What is the essence of community-based tourism?

The essence of community-based tourism centers around empowering local communities through tourism initiatives. This approach places emphasis on involving local people in the tourism development process, ensuring that they have a stake in the benefits that tourism can bring. Community-based tourism is designed to foster socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability while allowing visitors to have authentic and meaningful interactions with the community.

Engaging local populations helps them to retain control over their resources and the direction of tourism development, leading to improved livelihoods and enhanced cultural exchanges. By prioritizing the community’s needs and aspirations, this model contrasts sharply with other forms of tourism that may prioritize large-scale developments or external corporations without adequate regard for local interests.