Community‐Based Tourism in Ba Bể Lake, Vietnam: Challenges, Local Roles, and Governance for Sustainable Development

ABSTRACT Community‐based tourism (CBT) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to mass tourism, emphasizing local participation, cultural preservation, and equitable benefit‐sharing. This study explores the dynamics of CBT development in Ba Bể Lake, Bắc Kạn Province, Vietnam, through a qualitative design using semi‐structured interviews with 20 local stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) factors influencing CBT development, including loss of cultural authenticity and limited tourism products; (2) the role of residents as providers of authentic experiences, constrained by weak organizational structures and communication gaps; and (3) governance and benefit‐sharing challenges, such as unclear land‐use regulations and monopolistic control of resources. These findings extend empowerment theory, social exchange theory, and common‐pool resource governance frameworks while highlighting the importance of authenticity and co‐creation in CBT. Practical implications include strengthening governance, diversifying tourism products, enhancing community capacity, and preserving cultural heritage to ensure sustainable tourism development.