Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents, often from remote and economically marginalized areas, invite tourists to visit their communities. Community-based tourism allows a community to share its environment and way of life with visitors, while increasing local income and building local economies. By sharing activities such as festivals, home stays, and the production of artisan goods, Community-based Tourism allows communities to participate in the modern global economy while cultivating a sustainable source of income and maintaining their way of life.

Although tourism often promises community members improved livelihoods and a source of employment, the advent of fledgling tourism industries often fail to benefit communities equitably.   High salary jobs in tourism are often scarce and require high levels of education, (languages, administration, accounting).  The remainder of the jobs are generally low income, and low skill in nature (cleaning, security, waiting tables and cooking). In Community-based tourism, participants are not employees but managers, protagonist actors throughout the organization and management of the process. Community-based tourism initiatives that function as collective enterprises decrease poverty not only by increasing income but also by strengthening the management of the development by relevant stakeholders.

CEN’s principals for community-based tourism

Identity: respect and preserve all the characteristics of the environment, help residents reclaim historical practices, revitalize productive activities, highlight the ethnic background of the population, and highlight the unique aspects of the locality, such as topography, climate, architecture, cuisine and handicrafts.

Authenticity: Respect the original purpose of the local environment, from housing supply, production, leisure, cultural festivals etc.

Roots and Customs: Cultural practices should be rescued and highlighted so that the tourist can experience the difference in their urban routine. Tourists should be invited to attend a simple town hall style "round of talks" between community members, and communities can showcase their foods, music, folklore, decorative objects, processes and production techniques.

Ecological Consciousness and Harmony: The conservation of nature and rigorous concern with environmental issues should be constant in the development of infra-structure for community-based tourism activities (i.e.- building houses, roads, showers, etc.)

Local Control: Control of the Community-based tourism industry should be held by the local population.  Local leadership should spearhead clear and transparent collective decision making related to the industry development.

Sustainable Economic Development: The Community based tourism program should be an economic stimulus to the region, generating income through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Other Resources

CEN’s Community-Based Tourism Program
Juá Community-Based Tourism Project