Tóm Tắt La Tiếng Anh Năng Lực Cạnh Tranh Điểm Đến Du Lịch Tỉnh Ninh Bình.pdf

Based on the new context, development goals, and tourism development orientation of Ninh Binh, the dissertation proposes directions and solutions to improve the competitiveness of Ninh B

HO CHI MINH NATIONAL ACADEMY OF POLITICS

BUI XUAN TUNG

COMPETITIVENESS OF THE TOURISM DESTINATION

IN NINH BINH PROVINCE

SUMMARY OF THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

FIELD OF STUDY: ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

ID: 9340410

HANOI - 2025

1 Reasons for choosing the topic

In the context of integration and globalization, tourism is increasingly becoming a key economic sector, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development of many countries, including Vietnam The disparity in competitiveness among tourist destinations has become a pressing issue, affecting the pace of tourism development and the allocation of tourism resources across different localities Scientifically, the competitiveness of tourist destinations is a topic that has been widely studied globally through prominent theoretical models However, the application of these models to the specific context of localities in Vietnam remains insufficiently explored In Vietnam, provincial governments play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of tourist destinations, as they are at the administrative level most directly and closely connected to local tourism resources, activities, and communities With state management over tourism, provincial authorities are responsible for formulating and implementing tourism development policies tailored to local conditions and acting as coordinators among stakeholders – including businesses, local communities, and investors Therefore, within the theoretical framework of destination competitiveness, it is essential to study the roles of provincial governments in improving destination competitiveness

Due to its distinctive characteristics, Ninh Binh was selected as the case study for researching destination competitiveness Although Ninh Binh has attracted many tourists, particularly domestic ones, exploiting its tourism potential has been ineffective Apart from objective reasons, one contributing factor is the limitations and inadequacies in the state management of tourism by the provincial government of Ninh Binh: the implementation of plans has not been synchronized, the capacity for organizing and supervising tourism activities remains limited, and the available resources have not been effectively utilized This study aims to assess the competitiveness of Ninh Binh’s tourism destination, clarify the underlying causes, and propose solutions to improve its competitiveness

For these reasons, the author has chosen “Competitiveness of the Tourism Destination in Ninh Binh Province” as the doctoral dissertation in Economic Management

2 Research Objectives, Tasks, and Questions

Research Objective: The purpose of the study is to propose solutions and

recommendations to improve the competitiveness of the tourism destination in Ninh Binh, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of Ninh Binh Province

Research Questions

What are a provincial-level tourism destination's natural characteristics and competitiveness?

What are the components and evaluation criteria of the competitiveness of

a provincial-level tourism destination?

What is Ninh Binh's current competitiveness as a tourism destination? What are its limitations and the underlying causes?

In which direction should the competitiveness of Ninh Binh's tourism destination be improved? What are the orientations and solutions for enhancing its competitiveness in the coming period?

Systematized and clarified the theoretical framework on the competitiveness of provincial-level tourism destinations This includes a detailed analysis and clarification of key concepts, characteristics, and factors constituting competitiveness, as well as the roles of provincial governments in enhancing destination competitiveness

Analyzed case studies and experiences from provincial and city governments in enhancing destination competitiveness, drawing relevant lessons for Ninh Binh Province

Assessed the current status of the competitiveness of Ninh Binh's tourism destination, highlighting achievements, limitations, and causes

Based on the new context, development goals, and tourism development orientation of Ninh Binh, the dissertation proposes directions and solutions to improve the competitiveness of Ninh Binh's tourism destination by 2030, with

a vision toward 2035

3 Research Subject and Scope

Regarding content scope, the study primarily focuses on clarifying key aspects

of the competitiveness of the tourism destination in Ninh Binh Province, including the components that constitute destination competitiveness, the role of local authorities in enhancing destination competitiveness, and the criteria for evaluating the competitiveness of provincial-level tourism destinations The subject of the dissertation is approached from the perspective of economic management

Regarding spatial scope, the research is conducted at the provincial level, explicitly focusing on Ninh Binh Province.

Regarding temporal scope, the dissertation focuses on the period from 2015 to 2022; the proposed solutions for improving destination competitiveness are oriented toward 2030 The year 2015 was selected as the starting point of the research phase due to two significant milestones: First, 2015 marked the year following the official recognition of Tràng An Landscape Complex by UNESCO in

2014 as Vietnam's first mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site From 2015 onward, Ninh Binh began to vigorously implement activities to conserve, promote, and leverage the value of this heritage within its tourism development strategy.Second, 2015 marked a new term for the Party Congress at all levels, during which the development orientation for Ninh Binh's tourism sector was more clearly defined as a key economic sector, receiving prioritized investment and targeted policy support This period serves as an important phase in formulating and implementing tourism development policies at the provincial level It highlights the commitment and role of the local government in boosting destination competitiveness

4 Research Methodology

Qualitative research methods used in the dissertation include synthesis,

analysis, comparison, descriptive statistics, and expert consultation

Quantitative research methods are employed to test and measure the factors that constitute the competitiveness of the tourism destination in Ninh Binh Province The data system was collected based on surveys of managers, officials, and civil servants from departments, agencies, and the People’s Committees of districts and cities within Ninh Binh Province regarding the competitiveness level of factors contributing to the province’s tourism destination competitiveness

The survey sample was selected randomly The minimum sample size was determined according to the study by Comrey and Lee (1992):

To ensure this sample size was met after eliminating incomplete or quality responses, the researcher distributed 300 questionnaires After reviewing the returned surveys, the author identified and removed unusable ones due to missing or invalid data As a result, the final number of valid questionnaires

low-used for analysis was 276

5 Scientific Contributions of the Dissertation

Theoretical Contributions:

Building on existing research, this dissertation adopts the five key components

of provincial-level tourism destination competitiveness while supplementing and emphasizing the four roles of provincial governments—(1) policy and planning, (2) destination management, (3) destination development, and (4) inspection, supervision, and enforcement—in enhancing competitiveness, from the perspective

of economic management

The dissertation also inherits and further develops an evaluation framework based on three dimensions: Assessment of Tourism Performance Outcomes; Assessment of competitiveness components of the provincial tourism destination; Assessment of the role of provincial governments in enhancing destination competitiveness

Practical Contributions:

Based on the analysis and assessment of the current situation, the dissertation identifies five key achievements in the tourism destination competitiveness of Ninh Binh (Effective utilization and exploitation of the province’s existing advantages in natural and cultural resources; Proactive engagement by the Ninh Binh provincial government in formulating strategies and development plans; Coordinated implementation of various destination development strategies) At the same time, the dissertation highlights four significant limitations (Lack of attraction for large-scale partners and international tourism corporations with strong financial capacity and development experience; Infrastructure limitations, especially in high-end services and entertainment facilities; Shortage of skilled human resources with appropriate qualifications and soft skills for the tourism sector) Inadequate compliance with legal regulations by specific organizations and individuals involved in tourism activities The dissertation also clearly identifies two main groups of underlying causes for these limitations and, from there, proposes solutions to enhance the competitiveness of Ninh Binh’s tourism destination in the new phase of development

6 Structure of the Dissertation

Apart from the introduction, conclusion, list of references, and appendices, the main content of the dissertation is structured into four chapters

Chapter 1 LITERATURE REVIEW 1.1 STUDIES RELATED TO THE DISSERTATION

1.1.1 Overview of Studies Related to Provincial-Level Tourism Destinations

* Studies on the concept of tourism destinations:

There have been many studies with different approaches to interpreting the concept of a tourism destination One of the more widely accepted definitions is provided in the Vietnam Law on Tourism (2017), which defines a "tourism site" as "a place with tourism resources that are invested in and developed to serve tourists."

* Studies related to the structure and characteristics of tourism destinations:

Depending on the specific study and methodological approach, the structure and characteristics of a tourism destination are identified differently International studies often focus on a structure that includes the following key components: Attractions, Accessibility, Amenities, Ancillary services Meanwhile, some studies on tourism destinations in Vietnam tend to emphasize natural and cultural resources as the most significant factors

1.1.2 Overview of Studies Related to the Competitiveness of Provincial-Level Tourism Destinations

* Studies related to the concept and components of tourism destination competitiveness:

Crouch and Ritchie (1999), in their study "Tourism, Competitiveness, and Societal Prosperity," define tourism destination competitiveness as the ability of

a locality to provide unique tourism experiences that meet visitor expectations while maintaining or enhancing the economic and social well-being of the local community The study "Destination Competitiveness: Determinants and Indicators" by Dwyer and Kim (2003) expands on this concept, emphasizing that competitiveness is not solely based on natural and cultural resources but also includes supporting capabilities such as infrastructure, governance policies, and effective marketing According to Pham Trung Luong (2015), destination competitiveness is the ability to effectively utilize natural and artificial resources

to deliver tourism products that meet domestic and international visitors' demands while generating socio-economic benefits In the context of Vietnam, destination competitiveness largely depends on coordination among stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on the role of the State

Components of Tourism Destination Competitiveness: By synthesizing previous research findings, this dissertation classifies the key components of tourism destination competitiveness into five main groups: Core resources and attractions; Supporting factors and resources; Destination policy, planning and development; Destination management; Qualifying and amplifying determinants

* Studies Related to Models and Theories of Tourism Destination Competitiveness

Michael Porter (1990) states that competitive advantage can only be achieved through cost leadership, differentiation, and focus strategies Applying

Porter’s Five Forces Model to analyze the competitiveness of a tourism destination, the following key factors can be considered: The threat of substitute destinations, Pressure from alternative tourism products, Bargaining power of tourists, Bargaining power of suppliers, Rivalry among existing competitors in the industry The Resource-Based View (RBV) is a strategic approach that utilizes a firm’s internal resources and capabilities to generate competitive advantage For these resources to create a sustainable competitive advantage, they must meet the VRIO criteria: Value, Rarity, Imitability (difficult to imitate), Organization (effectively organized to exploit) According to RBV, tourism destinations must identify and develop unique resources and capabilities

to maintain competitiveness The effective combination of existing asset exploitation, management capacity development, and innovation will enable destinations to attract visitors and gain a competitive edge in the market Applying the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, destination competitiveness depends on available resources and the ability to respond to changes in visitor demand and market trends rapidly

The Tourism Destination Competitiveness Model by Ritchie and Crouch views competitiveness as synthesizing comparative and competitive advantages Comparative advantage refers to the destination’s natural or cultural attractions and supporting resources (e.g., infrastructure), while competitive advantage focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of managing and utilizing those resources The model proposed by Kim (2003) emphasizes that destination management—including the effectiveness of policies, strategies, and service delivery—is the core determinant of competitiveness Heath’s model (2003) focuses on developing specific, long-term competitive strategies tailored to the practical context of each destination In this model, close collaboration among stakeholders is essential to ensure support and consensus during strategy implementation From these discussions, it is evident that there are diverse perspectives on competitiveness However, a common consensus is that competitiveness is a key driving force for promoting economic and social development and innovation

The Ritchie and Crouch model is deemed a suitable and comprehensive framework for analyzing, testing, and evaluating the component factors of provincial-level tourism destination competitiveness due to its flexibility and holistic nature

* Studies Related to Evaluation Criteria for Provincial-Level Tourism Destination Competitiveness

The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) analyzes tourism competitiveness based on key

pillars, grouped into four main categories: Enhancing the business environment; Improving tourism policy and enabling conditions; Tourism infrastructure; Natural and cultural resources In the context of Vietnam, the Vietnam Tourism Competitiveness Index (VTCI) has been developed as an assessment tool to measure and compare the tourism sector's competitiveness across provinces and cities The VTCI is built upon a system of more than 70 indicators, organized into thematic groups to evaluate key aspects of tourism competitiveness, including: Business environment; Health and hygiene; Human resources and labor market; Prioritization of travel and tourism; Environmental sustainability; Tourism infrastructure; Natural and cultural resources

* Studies Related to the Role of Provincial Governments in Enhancing Tourism Destination Competitiveness

According to Dwyer (2000), provincial governments are central authorities responsible for policy formulation and destination planning Rational policies and effective planning provide a strategic direction for tourism development and establish a solid foundation to attract tourists and investment Under the Law on Tourism (Vietnam), the State is tasked with mobilizing all available resources to ensure tourism becomes a leading economic sector of the country Planning enables localities to attract tourists and ensure that tourism development does not adversely impact the environment or local communities

In studies related to destination management, provincial governments are responsible for the conservation of tourism resources They must also establish

an efficient tourism management structure and be responsible for advising and implementing tourism development policies within their jurisdictions Furthermore, as Mai Anh Vu (2021) emphasized, provincial governments must manage tourism business activities effectively Development strategies should promote diversification and innovation in tourism products Similarly, Nguyen

Le Phuc (2022) highlighted the necessity of collaboration and linkage between stakeholders to drive tourism growth In addition, effective monitoring and supervision by local authorities play a vital role in reducing resource losses and enhancing the efficiency of tourism investment

* Studies on Tourism in Ninh Binh

In the study “The Role of Provincial Governments in Sustainable Tourism Development in Ninh Binh” by Nguyen Manh Cuong (2016), the author analyzes the role of the Ninh Binh provincial government in developing strategies, enacting policies, and managing tourism to promote sustainable development Nguyen Anh Dung (2019) evaluated sustainable tourism development in Ninh Binh by constructing a set of criteria encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions The Nguyen Thi Minh Tan

(2021) dissertation focused on integrating tourism economic development and environmental security in Ninh Binh These studies have contributed to a better understanding of the relationship between sustainable development and tourism

in the province However, none of them have deeply analyzed the competitiveness of Ninh Binh as a tourism destination Addressing this research gap will provide a foundation for Ninh Binh to achieve stronger growth and enhance its domestic and international competitive position on the tourism map

1.2 ACHIEVED RESULTS AND RESEARCH GAPS

1.2.1 General Evaluation of Related Studies

The doctoral candidate conducted a comprehensive literature review on topics related to the dissertation and identified several key findings:

First, existing studies have clarified the concept and structural components

of provincial-level tourism destinations

Second, research on the competitiveness of provincial-level tourism destinations has established a theoretical foundation, including key definitions, component factors, competitiveness models, evaluation criteria, and the role of provincial governments in enhancing destination competitiveness

Third, studies focusing on tourism in Ninh Binh have primarily addressed the topics of sustainable tourism development and environmental security

Fourth, many solutions to improve tourism destination competitiveness have been proposed, such as regional linkages, cooperative development, destination image-building, and brand development

1.2.2 Research Gap and Research Orientation of the Dissertation

Regarding the scope of research: There is currently a lack of studies on the competitiveness of tourism destinations in Ninh Binh from the economic management perspective

Regarding research methodology, Existing studies rarely combine qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze and evaluate the components of destination competitiveness and the provincial government's role in enhancing tourism competitiveness in Ninh Binh

Regarding the components of provincial-level tourism destination competitiveness: This dissertation inherits, adapts, and proposes a set of five key components of competitiveness: Core resources and attractions; Supporting factors and resources; Destination policy, planning, and development; Destination management; Qualifying and amplifying determinants

From these identified research gaps, the dissertation focuses on addressing the following key issues:

- Based on constructing a theoretical framework for provincial tourism destination competitiveness, the study analyzes and evaluates the current

competitiveness in Ninh Binh and the provincial government's role The analysis follows four functional areas of public management: Policy and planning development; Destination management; Destination development; Inspection, supervision, and enforcement

- Grounded in the Ritchie and Crouch (2003) model and factors proposed within the theoretical framework, the dissertation employs quantitative research methods to assess the competitiveness level of the identified components in Ninh Binh

- The study proposes specific solutions aimed at improving state management functions, including:Policy formulation and planning; Destination management; Destination development; Inspection, monitoring, and evaluation, focusing on enhancing the overall competitiveness of Ninh Binh's tourism sector

The dissertation also proposes the following research framework:

Chapter 2 THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL BASIS OF COMPETITIVENESS

OF PROVINCIAL TOURISM DESTINATIONS 2.1 DISCUSSION ON PROVINCIAL TOURIST DESTINATIONS 2.1.1 Concept of provincial tourism destination

Based on the synthesis of relevant definitions, this dissertation adopts the following definition: A provincial-level tourism destination is a locality-a

Management and participation of provincial government policy and

planning

destination management

destination development

inspection, supervision, and evaluation

Provincial tourism destination competitiveness

Key Components of

Provincial-Level Tourism

Destination Competitiveness

(Core resources and

attractions; Supporting factors

and resources; Destination

policy, planning, and

development; Destination

management; Qualifying and

amplifying determinants)

province or city-that possesses attractive tourism resources, offers a variety of tourism products, and can attract and satisfy tourists who stay for at least one night

2.1.2 Characteristics of Provincial-Level Tourism Destinations

Provincial-level tourism destinations are shaped by two main groups of characteristics: natural and socio-economic Natural characteristics play a crucial role in shaping and developing tourism destinations, consisting of three key elements: Natural resources, Natural heritage, Geographical location Socio-economic characteristics reflect the level of development and potential for attracting tourists based on factors such as: Population, Labor force, Employment, Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), Total state budget revenue

2.1.3 Constituent Elements of a Provincial-Level Tourism Destination

A tourism destination comprises various elements, each playing a vital role

in creating its attractiveness and distinctive value These elements include: Tourism resources, Infrastructure, Tourism-related technical facilities, Amenities and supporting activities

2.2 COMPETITIVENESS OF PROVINCIAL-LEVEL TOURISM DESTINATIONS

2.2.1 Definition of Tourism Destination Competitiveness at the Provincial Level

* Definition of Competitiveness

Based on the definitions of competitiveness provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Michael Porter (1990), this study defines competitiveness as: The ability of a locality (at the provincial level) to generate added value, attract resources, and sustain its advantages over time

* Definition of Provincial-Level Tourism Destination Competitiveness

According to Buhalis (2000), competition was primarily measured based

on price in the early stages of tourism development Later, Crouch and Ritchie (2003) argued that destination competitiveness is not only about attracting tourists but also about increasing tourism spending, generating economic benefits, and improving the quality of life for local communities Destination competitiveness depends not only on resources and management factors but also on macroeconomic conditions, especially in global integration Destination competitiveness can be understood as the systematic use of technical methods to assess and compare destinations to identify competitive advantages This approach is vital in developing evidence-based policies and helping management agencies recognize strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to enhance competitiveness At the provincial level, destination competitiveness refers to a destination’s ability to create a competitive edge in attracting tourists

by effectively developing and managing tourism resources, infrastructure, and

services while ensuring sustainability principles and generating broad benefits for local communities

2.2.2 Key Components of Provincial-Level Tourism Destination Competitiveness

Based on a comprehensive review of relevant literature, the author adopts the Ritchie & Crouch (2003) model to test and assess the key factors that constitute tourism destination competitiveness These are grouped into five major components: Core resources and attractions; Supporting factors and resources; Destination policy, planning, and development; Destination management; Qualifying and amplifying determinants

2.2.2.1 Core Resources and Attractions

Core resources and attractions are essential elements that form the primary appeal of a tourism destination These features allow tourists to identify and choose destinations that match their preferences and needs Specifically, they include: Natural environment and climate, Culture and history, Recreational activities, Events and festivals, Attractions and landmarks, Shopping

2.2.2.2 Supporting Factors and Resources

While core resources and attractions motivate tourists to visit, their effectiveness may be significantly diminished if inaccessible or poorly supported Therefore, supporting factors play a vital role in enhancing accessibility and visitor experience and include: Infrastructure, Supplementary resources, Hospitality and service quality, Tourism-related businesses and enterprises

2.2.2.3 Destination Policy, Planning, and Development

This group of factors reflects the role of governing authorities in setting directions and strategies for tourism development It includes elements that ensure the enhancement and sustainability of destination competitiveness: Prioritization of tourism in policy, Vision and planning, Destination branding and marketing strategies, Policies and initiatives promoting destination development; Monitoring, supervision, and evaluation efforts

2.2.2.4 Destination Management

Based on established policies and plans, effective destination management ensures the proper implementation of strategies through state management bodies This involves the coordination of multiple stakeholders and the execution of tourism governance functions, including: Tourism-related organizations; Quality management of tourism services; Information, communication, and research management; Financial and investment management; Human resource development and management; Management of natural and cultural resources; Crisis management and response capabilities

2.2.2.5 Qualifying and Amplifying Determinants

These contextual or external factors can either enhance or limit the effectiveness of other competitiveness elements They influence the destination's overall capacity to compete and include: Geographical location; Safety and