Abstract
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) has become a key approach for sustainable development in rural areas. Despite its growing prominence, this study offers comprehensive qualitative insights into the local perceptions and challenges that CBT initiatives face in specific rural contexts, particularly Barangay Napaan in Malay, Aklan, which remain underexplored. This exploratory case study investigated these community experiences and sustainability issues of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) projects in Barangay Napaan. Utilizing a qualitative exploratory case study design, data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten (10) purposively sampled participants. Participants included residents with at least ten years of residency, students aged 18 years old and above, and key Barangay officials actively involved or willing to engage in local CBT initiatives. Thematic analysis revealed several interconnected themes: the crucial role of active community participation for project success, the pursuit of economic opportunities and improved livelihoods, and efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Findings indicated that while CBT initiatives fostered economic opportunities and strengthened community relationships, persistent challenges in waste management, equitable benefit distribution, and sustaining consistent community engagement were identified. The study emphasized the importance of effective stakeholder collaboration and sustainable practices for the long-term viability and positive socio-environmental outcomes of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in similar rural settings.
