FACTORS INFLUENCING RESIDENTS' DECISIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY TOURISM IN THE CENTRAL COASTAL LAGOON REGION OF VIETNAM

This study explores the factors influencing residents' decisions to participate in community-based tourism (CBT) in the coastal lagoon region of central Vietnam. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 315 residents and regression analysis, the results indicate that community awareness of tourism resources and supportive policies significantly influence participation intentions. Factors such as household characteristics, livelihood benefits, tourism resources, local CBT development planning, and community organization positively impact participation. Conversely, adverse events and operational barriers negatively affect participation. The study highlights the importance of enhancing community awareness, developing tourism resources, and providing supportive policy frameworks to promote sustainable CBT and improve local livelihoods. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for resilience-building measures to mitigate the negative impacts of adverse events such as the COVID-19 pandemic on community tourism activities.