Regional Linkage Mechanisms in Developing Specialized Tourism Product Systems: Evidence from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

This study examines the discourse on development practices of regional linkage mechanisms in tourism development within the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Using a multi-source qualitative design, this study analyzes the main text system and data transmission through reflective thematic analysis methods. The results reveal a fundamental paradox: while regional linkages are architected as a strategic imperative to adapt to climate variables and a renewable economic base, their implementation is hampered by administrative address-based thinking and a lack of effective coordination mechanisms. Tourism product architecture is fragmented and piecemeal due to a lack of infrastructure connectivity and strengthening in the logistics supply chain. The study argues that to achieve the research objective of prosperity and sustainability, the Mekong Delta needs to shift from an administrative-command-based linkage model to a market-based linkage mechanism, where businesses play a leading role, and the state encourages comprehensive cooperation beyond the geographical administrative barriers. This result has practical implications for improving the management mechanism and provides valuable insights for other tourism regions in enhancing the competitiveness and diversification of tourism products.