Community Sustainability Through Sustainable Community-Based Tourism

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how rural communities facing the problems of ageing population and lack of economic opportunities can be revived by adopting the approach of sustainable community-based tourism.   Theoretical Framework: The study was guided by theories related to community development, placemaking, and community-based tourism.   Method: The research used the case analysis method to analyze a community revitalization project in rural Taipei, Taiwan. Data were collected through field observation and interviews. The researcher was invited to participate in the related meetings and observe the practices of the community revitalization project. The researcher also interviewed the leader and volunteers of the community development project.   Results and Discussion: It is found that a placemaking process mixed with top-down (facilitated) and bottom-up engagement approaches can effectively generate a sense of place among various groups of constituents. The research also found that it is critical to identify and leverage the cultural and ecological assets of the community in an innovative and integrated way so as to effectively connect the community and the society. To revive a community, volunteers played a mediating role in fulfilling the needs of the community and connecting the community with the society.   Research Implications: The findings of the research can be applied to rural communities with similar problems and ecological/cultural assets. For policy makers, the study suggests that community revitalization requires an engagement process balanced with top-down (facilitated) and bottom-up approaches.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the micro-view of sustainability literature by analyzing sustainability at a community level through the aspects of community placemaking and sustainable community-based tourism.