Community Benefit Tourism Initiatives—A conceptual oxymoron?

Abstract: Tourism is simultaneously portrayed as a destroyer of culture, undermining social norms and economies, degrading social structures, stripping communities of individuality; and as a saviour of the poor and disadvantaged, providing opportunities and economic benefits, promoting social exchange and enhancing livelihoods. The aim of this paper is to introduce, define and examine the concept of Community Benefit Tourism Initiatives (CBTIs) and identify the range of characteristics that contribute to creating the best possible scenario for a successful, sustainable and responsible CBTI. The paper considers the roles of key stakeholders in CBTIs: government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and communities. It seeks to identify the critical components of CBTI development, the potential problems associated with CBTIs and some of their possible solutions.

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