Community Based Tourism

Finding the Euilibrium in the COMCEC Context

negative impacts of tourism (Kibicho, 2003). For this reason, the protection of the touristic

attraction (the environment and the community itself) largely depends on the collaboration

level of the community in tourism planning, development and execution. Therefore,

participation of all stakeholders including ordinary members of the community, decision-

makers within the community, tourism professionals, tourism businesses and NGOs have to

collaborate for effective CBT applications. Community participation can be achieved

through their active involvement in three domains:

Information gathering through household surveys, interviews, field

observations, document analysis, and informal discussions

Tourism decision-making process, to ensure that they get expected benefits from

tourism, that their lifestyles and values are respected

Employment opportunities - inclusive of the underprivileged, e.g. women and

poor, to work, to invest in and to operate small scale businesses.

1.5.3. Benefits of Community-Based Tourism

CBT has been supported by different international organizations due to its objectives of

community empowerment and ownership, social and economic development, conservation

of natural and cultural resources, and a high quality visitor experience by integrating all

stakeholders in tourism planning and development processes aiming creation of resources

for the community itself (SNV-Netherlands Development Organization, 2001; World Bank,

2013). Besides protecting local cultures from the sweeping influence of globalization, CBT

contributes to locals’ wellbeing, by developing infrastructure (transportation, water,

electricity and telecommunication networks) and superstructure (legal and institutional

structure of health, safety, security, civil rights, environmental, heritage and cultural

preservation) to ensure basic human needs for not only touristic enjoyment but also locals

(Asker et al, 2010; Goodwin & Santilli, 2009; Thailand CBT Institute, 2013). It provides,

expands and improves sources of livelihood and opportunities to earn income, which is

often times used for basic living material, education, healthcare and clothes, and building

houses (SNV, 2001).

The CBT participatory development process empowers local community members by

building the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to take control over their land and

resources, to tap their potential and to direct tourism development in their communities.

CBT stimulates increased community cooperation and participation, providing new roles

and improved voice for unskilled youth, women, elderly, indigenous, marginalized, non-

elite, poor and disadvantaged minority groups. All-inclusive community participation in

tourism planning results in shared decision-making, equitable distribution of resources,

consensus over community’s direction, sharing of local knowledge about local assets and

issues (Medeiros de Araujo and Bramwell, 1999; Okazaki, 2008).

Ideally speaking, when CBT is conducted effectively, the results are supposed to be minimal

costs and maximum benefits of tourism. If effective and successful, CBT may lead to healthy

economic development, cultural and environmental awareness, cross-cultural

understanding and peace, sustainable destination development, successful destination