Local drivers in community-based tourism development: an analytical study of Bonlar village, Iran

This research explores local drivers regarding the principles of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) as well as analyzes their role in participatory CBT development from local community’s perspective. The study is based on applied research; however, the descriptive-analytical research methodology is used accordingly. An integrated qualitative-quantitative method using Delphi technique with three rounds duration is undertaken to identify and analyze the CBT development drivers. Based on the preliminary researcher’s presence in the study area and with regard to the capacity building as well as empowerment issue, local community’s characteristics including gender, education level and the capability of the key and influential rural trustees and their corresponding influence on decision-taking need particular attention as far as CBT development issue is concerned. This study suggests that from the local community stand point, the economic drivers ranked as the most important ones as opposed to socio-cultural drivers from CBT development point of view and sustainable livelihood consideration. It further indicates that more educated village fellow would better be able to respond to CBT development. Moreover, in terms of gender, women and men have an almost identical understanding of the CBT development drivers. Last but not the least, it is argued that key influential trustees are more capable of smoothing the CBT development path.