Abstract for: Towards a shared systems model of stakeholders in tourism development in the Cat Ba biosphere reserve of Vietnam

Tourism is a dynamic and complex system, which involves numerous stakeholders, each with different understandings of the system and holding different management objectives. These different expectations result in unforeseen conflicts among stakeholders that could negatively affect the development of tourism. This paper describes a participatory systems approach to develop a shared understanding amongst stakeholders of the tourism system in the UNESCO designated Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam. The process includes the development of a systems model that represents a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness and relationships between the various tourism system components that impact on the sustainable development of tourism in the biosphere reserve. The model is intended for use as a framework for decision making and capacity development by government and private stakeholders who share the responsibility of developing, managing and sustaining the system.