Abstract
This article examines community-based tourism (CBT) as a strategy for sustainable rural development in Central-Eastern Europe. Through case studies of CBT initiatives in Romania and Slovenia, the research evaluates the economic, social, and environmental impacts of community-led tourism development in marginalised rural areas.
Key Findings
- Successful CBT initiatives depend on strong local leadership and community ownership of decision-making
- Economic benefits of community-based tourism, while modest, significantly improve livelihoods in marginalised areas
- Cultural heritage preservation is enhanced when communities control tourism development
- External support from NGOs and government programmes is crucial for initial capacity building
Methodology
Comparative case study analysis of six community-based tourism projects, combining economic impact assessment with participatory evaluation methods.
Implications
The article provides practical recommendations for designing CBT programmes that balance economic development with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability in rural communities.
