Interrogating the role of the state and nonstate actors in community-based tourism ventures: toward a model for spreading the benefits to the wider community

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to present a model of community-based tourism (CBT) and to expound on its benefits in relation to community development. It argues that, in order to promote holistic community development, genuine community-based enterprises must be under the full control of community members to avoid domination by the elite or external actors. The article posits that the character and methodology of intervention by external actors are paramount in determining the outcome of CBT development projects. In terms of who benefits from CBT ventures, this article argues that the benefits must be community wide. It reflects on two types of CBT (labeled types 1 and 2) and weighs their values in terms of their benefit to communities. Issues regarding cooperation between CBT ventures, common ownership of physical assets and the relevance of the accommodation sector are expounded. The main conclusion reached is that, regardless of the type of CBT services or facilities adopted, these ventures should remain fully owned, managed and controlled by community members (or groups of independent micro and small ventures under the same CBT management organization); external partners should provide facilitative and other supporting services instead of being a partner in the CBT venture itself.