Assessment of tourism-economy-ecology development potential in Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam

Abstract Despite its vast area of stunning natural scenery, Ba Be District in Bac Kan Province is still considered underdeveloped compared to its tourism potential. The tourism–economy–ecology (TEE) model has been proposed to enhance tourism while improving local livelihoods and preventing the negative impacts often associated with conventional tourism investments. To assess the feasibility and identify potential challenges for implementing this model in Ba Be, this article employed the Entropy Weight Method (EWM), the Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) model, and Obstacle Degree Analysis (ODA) to evaluate the TEE system from 2021 to 2024. The major findings indicate that TEE implementation contributed to significant growth in several areas, particularly environmental management. Coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders were key to promoting the rate of implementation. However, the overall level of tourism development remained modest compared to the rapid improvements in the economic and ecological dimensions. Furthermore, TEE implementation shifted the nature of challenges: from a shortage of tourists to issues such as the lack of professional guided tours and insufficient tourism infrastructure. These findings open up opportunities to stimulate tourism growth within the limits of sustainable environmental management, with joint efforts from investors in promotion and infrastructure development. In addition, cultural values should be emphasized in future strategies, with clear targets for developing tourism that reflects the unique identity of Ba Be and Bac Kan. This cultural foundation can play a critical role in fostering tourism that supports local livelihoods, particularly those of vulnerable groups.