Community-based tourism (CBT) is a form of responsible tourism that supports local communities and improves livelihoods. The tourism destination is managed by the local community members themselves.
With general tourism, visits are often marketed and organized by private travel companies. The bulk of the profits leave the community, and only a few private individuals may benefit from the enterprise. In contrast, CBT is managed and run by the community members themselves. All of the management decisions are made by, or in consultation with the community, and all of the profits directly benefit the local community.
Community-based Tourism
The main positive impacts include benefit sharing among the community members, community participation, community control, empowerment and conservation. By managing the interactions between the host and the visitors, the negative impacts of tourism to the community and environment can be minimized.
Community-based ecotourism (CBET) addresses the well-being of the community and the surrounding environment. While supporting local communities and improving livelihoods, the natural and cultural resources of the area are protected and conserved. Ecotourism is a type of sustainable tourism in which tourists experience, appreciate and enjoy the nature and culture of their destination. The negative impacts of tourism are minimized while an incentive for conserving natural and cultural features is provided.
CBET helps protect nature and support the lives of the local community. It provides alternative income which encourages the community to protect its natural resources rather than destroy them through unsustainable use.
Through CBET visitors get the change to have to know local Cambodian people, enjoy their hospitality, join them in their everyday life and learn about their culture and environment. This authentic form of tourism takes visitors to their communities and beautiful natural areas. Come and experience the real culture, the real nature and the real Cambodia.
