Capacity building as a revitalization strategy for a community-based tourism project

Abstract

The paper examines the role of the Sustainable Livelihood Framework for Tourism (SLFT) in evaluating the success and failure of Community-Based Tourism (CBT), using the Aangan project in Goa, India, as a case study. The research explores how the presence and implementation of SLFT factors contribute to project success, while gaps in the process lead to vulnerabilities. Participatory observation methods and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The study highlights the impact of seasonal tourism, social conflicts, and dependency on external financial support, which became apparent when institutional aid was withdrawn. The findings imply that long-term sustainability could be achieved where community members have greater autonomy and entrepreneurial opportunities. The study emphasizes the need for equitable profit distribution, economic diversification, and stakeholder engagement to foster community resilience. A focus on capacity-building strategies, including communication and coordination, is recommended to empower communities to manage tourism projects independently. These findings also align with Escobar's post-development theory, as it highlights the importance of local empowerment and self-sufficiency in tourism development. Thus, the study contributes to the broader discourse on CBT by emphasizing the significance of institutional support, community participation, and resilience. The insights developed are especially useful for policymakers and practitioners engaged in rural tourism and hinterland development in developing economies.