Community-Based Tourism: An Exploration of the Concept(s) from a Political Perspective

Abstract

Tourism is always seen as a viable alternative means of boosting development in developing countries. Similarly, community-based tourism (CBT) is generally associated with development in poor, especially rural, communities. This article first presents CBT as a possible community development tool, exploring its conceptual and historical evolution, and then offers solutions for enhancing the opportunities and capacity of CBT in facilitating rural community development. To that end, a definition of community and notions of development are proposed, and a community development strategy, based on issues of empowerment, self-reliance, and sustainability, is explored. Special attention is given to local context issues in relation to community development. In addition, the origin and evolution of the CBT concept, and the linkages between the concept and alternative development paradigms from the 1970s are explored, including the notions of empowerment and self-reliance. This article makes two contributions. Firstly, it proposes that the current meaning of CBT does not coincide with the original concept of CBT because the contemporary policy milieu has changed. Secondly, it presents different CBT typologies in line with contemporary CBT concept(s) and issues of community development.

Winners and Losers: A Further Exploration and Reflection on the Influence of External Actors on Community-Based Tourism

“…This seems in line with what was proposed by Giampiccoli and Mtapuri (2012) in which the moves towards neo-liberalism transpose the outcome of CBT towards more private company partnerships. The case in South Africa is not unique as similar examples abound elswhere for example, in Kenya.…”

“…Thus, the article takes, as a starting point, a CBT perspective in relation to external circumstances instead of looking at external forces as an fundamental challenge. As such it builds upon, and could be seen as an extension of Giampiccoli and Mtapuri (2012).…”

A Conceptualisation of Alternative Forms of Tourism in Relation to Community Development

“…While some alternative forms of tourism aim to reform, but are within (and supportive and supported by) the neoliberal milieu (see RT, PPT, FTT and ET), CBT proposes alternative strategies of tourism (and general) development, but they have been hijacked and re-conceptualised by neoliberalism interest. Giampiccoli and Mtapuri (2012), for example, suggest how neoliberal forces have developed different understandings of CBT. In relation to CBT, this issue has been specifically recognised.…”

“…The need for community involvement in tourism development is suggested extensively in the literature (Graci, 2012, p. 65). While a community development process should ideally be autonomous, it often requires the involvement of an external actor or actors that should follow specific strategies of facilitation to advance community development properly (see Giampiccoli & Mtapuri, 2012). In this context, facilitation should be directed towards just, equitable and redistributive forms of tourism in which the community becomes the owner, manager and beneficiary (not only in economic terms) of the tourism development process.…”

International Cooperation, Community-Based Tourism and Capacity Building: Results from a Mpondoland Village in South Africa

“…Some authors remain critics and doubtful such as Goodwin and Santilli (2009) ;Mitchell and Muckosy (2008) Blackstock (2005:41); while others are more inclined to give a chance to CBT and are generally favorable towards possible positive CBT outcomes, like Moscardo (2008:173), Ndlovu and Rogerson (2004:447), Nyaupane, Morais andDowler (2006:1374). Blackstock (2005:40, 41) writes that CBT is guided by neo-liberal strategy instead of promoting empowerment and social justice and "CBT literature is focused on sustaining the tourism industry, unlike community development's commitment to social justice and empowerment" (on the relation between CBT and neoliberalism see also Zapata et al, 2011;Manyara and Jones, 2007;Giampiccoli and Mtapuri, 2012).…”