A management model to assist local communities developing community-based tourism ventures: a case study from the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

ABSTRACTA number of authors have endorsed the view that community-based tourism (CBT) can improve the well-being of local communities through the generation of economic and social benefits. This study proposes a management model that may be employed to assist local communities develop ventures of this nature. The findings of a study of a relatively successful CBT venture on Marajó Island in the Brazilian Amazon were used in tandem with a review of the literature to build the model based on an action pathway approach. Semi-structured interviews were employed to identify the sequence of actions that occurred commencing when the CBT venture was first suggested to the present. The results indicate that participation, partnerships, encouragement and acquisition of skills are important elements in developing CBT. The study also found that transfer of ownership from an external actor to the community will only be successful if the community has the required management skills necessary to run the project as a commercial business. The model that emerged from this research has the ability to be widely used to assist communities embarking on CBT ventures.