Son Doong Cave

Purpose: Using the cable car project proposed in Son Doong Cave (the world’s largest cave with outstanding heritage values), Vietnam as a case study, the dissertation aims to analyse the impacts of expanding access to natural heritage sites in four elements: economy, environment, social culture and conservation heritage value.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This research will follow a deductive study. Firstly, it reviews the concept of sustainable tourism, natural heritage value, management effectiveness evaluation at the protected area and stakeholder behaviour. Afterwards, it will discuss sustainable tourism in developing countries, heritage sites; stakeholder behaviour about the linkage; management effectiveness and expanding access to heritage area. This paper will be able to evaluate the current adventure tour in Son Doong compare with the potential outcome of the cable car project might bring to the region by analysing stakeholder perception. Assessing and maintaining high conservation value areas is central to compliance with several critical voluntary sustainability standards. The author conducted ten in-depth semi-structured interviews in the case of Son Doong cave from three groups of stakeholders: local people, visitors and expert. 
Findings: The paper proves that sustainable tourism and heritage can coexist for long term development. The research finds out that the different behaviour of stakeholders does not depend on the type of group but depend on their understanding of sustainable tourism, natural heritage value, their knowledge about the cave, education and background. The current adventure tour in Son Doong cave has some success but still have issues. The cable car project is perceived negatively and refused by all groups of stakeholder.
Practical implications: Tour company, local authority and heritage site manager need to consider to have a proper long term plan for the region. Reviewing local communities’ perceptions and experts’ suggestions are one of the factors that contribute to the success of the tourism plan. However, the education and raising awareness of local people and visitors about the conservation value are necessary and the priority mission.