Sustaining Indigenous tourism in Bocas del Toro, Panamá

Abstract

Tourism in the Bocas del Toro (BDT) province of Panama has grown substantially in recent decades. Multilateral development institutions and NGOs have initiated community-based tourism (CBT) projects here since the late 1990s with the goal of including Indigenous communities in tourism development, in an ecologically conscious manner. Indigenous People, however, still face many challenges to offering viable tourism services. Many CBT projects have failed, some continue despite declining visitation, and others are growing. Previous studies have found direct and indirect distribution channels are key in facilitating access to the market for CBT projects. This chapter focusses on assessing the developmental challenges limiting success for Indigenous tour providers and the creative ways in which some overcome these challenges. Researchers conducted participant observation at seven CBT projects along with semi-structured interviews that focussed on each project’s operation and history, perceived tourist satisfaction, perceived demand for tours, developmental challenges, and desires for external support. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local hotel operators and tour agencies to gain their perspectives on past interactions with CBT projects and avenues for improvements that would appeal more to their guests and improve functionality. Data were analyzed thematically to help illuminate disconnects between these two stakeholder groups that might hinder potential mutual benefits. Logistical difficulties in communicating and transporting guests and expectational differences between providers and tourists were cited as major impediments to success. This chapter concludes with suggestions for how a mutual commitment by hotel management and Indigenous providers might foster greater success for BDT’s CBT projects.