From Policy to Practice: A Qualitative Exploration of Tourism’s Impact on Regional Development in Vietnam

Tourism is increasingly recognized as a strategic instrument for regional development, yet the effectiveness of tourism policy in achieving inclusive and sustainable outcomes remains contested. This study explores how key stakeholders perceive, implement, and experience tourism development policies in Vietnam. A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 15 participants representing the government, tourism industry, communities, academia, and NGOs. Findings reveal uneven policy implementation, regional disparities in tourism benefits, weak intersectoral coordination, and limited community participation. Stakeholders emphasized the disconnect between national tourism strategies and local realities, highlighting sustainability challenges and cultural commodification. The study offers critical policy implications, including the need for stronger monitoring systems, participatory planning, and inter-provincial collaboration frameworks. This research contributes to tourism and regional development literature by providing grounded insights into stakeholder experiences, amplifying local voices, and offering practical guidance for more inclusive and context-sensitive tourism governance in developing economies like Vietnam.