Social networking, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism development in Da Nang, Vietnam.

This article examines how social networking among diverse tourism stakeholders contributes to environmental sustainability at Da Nang City, a popular destination in central Vietnam. Using social network theory (SNT) and a case study approach, the research identifies key actors—including environmental NGOs, non-profit organisations, tourism businesses, government bodies, and resident groups—and highlights platforms such as Facebook and bridging actors that facilitate information sharing and coordination. Two main strategies, community pride building and "act and change," are shown to enhance environmental awareness, place attachment, and environmentally friendly behaviors, which collectively supported successful collective actions like the "Save Son Tra" campaign to protect local biodiversity. The study underscores the role of networking in fostering stakeholder involvement and sustainability awareness, offering practical insights for managing nature-based tourism destinations.