities to ensure safety, security, traffic, and food hygiene
still face many difficulties in management. Inspection activities have
been strengthened but there are still bad phenomena affecting tourism.
* The environment: the management and protection of landscape
relics in some places are not good and still loose. Some tourism sites
have over-exploited that degraded natural and human resources.
Pollution levels in some places are on alert and at risk of seriously
affecting touris. There is still the phenomenon of consuming rare
animals in some restaurants, hotels and tourist spots.

3.4.3 Causes
* Objective reasons
Firstly, international economic integration creates intangible
pressures in competition such as attracting capital, attracting tourists,
investing in infrastructure and increasing tourism services.
Secondly, climate change causes abnormal changes in weather,
natural disasters, epidemics, etc., which have greatly affected the
actual development situation of localities.
Thirdly, the instability and frequent changes in policies and laws
of the State in general and the three southern Red River Delta’s
provinces in particular. Investment policies for tourism, infrastructure
and facilities have not been synchronized. Tax policies, investment
policies, capital mobilization, resources ... do not have a breakthrough
to attract investors.
Fourthly, the seasonality in tourism is clear, most of which focus
on the first half of the year, so it has a significant impact on the
accommodation and spending decisions of visitors.
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* Subjective reasons:
Firstly, the infrastructure system (especially the waste collection
and treatment system in tourist areas), technical infrastructure of
provinces are not synchronized and low quality.
Second, there are not tourism products that bring the local breath
and have quality and competitiveness to meet visitors’ needs. Most
travel companies consider the tourism areas in the southern Red River
Delta as a stopover and transit point on the journey to other tourist
destinations. On the other hand, the southern Red River Delta is not
far from Hanoi, the majority of tourists choose to stay in Hanoi where

the services are better. While the southern Red River Delta region
does not have many additional quality tourism services to retain longstay tourists.
Thirdly, it has not been proactive in creating tourism links with
other localities and provinces, which limited the source of
international tourists to the southern Red River Delta. Tourism
connecting programs with the space of Hanoi capital and the
provinces in the Red River Delta have not been formed and organized
in methodical and permanent manner.
Chapter 4
SOLUTIONS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN
SOUTHERN RIVER DELTA’S PROVINCES TOWARDS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4.1 Orientation of tourism development in southern the Red River
Delta’s provinces towards sustainable development
4.1.1 The bases determine
4.1.1.1 Domestic and international contexts
a) International contexts: Negative changes of the global market such
as the rising protection wave, even the risk of trade wars between
powers, political and military conflicts in many parts of the world.
b) Assessment of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges
for tourism development in southern the Red River Delta’s provinces
Forecast of world and regional tourism development trends to 2030
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
tourism continues to grow globally. The number of international
tourists is expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030. Southeast Asia is
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