Stakeholder Collaboration and Policy Framework in Community-Based Tourism: The Case of Nhơn Lý, Bình Định

Community-based tourism (CBT) plays a strategic role in sustainable development within emerging economies, yet resource and capacity constraints often undermine its transformative potential. Drawing on collaborative governance theory and institutional pluralism as theoretical frameworks, this study analyzes stakeholder engagement and governance adaptations through qualitative data from 32 stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and policy documents collected in Nhơn Lý fishing village, Bình Định province, Vietnam. Findings reveal that CBT effectiveness depends on a multi-level governance system involving diverse stakeholders and mediating institutions that forge connections among state, community, and business actors. The study develops an empirical typology of four co-existing governance models, hierarchical, networked, hybrid, and community-led, illuminating institutional pluralism as both an analytical lens and a strategic asset for contextual tourism governance. Policy analysis highlights discrepancies between national and local priorities, underscoring the need for flexible, adaptive frameworks. The article offers targeted policy and practice recommendations for decision-makers and practitioners in Vietnam and similar transitional contexts.