Investigating the impact of community-based tourism on the residents’ quality of life and their support for tourism

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article aims to decipher the impacts of community-based tourism on the quality of life of traditional communities using the grounds of social exchange theory and economic exchange theory. The empirical data, collected at random by using a questionnaire survey method from the residents of two rural communities in Sikkim, India, were used for the present study. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. The output of the regression analysis indicates that the three factors, economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of community-based tourism, have a positive and significant effect on the resident’s quality of life. It is also demonstrated that improved quality of life has a substantial and constructive impact on the residents’ support for tourism. In nations such as India, characterized by significant potential for community-based tourism to enhance the well-being of rural communities and alleviate poverty, it is crucial for policymakers to possess a comprehensive comprehension of the effects of community-based tourism on residents’ quality of life and their attitudes toward tourism. This understanding is essential to facilitate the successful implementation of community-based tourism initiatives in other regions within the country.