Tourism Management Studies

Constraints on Local Community Involvement in the Development of Community-Based Tourism in Rural Areas

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hojjat Varmazyari 1
Marziye Fathi 2
Khalil Kalantari 2

1 University of Tehran

2 Department of Agricultural Development and Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University College of Agriculture And Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/tms.2025.85800.3070
Abstract
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) can help improve the economic and social conditions of local communities, but there are various obstacles. This research aims to identify and analyze the obstacles to local community participation in the development of CBT in rural areas. This investigation has been conducted in nine villages in the Sarvabad and Marivan Counties of Kurdistan Province, Iran, which are recognized for their significant tourism potential. A total of 40 participants were selected using the theoretical saturation criterion, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather in-depth insights. Data coding ultimately segmented the identified barriers into nine categories, including: (1) the exogenous management of rural tourism projects coupled with limited villager involvement; (2) the absence of a monitoring system and the inadequate transmission of management information and supporting evidence to decision-makers; (3) perceived cultural disparities alongside associated negative impacts; and (4) fragile internal organizational structures within the villages. By identifying the aforementioned barriers, this research can help policymakers and researchers make better decisions for the development of CBT in rural areas.

Keywords

Local Community
Involvement
Community-Based Tourism
Rural Areas
Exogenous Development
Subjects
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Tourism Management Studies
Volume 20, Issue 72
Autumn 2026
Pages 85-132

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