Role of Community-Based Tourism Actors on Sustainable Tourist Destination Development

Abstract

Tourism is a rewarding activity globally. However, tourism has been criticized for its inconsistency with the goals of sustainable development that arise exclusively from poor or lack of management styles. The study sought to investigate the role of community-based tourism actors on sustainable tourist destination development. The specific objective of the study was to establish the influence of community management on the sustainability of tourist destinations in Kisumu County. Three theories guided the study: Leadership theory, community development theory, and Participation and power redistribution theory. A descriptive survey and exploratory research designs were adopted. A sample size of384 respondent was arrived at using the Krejcie-Morgan model. A simple random sampling technique was used to sample the CBTs. Purposive sampling was adopted to identify key informants. Data was collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires, Focused Group discussions, key informant interviews, and documentary reviews. The study employed both documentary and thematic analysis. Both correlation and regression models were used. The results of community management revealed low statistically significant positive correlation (R=.394; p<.05) between community management and sustainability of tourism sites with a variance of 15.5% in the sustainability of tourism sites, which is attributed to a variation in management of community-based tourism sites. A moderating variable of government policy had an insignificant effect on the relationship between community-based tourism and sustainability of tourism initiatives. The significance of the regression model (F-ratio = 20.145; p< .05) is mainly attributed to the changes in community-based tourism initiatives. Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected. Standardized beta values showed that for one standard deviation increment in management, the sustainability of community-based tourism sites is achieved. The study concluded that the management of CBT initiatives in Kisumu County by the local community was not a critical factor in their success.The study recommended enhancement of training on management skills and design of community-based tourism initiatives that consent to creativity and empowerment of the people and resolve the specific needs of the community.