"Unpacking Community-Based Tourism: Attributes, Benefits, and Developmental Impacts"

Abstract

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is an innovative approach to tourism that integrates local community participation, aiming to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits. This study delves to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role in enhancing local socio-economic and environmental conditions. The research focuses on two main objectives first, to identify the core attributes and benefits of CBT and second, to analyze its effects on community development.

To achieve the objectives, an exploratory quantitative research methodology was employed. Primary data were gathered through a structured survey distributed to a diverse sample of 50 respondents, including community members involved in CBT, tourism experts, and tourists. This survey sought to capture perceptions and experiences related to developments and impacts of CBT. The collected data were analyzed using percentage-based descriptive statistics to elucidate the prevalence and intensity of various CBT attributes and benefits. Additionally, secondary data were reviewed to explore exiting literature on the attributes and benefits of CBT.

This research highlighted the importance of aligning CBT initiatives with the needs and capacities of the communities they aim to benefit, ensuring that these initiatives are not only socially and environmentally beneficial but also economically viable. Furthermore, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and provides actionable insights for stakeholders involved in the planning, implementation, and management of CBT projects.