A periodization of the development of Vietnam's tourism accommodation since the open door policy

Abstract

This paper proposes that the development of the tourism accommodation sector in Vietnam, since the inauguration of the open door policy within the reform programme of doi moi, can be divided into five periods. This periodization is based on a study and analysis of the evolving roles of accommodation-providers in Vietnam tourism and the shifting patterns of state-owned enterprises, foreign direct investment and private businesses/small and medium-sized enterprises in this sector. Each period, and each transition between consecutive periods, is investigated in terms of the dynamics of interrelations between public, private and foreign operators, and the interaction of the accommodation sector with other political, social and economic factors in Vietnam during this era of transition. The paper concludes by identifying factors and trends that best characterize the evolution of Vietnam's tourism accommodation sector over the last two decades.