Nurturing sustainability through community-based tourism

Minh-Phuong Thi Duong
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ton Duc Thang University

March 23, 2025

“Kitty’s game is that simple. With that said, vigilance is coded into every cell of the birds. Kingfisher, however, tends to think differently. He observes the whole situation. With his wisdom and experience, he slowly reaches out and makes friends with Kitty.”

—In “Brotherhood”; Wild Wise Weird [1]

[SCICOMM]

Community-based tourism (CBT) has emerged as a transformative approach to sustainable development, fostering local empowerment, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation. Unlike traditional tourism models dominated by large corporations, CBT prioritizes local ownership and equitable economic benefits, ensuring that tourism serves communities rather than exploiting them [2].

In the Cordillera region of the Philippines, rural tourism has become a catalyst for economic revitalization, reshaping the travel industry by integrating culture, nature, and local cuisine into immersive experiences. Villages that once remained hidden from mainstream tourism are now thriving as community-driven tourism hubs. These destinations offer visitors unique, authentic interactions, such as guided forest walks, indigenous dance performances, and “slow food” dining experiences featuring locally sourced ingredients [3].

Food plays a crucial role in CBT, serving as both a cultural bridge and a vehicle for economic development. In Mpondoland, South Africa, community tourism initiatives leverage indigenous culinary traditions to attract visitors while preserving local knowledge and enhancing nutritional well-being. By integrating traditional foods into tourism experiences, communities safeguard their heritage and create new livelihood opportunities [4].



CBT’s strength lies in its ability to balance environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability. The coastal town of Noosa, Australia, exemplifies this holistic approach. Through inclusive planning and governance, Noosa has successfully maintained ecological integrity while fostering economic growth and a strong sense of community identity [5]. This model demonstrates that sustainable tourism is not just about limiting negative impacts but also about actively enhancing local well-being.

Despite its many benefits, implementing CBT presents challenges. Equitable revenue distribution, environmental management, and cultural authenticity require ongoing community participation and adaptive governance [2]. Without meaningful local engagement, CBT risks being co-opted by external commercial interests, diluting its intended impact [6]. Therefore, long-term success depends on fostering inclusive decision-making and ensuring that community members remain at the forefront of tourism development.

As the global tourism industry faces increasing pressure to align with sustainability goals, CBT stands out as a viable, ethical alternative to conventional tourism. By prioritizing local agency, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation, CBT redefines tourism as a force for resilience and renewal. Moving forward, expanding and refining CBT practices will be essential in addressing environmental challenges and promoting more just and sustainable forms of development [6].

Through CBT, communities worldwide can harness their cultural and natural assets to create tourism models that not only sustain local livelihoods but also strengthen social cohesion and environmental responsibility.

References

[1] Vuong QH. (2024). Wild Wise Weird. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG2NNHY6/

[2] Jamal T, Dredge D. (2014). Tourism and community development issues. In R Sharpley, D Telfer (Eds.). Tourism and Development (pp.178-204). Channel View Publications.

[3] Travel and Tour World. (2025). Cordillera’s new rural tourism boom: How hidden villages are reshaping the travel industry. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/cordilleras-new-rural-tourism-boom-how-hidden-villages-are-reshaping-the-travel-industry/

[4] Giampiccoli A, Kalis JH. (2012). Tourism, food, and culture: Community-based tourism, local food, and community development in Mpondoland. Culture, Agriculture, Food and Environment, 34(2), 101-123. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2153-9561.2012.01071.x

[5] Richins H. (2008). Environmental, cultural, economic and socio-community sustainability: a framework for sustainable tourism in resort destinations. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 11, 785-800. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-008-9143-6

[6] Nguyen MH. (2024). How can satirical fables offer us a vision for sustainability? Visions for Sustainability. https://ojs.unito.it/index.php/visions/article/view/11267