PERCEPTION OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS IN PHU QUOC ISLAND, VIETNAM

Phu Quoc island of Kien Giang Province in Vietnam has great potentials and invaluable resources for tourism development. Nonetheless, Phu Quoc tourism is faced with several challenges as result of rapid growth. The study examined the perception of local residents, tourism businesses and tourist about sustainable development in tourism industry. Authors used both quantitative and qualitative research approach to explore the subject. The authors used secondary and primary data to provide insights on the subject. Secondary data relies on vast sources, including Kien Giang department of tourism, statistical departments of Kien Giang and Phu Quoc, annual all-level governmental reports, state-run businesses among others. We administered questionnaires to 230 local residents, 150 businesses, and 530 tourists. Furthermore, semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted in Phu Quoc with local residents, businesses, tourists, local authorities' officers, and especially with 12 experts who are stakeholders of Phu Quoc tourism as well. The results suggest that principles of sustainable tourism development have not been fully complied with, especially, social and environmental facets. The study concludes that stakeholders should be educated on sustainable tourism development.