Community-Based Tourism in Rural Japan: The Case of a Network-Making Non-Profit Organization

Abstract

This paper investigates community-based rural tourism development by focussing on the roles of a network-making non-profit organization (NPO) in Miyagi in northern Japan. The study took a case study approach in examining the Kurihara Tourism Network (KTN), which is an NPO engaging in rural tourism activity. First, we conceptually classified the types of community-based tourism. Second, the features of the KTN activities and what roles the KTN played were empirically clarified. Results revealed that KTN connects people in the local community through formulating original tourism programs by taking advantage of their authentic rural and food heritage. To realize their aim, firstly the KTN took a holistic approach in establishing tourism programs rather than a fragmentary approach, which has been popular among rural experience programs that provide only popular experience menus such as planting and harvesting. Secondly, the KTN mobilized dying heritage and skills embedded in the life of the local people, which easily enabled local residents to participate as instructors. Thus, these KTN policies created new social capital in the community and created a new network or recreated what used be in a modern way. Finally, the challenging issues that the KTN face are to raise financial viability and more efficient program management.

Implementasi Pariwisata Berbasis Masyarakat Di Desa Wisata Mangrove Sari, Kabupaten Brebes

“…Konsep ini memiliki karakteristik: 1) masyarakat lokal sebagai pemilik dan pengelola sumber daya pariwisata, 2) masyarakat lokal berperan sebagai penyedia jasa dan supplier, dan 3) melakukan penafsiran terhadap komunikasi budaya dan lingkungan lokal. Hal ini mendorong masyarakat menjadi lebih kreatif untuk mengangkat kearifan lokalnya sebagai modal sosial, sehingga muncul kebanggaan terhadap kebudayaan lokal yang semakin terkikis dalam era postmodernisme ini [26].…”

“…Dalam pelaksanaannya selain peran aktif masyarakat itu sendiri, terdapat beberapa faktor yang berperan penting dalam tahapan pengembangan pariwisata berbasis masyarakat, meliputi kebijakan [3], [27], [28], organisasi eksternal [26], dan persepsi wisatawan [29]. Keberhasilan pengembangan CBT juga ditentukan oleh perencanaan, kemitraan, kapasitas masyarakat dalam menyampaikan produk wisata, dan pendanaan [14].…”

Regional Tourism Development in Pringsewu Regency: Perspective on Community-Based Tourism and Sustainable Livelihood

“…The community carries out the management of Desa Wisata Mangrove Sari through Pokdarwis Dewi Mangrove Sari completely. Conceptually, Ohe (2018) argues that the community-based tourism approach has the following characteristics: local communities are owners and managers of tourism resources; local communities play a role as service providers; and local communities interpret local cultural and environmental communication. This shows that the successful implementation of the concept of community-based tourism can support the process of accumulating financial capital, human capital, social capital, natural capital, and physical capital on an individual and household scale, as well as institutionally through Pokdarwis as a sustainable livelihood approach (Yi et al, 2022).…”