An Integrated Approach to “Sustainable Community-Based Tourism”

Abstract

Two rich knowledge domains have been evolving along parallel pathways in tourism studies: sustainable tourism (ST) and community-based tourism (CBT). Within both lie diverse definitions, principles, criteria, critical success factors and benefits sought or outcomes desired, advocated by different stakeholders ranging from quasi-governmental and non-profit organizations to public-private sector and academic interests. This poses significant challenges to those interested in theory building, research and practice in the sustainable development and management of tourism. The paper builds on a previous article published in Sustainability by presenting an integrated framework based on a comprehensive, in-depth review and analysis of the tourism-related literature. The study reveals not just common ground and differences that might be anticipated, but also important sustainability dimensions that are lagging or require much greater attention, such as equity, justice, ethical and governance issues. A preliminary framework of "sustainable community-based tourism" (SCBT) is forwarded that attempts to bridge the disparate literature on ST and CBT. Critical directions forward are offered to progress research and sustainability-oriented practices towards more effective development and management of tourism in the 21st century.

Leveraging Small-Scale Sport Events: Challenges of Organising, Delivering and Managing Sustainable Outcomes in Rural Communities, the Case of Gorski kotar, Croatia

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“…This approach provides more opportunities to learn from and create strategies that will influence and focus on the benefits of events during the planning stage. However, leveraging should not be limited to the event organisers, and should include input from other community stakeholders, interested and/or responsible for local development [37,38]. The formation of strategic alliances in various forms (i.e., private-public partnerships, partnerships between private sector companies, and civil/private sector partnerships) also contributes to achieving long-term positive outcomes of events, as well as creating a portfolio of events in order to effectively use (and promote) existing infrastructure, products and services within the community [13,39].…”

Impact of Empowering Local Stakeholders in Tourism Development and Sustainability of Marginal Rural Settlements in Iran

“…In this context, using local people can reinforce local employment and ensure the economic sustainability of the region [20]. Hence, tourism is one of rapid expanding industries in the world, which has contributed to economic, cultural and social development.…”

“…2 -Social sustainability: Promoting the ability of a society to attract tourists without causing abnormalities and disturbing balance in social relations" [19] "3 -Cultural sustainability: Promoting the capacity and ability of local people to maintain their native culture while interacting cultural groups from different regions. 4 -Economic sustainability: economic promotion of tourism activities that can sufficiently cover costs of service provision to tourists" [19], [20].…”

Perspectives of Sustainable Development of Tourism in the North-East Region of Romania

“…This approach can be explained by using the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental [2]. The notion of sustainable tourism only later became engrained in the policy statements and planning documents of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) [3] (p. 43). "Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future.…”