Social networking, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism development in Da Nang, Vietnam

Abstract

Networking facilitates stakeholder collaboration and partnerships and a richer understanding between stakeholders, benefiting the achievement of sustainable tourism development. This research examines how a network contributes to the success of a shared goal related to environmental sustainability at a local destination. A case study based on social network theory is conducted in Da Nang City – a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam. This research reveals a network of various tourism stakeholders in Da Nang working to protect the natural environment throughout the city. The networking properties are conceptualised, including actors and activities like approaching, connecting, sharing, and coordinating. These interactions create linkages and platforms for information flow and environmental messages travelling from initial actors to a broader set of actors, which encourages community involvement in environmental activities, more environmentally friendly behaviour, and an emotional bond with the destination. With these findings, this research has made a crucial contribution to tourism network research by exploring how stakeholders build sustainability awareness and place attachment through social networking. The study has practical implications regarding the use of networking to facilitate stakeholder involvement in sustainable tourism development.