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Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important factor in building a strong economy for a country, particularly in developing and emerging markets. Both domestic enterprises and policy makers have been motivated to attract FDI for the benefits of FDI, such as technological transfers, spillover benefits, and rising competition. There is a need for a functional model to assess how the competitive index affects FDI attractiveness. Therefore, in this study, the authors use an integrated model of Grey Delphi, the Data Envelopment Analysis Super Slack-Based Measure Model (DEA–Super SBM), and the Malmquist Model (DEA–Malmquist) to evaluate the FDI attractiveness of Vietnamese provinces from 2017 to 2021. Firstly, ten critical dimensions of the provincial competitive index (PCI) affecting the number of FDI by cases and amount of FDI capital were validated via the Grey Delphi method. Secondly, the Super-SBM model is applied to assess the FDI efficiency of 63 provinces in Vietnam from 2017 to 2021. Then, the DEA–Malmquist model is employed to analyze the total change in the productivity of 63 provinces’ FDI performance in Vietnam. The findings of this study revealed that the efficiency of FDI in Vietnam’s provinces is relatively low, and there is a significant variation in the attractiveness of FDI among the provinces. This study can provide valuable insights for policy makers and other stakeholders in developing effective strategies to attract FDI and foster economic development.

Sustainable ecotourism has become a strategy to balance tourism growth with environmental and sociocultural considerations. This study aims to propose an integrated approach of the Delphi technique and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) based on fuzzy set theory to investigate sustainable ecotourism indicators in Belize. The study covers six dimensions: environmental, social, cultural, economic, political, and intrinsic. Firstly, the Fuzzy Delphi technique constructs a comprehensive set of indicators with expert consensus, resulting in 51 relevant and representative indicators out of the initial 63. Secondly, the Fuzzy DEMATEL approach is then applied to analyze the interdependencies among indicators and identify their causal relationships, providing insights into the complex dynamics of sustainable ecotourism in Belize. The results provide a structured decision-making framework to prioritize actions, allocate resources effectively, and promote sustainable practices in the ecotourism sector. Therefore, these findings enhance the understanding of indicator interconnections across dimensions, enabling informed decision making for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers. Policymakers can develop policies and regulations that foster sustainable practices, while industry practitioners can enhance visitor experiences, engage with local communities, and ensure the industry’s long-term viability. Researchers can further investigate specific dimensions and indicators to advance the knowledge and implementation of sustainable ecotourism. Finally, this investigation supports the goal of achieving a harmonious and sustainable balance between tourism development and environmental preservation in Belize. By safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of the region, sustainable ecotourism can benefit present and future generations.