Community-Based Tourism Models

Alternative Approaches

Some communities control their tourism:

Cooperative Models

  • Community-owned accommodations
  • Profit-sharing mechanisms
  • Local guide requirements
  • Visitor limits enforced

Indigenous Examples

  • Basque cultural tourism
  • Breton language experiences
  • Alpine pastoral tourism
  • Camargue guardian traditions

Success Factors

Effective community tourism shares features:

Local Control

  • Decision-making power
  • Economic benefit capture
  • Cultural authority
  • Development pace setting

Tourist Education

  • Behavioral expectations
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Environmental responsibility
  • Community respect