Several components are included within the broad context of community based tourism. According to SustainableTourism, community based tourism is typically initiated by local and indigenous people in a way that is socially and ecologically sustainable. Principles of community based tourism include shared leadership, community well-being over profit, the fostering of traditional cultures, conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Exploring natural resources, such as mountain trails, flat-water canoe tours and other nature based activities can provide an educational experience for tourists. As tourists connect with the landscape of a community, in many cases, they will also develop a greater connection, a higher level of interest and a deeper emotional investment in the community at large. Developing educational nature trails or guided canoe tours, as two examples, that also explore the natural history, ecology, flora and fauna can provide tourists with a refreshing look at the community through a sustainable perspective that focuses more on a holistic view of the community and its surrounding features than consuming goods and services.
In addition to taking advantage of natural features surrounding the community, several possibilities exist for planning community based tourism around urban features in a downtown setting where tourists can connect more with existing organizations and sub-cultures within the community. Examples may include an urban art walk, exploring cultural centers and visiting museums in your community. Specific ways to develop community based tourism as a business may include ideas such as an urban scavenger hunt, an orienteering course or a bus tour. LaZoom bus tours in Asheville, North Carolina, are one example of a company that has combined comedy and eccentric costumes with community tours aboard buses fueled by biofuels.
Several communities around the world that feature indigenous people groups are beginning to explore ways to preserve the biodiversity and natural resources of their environment while also allowing tourists to get an inside glimpse at their native culture and way of life. As a result, tourists gain a greater appreciation for the traditions of the indigenous people groups and indigenous peoples are empowered to develop their own industries based on eco-tourism and preserving their own culture. For tourists, immersive experiences in eco-tourism and interacting with indigenous peoples can also be less costly than traditional tourist stops.
