Community-Based Tourism and the Sustainable Development of Rural Territories

Abstract

Nowadays, trends in the tourism sector are changing, and tourists are increasingly looking for an authentic experience. They wish to escape from mass tourism and urban spaces, as well as their awareness for sustainability is increasing. In response to this trend, community-based tourism in rural settings has the potential to meet the demand requirements, while ensuring benefits to the territory and community of rural destinations. The present chapter aims to present the dynamics of community-based tourism and how it can promote regional development in rural, low-density regions, in accordance to the Sustainable Development Goals, and with high participation of residents in the several areas of the tourism industry.