SPATIAL PLANNING ALIGNMENT AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: EVIDENCE FROM VAN PHONG ECONOMIC ZONE, KHANH HOA PROVINCE

Abstract

Tourism development in coastal economic zones requires effective coordination across governance levels and sectors to ensure sustainability. This study examines the role of planning alignment in shaping sustainable tourism development within the Van Phong Economic Zone. Drawing on theories of integrated spatial planning and multi-level governance, the study conceptualizes planning alignment as a two-dimensional construct consisting of vertical alignment (across governance levels) and horizontal alignment (across sectors), with spatial governance acting as a mediating mechanism. A qualitative case study approach is employed, using systematic content analysis of key policy documents, including Decisions No. 1138/QĐ-UBND (2025) and No. 1653/QĐ-UBND (2025). The analysis focuses on policy coherence, land-use coordination, and sectoral integration in coastal planning. Findings indicate that improved vertical alignment enhances policy consistency and land-use efficiency, while horizontal alignment reduces conflicts between industrial development and tourism-oriented land use. These effects are operationalized through spatial governance mechanisms such as zoning regulations, land allocation systems, and inter-agency coordination. The study contributes by operationalizing the concept of planning alignment within coastal economic zones and highlighting the mediating role of spatial governance. It provides policy-relevant insights for improving integrated planning systems in emerging coastal destinations and offers a transferable framework for sustainable tourism development in similar contexts.