Assessing the determinants of ecotourism site management efficiency in the Mekong Delta Region

Abstract

 This research aims to identify and assess the influence of key determinants on the
effectiveness of ecotourism destination management within national parks and nature reserves
in the Mekong Delta. A survey was administered to 250 respondents, comprising experts, tourism
regulatory bodies, protected area management authorities, and ecotourism operators, yielding
Phạm Quang Triều và CS.
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241 valid questionnaires. Utilizing a structural research model alongside measurement and
hypothesis testing techniques, the results reveal that the majority of examined factors exert a
positive and significant impact on ecotourism destination management performance. Among
these, security and safety assurance emerges as the most influential determinant, whereas
planning and investment quality exhibits the weakest effect. The model accounts for 32% of the
total variance, suggesting a satisfactory level of fit whilst simultaneously highlighting the need
for future research to explore omitted variables. Drawing upon these empirical insights, the paper
puts forward several practical recommendations, advocating for the prioritization of safety and
security measures, the enhancement of service quality and human resource development, the
modernization of tourist information systems, and the formulation of proactive climate change
response strategies to ensure the sustainable and effective governance of ecotourism destinations
in the region.