Estimating tourism values of the World Heritage Ha Long Bay

Abstract

The world natural heritage site of Halong Bay provides significant use and non-use values, which result in substantial socio-economic benefits. This study uses the Travel Cost Method (TCM) to estimate the landscape and recreational value of the world natural heritage site of Halong Bay. The results show that the tourism value of Halong Bay was 12.4 trillion VND in 2020, and the surplus value per tourist was 88,750 VND per visit. Survey results also indicate that tourists highly value the natural landscape of Halong Bay and are willing to pay to protect its values. The study's findings are significant in helping policymakers determine policies to preserve and conserve this internationally important natural heritage.