Abstract

Tourism is a key economic sector with significant potential to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This study examines the role of community-based ecotourism (CBE) in empowering ethnic minority women in Hữu Liên commune, Lạng Sơn province, Vietnam as a case study, with a focus on perceptions of CBE and barriers related to digital transformation. Data from interviews and focus groups indicate that while women are increasingly familiar with digital tools, their skills in digital marketing, content creation, and tourism planning remain underdeveloped. The study underscores the urgent need for short-term measures aligned with a long-term vision to address these gaps and support sustainable tourism development. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and development organizations seeking to enhance gender equality and empower women in the digital era, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 5.B.