Community-based Tourism And Its Alignment With Sustainable Development Goals
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) has gained momentum as a crucial strategy in aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals focused on poverty reduction, sustainable economic growth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. CBT provides a platform for local communities to showcase their cultural heritage and natural environment, while enabling travellers to immerse in authentic experiences. This model not only uplifts local economies but also plays a key role in preserving ecosystems, supporting responsible tourism, and enhancing local resilience.
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is deeply connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), starting with SDG 1 linked with No Poverty, Tourism acts as a significant driver of employment and income generation, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions, creating opportunities for local artisans, guides, and hosts to earn a living, thereby reducing poverty levels and promoting economic stability within these communities. CBT is also closely linked to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as it fosters sustained and inclusive economic growth by providing decent employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth. These jobs respect local traditions and natural environments, helping communities manage their cultural and natural resources sustainably while contributing to their economic resilience. This ties directly into SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as CBT encourages low-impact tourism that supports the conservation of landscapes and local traditions, helping build resilient communities and protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Sustainable consumption is central to CBT, aligning it with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Through responsible tourism practices, visitors are encouraged to minimize waste, conserve water, and support local markets, thereby promoting sustainable consumption patterns that benefit both the environment and the community. Furthermore, CBT supports SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems. Many CBT initiatives are located in biodiversity-rich areas, offering eco-friendly activities such as nature treks, wildlife safaris, and conservation projects, which contribute to the protection of endangered species and habitats. Altogether, CBT not only fosters economic and social well-being but also strengthens environmental conservation efforts, making it a powerful tool for achieving multiple SDGs.
India, with its rich cultural and natural diversity, has become an ideal hub for community-based tourism (CBT), and various states like Kerala, Sikkim, and Rajasthan have pioneered successful CBT initiatives that bring significant economic and social benefits to local populations. Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Initiative has gained international recognition for integrating local communities into the tourism supply chain, empowering them through participation in tourism-related activities. In 2018, Kerala was honoured with the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Award for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance, acknowledging its innovative Responsible Tourism model. Similarly, Sikkim has embraced an Ecotourism Model focused on community-based tourism, promoting local homestays, cultural tours, and eco-friendly activities that help preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. This model has been praised for fostering rural employment and promoting sustainability in the region. Rajasthan’s Rural Tourism Projects, on the other hand, offer travellers immersive cultural experiences that connect them to the everyday life of rural India. These projects highlight local crafts, folk music, and traditional cuisine, enhancing the cultural tourism landscape while supporting the livelihoods of rural artisans and performers. Overall, these initiatives showcase the potential of CBT to drive sustainable development and improve the well-being of local communities across India.
The Ministry of Tourism in India has made considerable efforts to promote community-based tourism (CBT), aligning it with sustainable tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of its key initiatives is the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched in 2014-15, which focuses on developing theme-based tourism circuits across the country. Many of these circuits are rooted in rural and community tourism, fostering sustainable tourism that provides direct benefits to local communities. Another significant step taken by the Ministry is the development of the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. This strategy, created in collaboration with various stakeholders, places CBT at its core. It promotes low-impact tourism, encourages active local participation, and ensures that tourism activities align with the carrying capacity of destinations, thus preventing environmental degradation. Additionally, through the Dekho Apna Desh Initiative, the Ministry has been encouraging domestic travelers to explore lesser-known destinations, many of which offer community-based tourism experiences. This initiative also emphasizes responsible travel practices that benefit local communities, further reinforcing the Ministry's commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
According to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism sector contributed 9.2% to India’s GDP in 2019, generating around $194.3 billion and creating 43 million jobs. A significant portion of this contribution came from rural and community-based tourism initiatives. The WTTC also highlights that sustainable tourism practices, such as CBT, are essential in driving long-term growth and resilience in the sector. Furthermore, a report from the Indian Ministry of Tourism states that community-based tourism initiatives have the potential to create over 30% of new employment opportunities in rural areas over the next decade. By integrating local economies into the tourism supply chain, CBT has shown significant success in reducing outmigration from rural areas, offering viable livelihoods that contribute to the overall well-being of these communities.
The way forward for strengthening Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in India involves concerted efforts from both the government and private stakeholders. A key focus should be on capacity building, where local communities receive training in hospitality management, digital marketing, and sustainable tourism practices, helping scale up CBT initiatives effectively. Policy support from the Ministry of Tourism, through subsidies, incentives, and simplified regulations, will further encourage rural communities to engage in tourism activities. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can foster collaborations between government bodies, private enterprises, and non-profits, creating innovative CBT models that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation of CBT initiatives using SDG-linked indicators will be crucial in assessing their impact on local economies and ecosystems, ensuring tourism growth benefits communities without compromising biodiversity.
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) offers a transformative approach to travel, going beyond cultural immersion and wildlife preservation to become a strategic partner in sustainable development. By fostering collective well-being, CBT empowers marginalized groups, advances social sustainability, and strengthens local economies. Rooted in traditional knowledge, these projects champion responsible consumption, environmental conservation, and innovation. CBT communities are also leaders in resilience, as demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they mobilized resources and adapted practices to survive. Successful CBT initiatives thrive on partnerships with academia, private sectors, and local governments, while respecting the community's traditions and limits. As we move towards co-designing tourism activities with local communities, CBT will continue to play a vital role in promoting sustainability, benefiting not just the industry but also the planet, people, and travellers.