Community-based sustainable tourism: a systematic review and future research agenda

Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) promotes inclusive growth by empowering communities, preserving cultural heritage, and safeguarding the environment, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review of 63 global studies examines the evolution of CBST from a model focused on economic and conservation aspects to a multidimensional approach that incorporates empowerment, governance, well-being, resilience, and digital innovation. Four principal constructs – awareness, empowerment, well-being, and support – underscore the significance of community participation in sustainable development. Despite advancements, challenges such as unequal distribution of benefits and limited local authority remain. This study enhances the understanding of CBST as a dynamic system and proposes strategies to strengthen governance, capacity, and SDG-oriented tourism.