A: Method and Indicator System for Assessing Ecotourism Potential

Step 5: Score each factor

Step 1: Build a rating scale

Overall rating

Evaluate each component

expert (see appendix 16a).

Figure 1: Comprehensive assessment model

This method has also been applied to evaluate in some localities in the region such as Thua Thien Hue... However, in this section, although the method is the same, through reviewing the studies , we have proposed a standard system with some different points for evaluation.

General assessment and ranking

* Calculate total score

After calculating the factors' scores, the total score is calculated as follows:

- Calculate the total score of the evaluation factors

n

F= 

i=1

Mi*Xi

(1)

- Calculate the score of the factors :

n

F = M i X i i  1

(2)

In which: Mi: is the multiplier; Xi: Evaluation index; i= 1 n ; n: number of elements

In current research, people use both scoring methods. The scoring method will have advantages when the resource is still too wild or located in a sensitive area such as: located in a defense area... so that resource is attractive to

cannot be exploited for DLST anywhere. In this thesis we use the calculation method

total score because the resources considered have all been put in place for the development of ecotourism.

*Resource Point Classification

Second way: Apply Avasian's formula (1988). Distance between levels

can be calculated by

S = S max - S min

1+LogH (1)

S max: Maximum suction value ; S min: Minimum suction value ;

Yes , can meet 1-2 types of tourism .

+ Poor (1 point ): Monotonous landscape , rich and diverse ecosystem, atypical , can only organize 1 type of tourism.

b. Safety (ecological and social)

- Very safe (4 points): No cases of instability in security, ecology and natural disasters; no terrorism , harassment, theft, robbery, kidnapping, street vending , begging, no epidemics.

- Quite safe (3 points): Has the above characteristics, however, there are only occasional harassment, begging, and street vending.

- Average (2 points): No robbery, extortion, terrorism,

kidnapping, natural disasters, epidemics, however, begging and street vending activities are still active.

- Poor (1 point): There is robbery , kidnapping, epidemic, threat to life.

human life , infringe on the property of tourists.

c. Connectivity

- Very good (4 points): There are at least 4 additional tourist resource points (including natural and human) located near the considered point within a radius of no more than 25 km, and 30 km for islands.

- Good (3 points ): There are 2 - 3 more tourist resource points within the area .

The point of consideration is not more than 25 km, except for islands, it is 30 km.

- Average (2 points): There is only 1 additional tourist resource point within 25 km.

- Poor (1 point ): There are no other linked tourism resource points within a 25 km radius of the considered point.

d. Tourism infrastructure and technical facilities

- Very good (4 points): Tourism infrastructure and technical facilities are synchronous and fully equipped; convenient access by road, river... with all types of accommodation, food and beverage facilities and services that meet standards, and sufficient additional services.

- Good (3 points): Tourism infrastructure and technical facilities are synchronous and convenient.

convenient access, with full range of accommodation , dining and entertainment services.

- Average (2 points): Infrastructure and technical facilities are not yet synchronized.

( lacking some elements such as: electricity supply, water supply and drainage, communication and some services ...).

- Poor (1 point): Tourism infrastructure and technical facilities are in poor condition or

low quality or lacking in many, difficult to get to those points, time consuming.

The above criteria have different levels of impact on tourist attraction. Therefore, to have an accurate overall assessment, it is necessary to determine the multiplier for each criterion according to its level of impact. Based on the overall score after multiplying the coefficient, tourism resource points will be divided into 3 types as follows :

- Type with high tourist attraction: Tourist resource points in the group

This has the potential to attract both international and domestic visitors.

- Medium attractiveness: Tourist resources in this group are currently capable of attracting mainly domestic visitors. To attract international visitors, there must be a larger investment.

- Low attraction type: Tourist resource spots in this group only have

ability to attract local customers.

1.2. Assessment of the ability to exploit ecotourism resources

In addition to the criteria of attractiveness, safety, connectivity, and tourism infrastructure, people also use three other criteria: seasonality, sustainability, and tourist capacity of each resource point.

- Seasonality is determined by the number of suitable days in the year for organizing tourism activities, welcoming and serving the needs of tourists. The seasonality of resources is affected by many factors, including the number of types of organizations.

- Sustainability is the ability to preserve and maintain natural components and parts under pressure from tourism activities and natural phenomena.

Type 1 : This type of tourism resourcehas many advantages in terms of exploitation potential.