Community-Based Tourism as the Leading Approach to the Rural Development

Rural development means an important endeavor for the leading sustainable development of any country. This paper focuses on community-based tourism as a leading approach to the rural development. We use a case study of Colombia as a particularly interesting country in light of the above aspects. Colombia faces a post-conflict process, and this has transformed the social dynamics of its rural environment. Our paper describes the principles of community-based tourism is, and how it is articulated in the country as the leading pathway to effective and sustainable rural development. It is analyzed in a process where the social dynamics of the Colombian post-conflict are being modified. For this, a literature review is made about three basic aspects, community-based tourism, Phoenix tourism, and rural development. In order to understand this dynamic, a case study was conducted in a rural community in the Sumapaz Páramo, and through a touristic orator, we can make a dialogue with the community, with the purpose of understanding the activities carried out by tourists in rural communities. Phoenix tourism can be a tool to make catharsis and restructure society and the memory of the country. For this to be achieved, the government must contribute to the development of these initiatives. There must also be solidarity cooperation of the communities.