Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is gaining momentum as a travel model in which local communities manage and benefit directly from tourism activities. Rather than profits flowing to external operators, revenue is retained locally and often reinvested into community development projects, according to Responsible Travel. Reports from Booking.com show that 84% of global travellers in 2025 said they want to travel more sustainably, helping accelerate investment in tourism models that directly benefit local communities.
The Shift Towards Community-Based Tourism
The expansion of CBT reflects a broader shift away from traditional mass tourism models. Travellers are increasingly looking for more meaningful and locally grounded experiences that contribute directly to community livelihoods. CBT offers a more ethical and sustainable alternative. Market forecasts suggest that the global sustainable tourism sector, within which CBT sits, is expected to grow from $3.12 trillion in 2023 to $11.4 trillion by 2032, according to Fair Trade Tourism.
Danielle D’Silva, Director of Sustainability at Booking.com, states,
“as a leader in the travel industry, we want to make it easier for both travelers and partners to feel confident that the choices they make are helping contribute positively to the destinations they visit.”
Booking.com notes more than 70% of global travellers consider sustainability when making travel decisions. This trend has supported the growth of CBT initiatives across a range of destinations worldwide.
CBT projects are particularly prominent in regions such as Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, where tourism can provide alternative income streams in rural or underserved areas.
Aviation Supporting Access to Remote Destinations
Air connectivity continues to play a key role in enabling CBT growth. Many community-based tourism destinations are located in remote regions with limited ground transport infrastructure, making air travel a primary access point.
Pre-pandemic figures from the International Air Transport Association show that aviation supported over 4.5 billion passenger journeys annually. Increased regional connectivity, particularly through secondary airports, has opened access to destinations that were previously difficult to reach.
This improved access has allowed travellers to explore emerging destinations, while contributing economically to local communities.
Balancing Growth and Sustainability
As CBT expands, its long-term success is closely tied to the sustainability of the aviation sector. Efforts to reduce environmental impact, including the development of sustainable aviation fuels, are becoming increasingly important in aligning tourism growth with climate goals.
Airlines such as Emirates, TUI and SriLankan Airlines have highlighted sustainability and community engagement as part of their broader strategies, often working alongside tourism stakeholders to support responsible travel initiatives.
The continued rise of community-based tourism highlights a shift in how travellers engage with destinations. As demand grows, the balance between accessibility and sustainability will remain central to its development.
What do you think about the growth of community based tourism? Let us know in the comments below…
