What Is Community Based Tourism? How Does It Benefit People?

We all love traveling and exploring new places, don’t we? Meeting new people, visiting iconic landmarks, and collecting unforgettable memories or unique souvenirs are often the highlights of any adventure. But have you ever stopped to wonder if we can make several contributions to society while doing so? What if your travel could help improve a village, maintain long-standing customs, and save our natural areas for future generations to enjoy? This is where “community based tourism” comes in, a type of travel that will fulfill your passion for discovery while supporting the exact locations and locals that inspire you. You might say that it’s like a cause that you are pursuing. It’s incredible how a journey may lead to a better and more sustainable world. Therefore, in this article let’s take a look at what community based tourism is all about and how it benefits the people.

What Is Community Based Tourism?

Community-Based Tourism (CBT)  can be described as tourism through which the money earned directly benefits the whole community. This is more a part of sustainable tourism as it emphasizes on practicing sustainable practices that respect the local culture, tradition, etc. CBT enables local communities to work together with other stakeholders to develop opportunities for employment, participation in conservation, and running of enterprises either collectively, or by local individuals or families. In this form of tourism, local communities play a central role in planning, managing, and benefiting from tourism activities.

Benefits Of Community Based Tourism:

1. Cultural Preservation: As a tourist we get out and meet new people our main goal is to enjoy their culture, cuisine, historic monuments and more. In doing so one of the greatest benefit from community- based tourism is the preservation of local culture. Therefore, by engaging directly with the locals we learn a lot about how some customs traditions take place. We also learn new cuisines and local dishes that are made with love and in a certain traditional way. When communities share their stories and work, there’s a renewed sense of pride and value in their heritage. It shows how they want to preserve their culture. Additionally, tourism revenue can support cultural preservation efforts, such as the maintenance of traditional crafts, festivals, and historical sites, ensuring that these practices continue for future generations.

2. Community Empowerment: Community-based tourism allows locals to express themselves and examine how tourism is run in their community. This gives them the authority to refrain tourists from doing anything improper or unlawful within their area. The community actively chooses its own destiny rather than having high-ranking officials or outsiders make decisions. This keeps everyone in the community together and empowers not just one person. In the community, this fosters self-assurance and leadership abilities.

3. Employment Opportunities: Tourism in local communities creates a range of employment opportunities, particularly in areas where job prospects may be limited. Roles in hospitality, guiding, transportation, and local crafts can all be developed to meet the needs of tourists. This diversification of employment helps reduce poverty, especially in rural areas, where people may otherwise depend on subsistence farming or other less stable forms of income. Community-based tourism helps stabilize the local economy and fosters a more resilient workforce by providing jobs that can support families for the long term.

4. Female Empowerment:

Community-based tourism has the potential to empower women by providing them with new opportunities for employment, leadership, and financial independence. In many regions, women may traditionally have fewer chances to engage in economic activities outside the home, but tourism opens doors for them to lead homestay programs, participate in handicraft production, and take on roles as tour guides or hospitality managers. By involving women in tourism projects, communities can ensure that both men and women benefit equally from tourism revenues, helping to reduce gender inequality.

5. Conservation Efforts: One of the core principles of community-based tourism is environmental sustainability. As local communities are directly involved in the management of tourism, they are more likely to prioritize the conservation of their natural resources, such as forests, wildlife, and water sources. Tourism income can be invested in local conservation initiatives, like wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and eco-friendly infrastructure. When visitors see firsthand the efforts communities make to protect their environments, they are more likely to adopt responsible travel practices and support sustainable tourism.

6. Visiting of unique places: Community-based tourism often leads to the discovery of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. These lesser-known places may not be featured in typical tourist itineraries, offering a more personalized and authentic travel experience. Visitors are able to explore rural villages, remote landscapes, and cultural sites that are not overcrowded by mass tourism. By visiting these unique destinations, tourists not only enrich their own travel experiences but also help spread the benefits of tourism to areas that may otherwise be overlooked.

7. Makes you a responsible tourist: Community-based tourism encourages travelers to adopt a more mindful and responsible approach to their trips. Instead of just consuming experiences, responsible tourists become active participants in local cultures, respecting the customs, traditions, and natural environments they encounter. This form of tourism also promotes sustainability, as travelers are more likely to support eco-friendly businesses, reduce waste, and engage in ethical practices, all of which contribute to a more sustainable travel industry. Being a responsible tourist means understanding that your actions can have a positive or negative impact, and community-based tourism fosters the kind of travel that minimizes harm and maximizes benefits to both the traveler and the host community.

Challenges Of Community Based Tourism:

1. Higher Prices: As CBT often focuses on small-scale, locally-run businesses, the costs for services may be higher compared to mass tourism options. This can make it less affordable for some travelers.

2. Dependent on Tourism: Communities may become overly reliant on tourism for income, making them vulnerable to economic downturns, political instability, or natural disasters that affect visitor numbers.

3. Commercialization of Traditions and Customs: There’s a risk that cultural practices and traditions might be altered or diluted to cater to tourist expectations, leading to the loss of authenticity.

4. Environmental Damage: Increased tourism, even in small numbers, can strain local ecosystems and resources, leading to pollution, habitat degradation, and overuse of natural resources.

5. Community Participation: Ensuring active and equal participation from all members of the community can be challenging, especially in areas with social or economic inequality.

6. Developing Youth Training: Young people may lack the necessary skills or interest in tourism-related work, which can hinder the long-term sustainability of CBT projects.

7. Language and Lack of Resources: Limited access to education and resources can make it difficult for local communities to effectively communicate with tourists or manage the technical aspects of tourism operations.

Examples of CBT Projects In Various Parts Of The World

1. Homestay Programs in Nepal

Homestay programs in Nepal allow travelers to stay in local villagers’ homes, providing them with a firsthand experience of Nepalese culture and lifestyle. These programs offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local community, enjoy authentic meals, and learn about traditional customs and farming practices. The income generated from these homestays directly benefits the host families, helping to improve their livelihoods while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

2. The Maasai Mara and Community Conservancies, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is known for its breathtaking wildlife and stunning landscapes, but it is also home to numerous indigenous Maasai communities. Through community-based tourism, local Maasai people collaborate with conservation groups to create sustainable tourism models that protect wildlife, support their way of life, and generate income for local communities. The Maasai Mara Conservancies and other similar projects involve Maasai landowners and community members in wildlife conservation, guiding tours, and managing cultural heritage sites.

3. The Andean Community Tourism, Peru

In Peru, community-based tourism projects such as those in the Sacred Valley provide tourists with an immersive experience in rural Andean life. Travelers can stay with local families, participate in traditional farming and handicraft activities, and learn about Incan heritage. The programs are often run by local cooperatives that manage the income generated from tourism, ensuring it stays within the community.