This paper raises questions concerning the complexity of the term “community” when dealing with community-based tourism initiatives. It highlights the difficulty of translating into practice the paradigm of “community-based tourism”. Through a case study of tourism in the multi-ethnic village of Viscri, Romania, the paper discusses the operational role that a network of both internal and external actors may play in piloting tourism initiatives that produce benefits for communities that are unaccustomed to participatory development processes due to various barriers. The study highlights the key role played by a local leader and an external foundation in building a network that, thanks to the bonding and bridging relations activated, led the community towards a form of sustainable tourism development and a broader amelioration of the social conditions. The network described can be replicated in other geographical contexts, provided there is strong local leadership and also international interests and donors. In the long term, however, the network needs to be strengthened by involving other actors, above all local authorities. They are needed to assure the basis for long-term empowerment, participation in decision-making and progressive diversification of economic activities
This study investigates the inter-relationships among local museums, cultural tourism and community development. The experience of Mamoiada, a Sardinian village where a museum focusing on local cultural heritage was opened in 2002, is examined. Data collected on visitors to the museum and local tourism businesses reveal that this destination has achieved an early stage of cultural tourism development with positive economic and social implications. So far, the activities of the museum fit into the broader local system, adding value to the existing resources and community's capabilities, and suggesting that, if done well, a museum based on local culture can be a catalyst for development.
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