The Role of Community-Based Tourism Initiatives in Socio-Economic Development

• The purpose of this chapter is to identify the roles of CBT initiatives in socio-economic development, through the exploration of CBT organizations opportunities and challenges in relation to other tourism stakeholders. Theoretically, the study is situated within CBT management and various concepts related to the inclusion of stakeholders in co-production of knowledge. Two longitudinal transdisciplinary action research projects were conducted with CBT organizations in Sweden and Kenya respectively. Research developed in cycles of action, evaluation and critical reflection, with ethnographic-influenced and participatory observations and interviews. The study points to the benefits derived from the organizations’ interaction with academic, public, private and civic actors. For example, the organization’s engagement in labour market integration activities takes individuals closer to finding jobs, whilst also acting for their overall integration in society. Further, the cases illustrate how CBT organizations connect with other stakeholders in product and business development. The engagement with public and academic actors also provides arenas for CBT organizations to highlight their social agenda. However, the study also points to challenges involved with handling different voices and views, which means they need competencies they may not have. There is also the ‘best cases’ trap, where CBT organizations are invited to present at various events, free of charge, which prevent them from spending time on their core operation and the development of the organization. The study outlines six distinguished roles of CBT initiatives in socio-economic development: co-producers of knowledge in multi-helix constellations; co-producers of knowledge with visitors; facilitators of learning and empowerment; promoters/communicators of CBT; receivers of support; and owners and co-creators of the place/destination brand. Playing all these roles is a tough endeavour for CBT organizations. For instance, the fact that focus is often placed on the positive aspects of CBT leads to that the challenges they face rarely come to the surface. Their will to act for socioeconomic development, through their dual focus on social issues and running a business, can put them in vulnerable situations. For small scale CBT organizations to become sustainable it is crucial that collaborations with public, private, academic and civic partners are set on equal terms, and that CBT initiatives are recognized for and supported in their important work for socio-economic development.

Ämnesord

HUMANIORA  -- Konst -- Design (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Arts -- Design (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

community based tourism

socio-economic development

CBT management

transdisciplinary research

inclusive place branding

participatory tourism development

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