The impact of green tourism on the Hmong community in Vietnam

Abstract

This study investigates how green tourism affects the Hmong community in Lao Cai province, Vietnam. The results indicate that the environmental and sociocultural advantages of green tourism have a positive and noteworthy influence on the community's understanding of sustainable tourism practices. This increased awareness, in turn, encourages their dedication to sustainable tourism practices. However, the study did not establish a significant link between economic benefits and public perception, implying that the Hmong community places a higher value on cultural heritage conservation than financial gain. These findings underscore the importance of involving local communities in decision-making processes and ensuring that they obtain tangible benefits from participating in sustainable tourism initiatives. This study makes two significant contributions to knowledge. First, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how green tourism impacts local communities, specifically the Hmong community in Vietnam. Second, it highlights the critical role of community participation in sustainable tourism development. Local communities are essential in promoting and maintaining sustainable tourism practices. This research suggests that policymakers involve local communities in decision-making and ensure that they receive tangible benefits from engaging in sustainable tourism practices.