Contexte – La mise en situation
What does "tourism development" mean, and how is it related to "mountain ethnic groups" in a socialist country like Vietnam? This study aims to demonstrate that tourism has become a significant process for the mountain ethnic groups in Vietnam, particularly in the A Luoi mountainous region The tourism landscape in Vietnam reflects a blend of colonial heritage and contemporary development.
Vietnam, a developing country with a population of approximately 90.73 million over an area of 331,210 km², has a thriving tourism sector The history of tourism development in Vietnam began during the French colonial period, marked by the establishment of mountain and seaside resorts These resorts catered primarily to colonists, offering both escapism and leisure activities The construction of these facilities not only created recreational environments for colonists but also served as tools for territorial control According to Peyvel, the luxurious amenities of these resorts reinforced French power against rivals and showcased colonial expansionism.
The concept of "dépayssement" describes how colonists leave the warm, humid plains and deltas, engaging in leisure activities away from their daily routines at resorts In contrast, "re-payssement" refers to their return to familiar places that resemble France, characterized by similar climates, landscapes, and architecture, which were modeled after French resorts in Vietnam during that era.
Aline Demay's thesis on tourism and colonization in Indochina (1898-1939) highlights that tourism during this era served as a demonstration of the colonizing nation's grandeur and its modernizing, civilizing force (Boukhris & Chapuis, 2016) While some locations still retain remnants of colonial architecture, the tourism of these sites as heritage is a subject of ongoing debate due to their association with a sensitive historical period In contrast, highland resorts like Da Lat and Sapa have been reappropriated by tourists, particularly domestic travelers.
The second phase of tourism development in Vietnam is a contemporary aspect of the country's overall sociocultural and economic growth By 2016, the tourism sector contributed 13% to Vietnam's GDP, growing at an average rate of 1.5 times that of the national GDP As of 2015, tourism had created over 2.2 million jobs, including 600,000 direct positions This growth has led to the construction and modernization of infrastructure in accommodation, dining, and transportation Additionally, tourism has attracted investors across various sectors In 2016, Vietnam welcomed over 10 million international tourists and 62 million domestic travelers, generating tourism revenue exceeding 400 trillion dong (approximately 16.53 million euros) The domestic tourist demographic primarily consists of skilled urban Kinh individuals employed in industrial and service sectors, with their travel preferences influenced by various contextual factors.
In his 2009 thesis on tourism in Vietnam, E Peyvel distinguishes between domestic, internal, and national tourism According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), domestic tourism encompasses the travel activities of both residents and international visitors within the country The term "domestic tourism," often used by various authors in scientific literature, refers to internal tourist mobility Our thesis employs this term to analyze internal tourism dynamics A section of our research (see Chapter 6) explores the differences in perceptions between domestic tourists and international visitors, highlighting how this distinction enhances our understanding of their perspectives, practices, and mobility skills.
The Vietnam Institute for Tourism Development Research highlights the current state of tourism in Vietnam, emphasizing both opportunities and challenges within the context of international integration The tourism sector is evolving, presenting significant potential for growth, while also facing various obstacles that need to be addressed for sustainable development This dynamic landscape requires strategic planning and innovative approaches to enhance Vietnam's position in the global tourism market.
According to the statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the exchange rate in 2016 reflects various social factors, including familial, marital, friendship, and professional connections, as well as financial resources and identity factors Internal tourism mobility in Vietnam is becoming increasingly accessible due to numerous strategies and promotions, including cooperation between public services and private enterprises, aimed at boosting domestic tourism development Often viewed as a negligible market for a country's tourism growth, domestic tourism is actively encouraged by the Vietnamese government as part of its socialist nation-building efforts.
International tourism in Vietnam, which involves foreign visitors, was largely restricted until the 1986 economic reforms Today, foreign tourists represent a significant source of revenue and are viewed as vital to economic development This sector also promotes environmental protection and heritage preservation through various tourism activities Most foreign tourists engage in beach tourism, cultural exploration of local heritage and ethnic diversity, as well as artistic, historical, and natural tourism, collectively referred to as traditional tourism The government's and public sector's commitment is essential to support the growth of this industry, positioning tourism as a key economic priority in Vietnam.
This thesis focuses on the tourism development of A Luoi, a mountainous region in central Vietnam predominantly inhabited by local ethnic groups often referred to as "ethnic minorities." The analysis of this tourism development is conducted through various associated approaches.
Each year, six domestic tourism support programs are launched, fostering collaboration between provincial tourism offices and airlines for local tours Additionally, partnerships among tourism stakeholders, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, create promotional offers aimed at domestic travelers.
7 D’après VNAT, en 2017, le nombre de touristes étrangers venant au Vietnam représente à peu près
In Vietnam, 13 million people, or one-sixth of domestic tourists, significantly contribute to the tourism sector, accounting for approximately 58% of its total revenue The geographical approach is central to understanding the dynamics of tourism, particularly concerning ethnic minorities and the unique aspects of tourism development in a socialist context, incorporating political and economic perspectives Our historical analysis will explore the evolution of tourism in Vietnam from the colonial era to the present day, shedding light on the term "tourism development" and its implications.
The concept of "tourism development" goes beyond simply having attractive elements in a location; it involves enhancing the appeal of certain features within a territory These features can include natural landscapes, environmental resources, and cultural heritage (Derioz et al., 2012: 18) According to the Geoconfluences glossary, tourism development is a process that creates a tourist destination or transforms an existing site into one that attracts tourists Cazes (1992) describes this process as a multifaceted transformation involving spatial, symbolic, environmental, cultural, economic, and political components Meanwhile, Royer emphasizes the commercial aspect, noting that tourism development leads to the commodification of knowledge and skills to attract visitors (Royer, 2013: 4).
Th Merle (2017) emphasizes the importance of tourism representations in a location and the decision-making processes and motivations of stakeholders in tourism development He argues that the process of tourism development relies on positive evolution of geographic imaginations, leading to an increase in tourism across various scales—be it city, state, or global This growth brings significant transformations in landscapes, economies, and the lifestyles of local residents.
The analysis of tourism development most closely related to our work is that of Dewailly, as referenced in Amirou et al (2005: 30-31) This study emphasizes the relationship between the stakeholders involved in tourism development and the resulting transformation of the location.
Question, objectifs et hypothèse de la recherche
This research aims to understand the tourism development in the mountainous district of A Luoi by analyzing the roles of various stakeholders involved in tourism within the region, as well as the interplay between local factors and the global context of globalization The central question of our study focuses on the modalities of tourism development in A Luoi, with an emphasis on sustainable development for these impoverished communities in central Vietnam This overarching inquiry can be broken down into several sub-questions.
(1) Quelle forme prend le tourisme ethnique au Vietnam et à A Luoi ?
(2) Quelle est la place prise par les ethnies montagnardes dans le développement touristique ? Quels sont les bénéfices pour elles ?
(3) Quelles représentations entrent en jeu entre touristes, acteurs du tourisme et les ethnies montagnardes : quelles sont leurs représentations respectives du territoire, mais aussi leurs représentations du tourisme ?
This article emphasizes the necessity of analyzing the current tourism type in the A Luoi district and the underlying actor system that supports it A thorough field study, based on interviews, is essential to assess the actual level of participation of various stakeholder groups in tourism activities.
This work is divided into three main sections: the context and methodology; the various forms of tourism organization and the role of mountain ethnic groups in tourism development in A Luoi; and the intersecting representations of tourism in A Luoi.
Nous présentons ci- ‐après le détail et le déroulement de ces trois phases de notre travail
Première partie : Contexte et méthode
This article is divided into two chapters, with the first focusing on the mountainous region of A Luoi and its local ethnic groups, who play a crucial role in tourism development It explores how tourism has been strategically chosen as a means to reduce poverty and promote local development The region's unique characteristics, shaped by its history of conflict and its sensitive geographical and political context, have significantly influenced its economic and sociocultural development.
Le chapitre premier traitera de la ô Description du terrain – Rộgion montagnarde d’A
A Luoi is a region characterized by its unique geographical location and rich economic and sociocultural attributes, heavily influenced by its historical context, particularly the American War in the 1960s, which may now serve as a draw for tourists This chapter also highlights the local ethnic groups in A Luoi, showcasing their productive and cultural activities that have the potential to enhance the area's tourist appeal.
The second chapter outlines the research methodology employed to achieve our objective, focusing significantly on identifying stakeholders in the tourism sector This chapter details the data collection approach utilized with these stakeholders and discusses the challenges encountered during the field investigation.
Deuxième partie : Les formes d’organisation du tourisme et la place des ethnies montagnardes dans la mise en tourisme à A Luoi
This section explores the nature of tourism in A Luoi and its potential ethnic tourism characteristics, while examining the role of mountain ethnic groups in tourism development Given that tourism is a highly dynamic system with interdependent and sometimes conflicting actors (Baggio, 2007; Stock et al., 2003), this part aims to identify the participants in A Luoi's tourism, distinguishing between public and private actors, as well as non-governmental organizations The data on these various groups are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively to define the tourism development model in A Luoi and interpret the relationships among actors within this system Understanding each actor's role in tourism development allows for an examination of their respective positions in the transformation of a non-touristic area into a tourist destination This section is divided into two chapters.
The third chapter, titled "The Development of Tourism in A Luoi: An Ethnic Tourism?", is divided into three subsections Initially, we will analyze the transition from mass tourism to ethnic tourism, followed by an exploration of tourism development in A Luoi This study aims to assess the role of tourism in the overall development of the region, while also considering the current position of mountain ethnic groups within the tourism sector.
The fourth chapter will focus on the roles of public and private actors in the development of tourism in A Luoi It highlights the central role of the State in tourism in Vietnam and its influence on tourism initiatives in A Luoi The chapter will examine the relationships between these actors and their connection to the territory, particularly analyzing the agreements and conflicts that arise regarding the sustainability of the tourism development they are involved in (Stock et al., 2003: 178).
Troisième partie : Représentation croisées du tourisme à A Luoi
This section focuses on examining the representations of tourism from two perspectives: those actively engaged in tourism activities and those who do not participate The aim is to explore how these stakeholders perceive themselves and each other, highlighting both the similarities and differences in their views on the tourism development of A Luoi.
The fifth chapter, titled "Representation of Tourism and Their Territory Among Mountain Ethnic Groups," examines the perceptions and imaginations of mountain ethnicities regarding tourism, portrayed as a means of poverty alleviation in A Luoi By analyzing the various tourism practices offered by stakeholders within the collective system, we explore how these practices influence mountain ethnic groups in terms of their individual and familial capacity to engage in the tourism market Additionally, we assess how they leverage initiatives aimed at promoting tourism to reclaim their cultural identities.
The sixth chapter focuses on the characteristics and expectations of tourists regarding tourism in A Luoi, particularly ethnic tourism It presents an analysis of the interviewed tourists' profiles, exploring their needs, motivations, and satisfaction levels for those who participated in A Luoi's tourist circuits Additionally, it includes their suggestions for the future development of tourism in the region.
The final chapter explores the concept of authenticity in tourism in A Luoi, beginning with definitions from the literature to propose a contextual understanding based on our field study This study simultaneously considers perspectives from both tourists and researchers Analyzing the tourism development of Viet Tien village in Hong Kim and A Luoi sheds light on the pursuit of authenticity within the region.
This thesis concludes with a summary of our research on the tourism system in A Luoi and the perceptions of tourism among various stakeholders It highlights the key scientific findings regarding the issue of ethnicity in tourism in A Luoi, Vietnam, as well as in Southeast Asian countries.
DESCRIPTION DU TERRAIN – LA REGION MONTAGNARDE D’A LUOI
A Luoi, région montagnarde enclavée à proximité de grands sites touristiques 23 1.2 Populations locales d’A Luoi – Quel genre de vie ?
We chose the A Luoi region as our study area instead of other regions due to its unique characteristics Although it may not have the same level of tourist potential as neighboring areas, our description of the terrain will justify this choice We aim to explore why certain locations have become tourist attractions, focusing on factors such as rare and exceptional resources and the representations produced by the local community (Equipe MIT, 2002: 170).
1.1.1 Situation géographique et caractéristiques a Situation géographique :
The focus of our research is a western district that serves as a border region, located to the west of Hué city in central Vietnam This district's geographical situation can be summarized in two key aspects: it is a sensitive area that is both well-positioned and relatively isolated.
A Luoi is located in the only area of the province with two border crossings to Laos, specifically at A Dot-Ta Vang and Hong Van-Cutail This region is deemed vital for the relationship between the two countries.
➢ Une rộgion ô bien positionnộe mais aussi bien isolộe ằ
A Luoi district is bordered by Phong Dien to the north, Huong Tra to the southeast, Dakrong to the northwest, and Tay Giang to the south, with Laos to the west This strategic location positions A Luoi as a crucial crossroads, significantly enhancing its connectivity with both the central coastal provinces and two provinces in Laos.
9 Les coordonnées géographiques du district d’A Luoi sont : 16 0 01'00 "à 16 0 23'20" Nord, 107 0 05'10 " à 107 0 31'10" Est
A Luoi is located 75 km from the city of Hue and is traversed by National Route 14, also known as the Ho Chi Minh Road, which stretches over 100 km through the district This mountainous region lies between Route 14 and Route 49, serving as a crucial connection between Salavan Province in Laos via the Hong Van border gate and Hue city, facilitating access to the central area and other communes of A Luoi.
The central region of Vietnam is the most mountainous area, characterized by slopes rather than large altitude stations or urban tourist resorts This mountainous territory has an elevation ranging from 680 to 1,150 meters above sea level Established in 1976, the A Luoi region covers an area of 1,224.7 square kilometers and is home to approximately 47,115 residents, resulting in an average population density of about 39 inhabitants per square kilometer.
According to Nguyen Hac Dam Thu (2013: 52), Route 14, which follows the Ho Chi Minh Trail, is an impressive achievement in a mountainous region prone to monsoon rains and devastating floods While it may not meet the conventional definition of a highway—lacking at least two lanes in each direction and bypass ramps to prevent intersections—it does feature four lanes in the central town area Despite this, traffic congestion is still minimal Vietnamese citizens take great pride in referring to it as a "highway."
11 D’après l’annuaire statistique de la province de Thua Thien Hué 2015
Carte 1 : Localisation du district d'A Luoi, province de Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
(Source : TRUONG Thi Hong Minh) b Caractéristique du terrain étudié :
The region is located within the Truong Son mountain ranges, also known as the Annamite Cordillera, stretching east and west of Truong Son The A Luoi Valley is predominantly covered by the western part of this mountain range, with the valley floor comprising approximately 25% of the natural area inhabited by the district's population The terrain is highly rugged in the eastern Truong Son, where much of the land is either barren or covered with savannas and young trees that have regrown due to chemical spraying, land clearing, and incendiary bombings during the American War in the 1960s.
Carte 2 : A Luoi, district le plus montagneux de la province de Thua Thien Hué, centre du
(D’après A Robert, modifiée par Truong Thi Hong Minh)
A Luoi, located in the northern district from Hong Thuy to A Dot and A Roang, is a basin-shaped valley traversed by part of the Ho Chi Minh highway The area along National Route 49B features alternating hills and mountains, complemented by a dense network of rivers, streams, and valleys This mountainous region is situated upstream of five major rivers, including the A Sap and Alin rivers flowing into Laos, as well as three significant rivers in Vietnam: the Bo River, the Perfume River, and the Dakrong River.
A Luoi District is located in a tropical monsoon zone, characterized by a warm and humid climate This mountainous region experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season The climate reflects a transition between the eastern and western climates of the Annamite Range, lasting from May to December, with rainfall occurring earlier and extending later than in central regions Average temperatures range between 21 and 22 degrees Celsius, resulting in a humid subtropical climate with cool summers and mild, misty winters Consequently, A Luoi is often referred to as the "second Da Lat" of Vietnam, making its unique climatic features a significant factor in promoting tourism in the area.
Figure 1 : Graphique ombrothermique du district d'A Luoi
(Source : https://en.climate- ‐data.org/location/35878/#temperature- ‐graph)
1.1.2 Un espace durablement marqué par la guerre
A Luoi is now recognized as the most mountainous region in Thua Thien Hue province and was also a significant battleground during the Vietnam War in the 1960s The war's legacy is evident today through landscape changes such as deforested land and the impact on local populations, including deformities and disabilities To understand how this area has been permanently affected by the war, we revisited its past to explore its condition before the Vietnam War We identified key historical periods related to Vietnam's history, particularly that of Thua Thien Hue, to analyze the situation and characteristics of the A Luoi region.
L’avant- ‐guerre et la période de la colonisation (1885- ‐1945)
Historically, A Luoi was a secluded area until the nineteenth century, during the French colonization At that time, the French developed plantations in the southern part of A Luoi, particularly in the central highlands near Dak Lak.
In 1904, roads were constructed in Lao Bao, Quang Tri province, to facilitate access to Laos, within territories colonized by the French Following the development of infrastructure, the French relocated the Kinh people to these areas for coffee plantation exploitation (Uesugi, 2011: 52) However, the French presence in A Luoi was minimal, leaving the region isolated McElwee (2008) attributes this absence to the challenging access and limited agricultural potential, rendering A Luoi economically insignificant during the colonial period Within the broader context of French Indochina, which included Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam under a single colonial power, A Luoi did not represent a major strategic interest and remained largely unaffected by economic activities and political governance.
De la guerre franỗaise à la guerre amộricaine (1946-ư‐1975)
We emphasize this critical period that has profoundly impacted the territory, creating a landscape permanently scarred by war, affecting both nature and the mountain ethnic groups Our analysis examines the actions of both the Americans and the Viet Cong to illustrate how the A Luoi Valley was devastated by both sides during the conflict.
The proximity to Laos made A Luoi a key military strategy location during the war that began in 1945, marked by the establishment of a seasonal two-kilometer airstrip at A Co and a military post at A So (Maître (dir.), 2013: 115) This base was restored in 1953 as part of a strategy to secure military relations between Vietnam and Laos (ibid.) At that time, the A Luoi valley did not attract much attention from French military forces; however, they conducted patrols to locate fighters, often retaliating against local inhabitants whom they deemed "coolies."