Community-based tourism development model and community participation

  • 2018
  • Research / Study
  • South Africa
  • Durban University of Technology (Department of Hospitality and Tourism); Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society TREES (North-West University)

This paper explores the relationship between Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) and CBT by proposing a model depicting the various stages of TALC in relation to CBT, community participation and type of tourist.

The research indicates, first, that the understandings of community participation and its relationship with CBT need to be more precise to show that CBT is in itself participatory (the community itself initiates and drives the development).

Secondly, the findings indicate that tourism development at destinations go through stages during which CBT is gradually jeopardized and marginalized by outsiders and local elite. Tourism destination control, as a consequence of CBT, increases potential growth through external stakeholder support which is important.

More research is required to investigate, understand and enhance the role of CBT in tourism destinations for the benefits of the local community and disadvantaged (poorest and socio-economically marginalized) – people in particular.