Community-based tourism (CBT) has been recognized as a pathway to sustainable regional development, balancing economic opportunities with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. This study explores the impacts of CBT development in Kobuni Village, Malaysia, and Albuquerque Village, Philippines, based on narratives from three key informants who are community leaders and top management. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically, revealing four key themes: economic impacts, socio-cultural contributions, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. The findings show that both villages have successfully leveraged tourism to enhance livelihoods, cultural pride, and environmental awareness, albeit through different approaches. Kobuni Village emphasizes inclusive participation, structured community engagement, and environmental innovation, while Albuquerque Village highlights cultural entrepreneurship and heritage-based product development. Despite differing approaches, both communities demonstrate how tourism can be developed in ways that align with local values, strengthen social cohesion, and support long-term sustainability. This study affirms the role of community leadership and engagement in shaping positive tourism experiences and outcomes in rural settings.
Abreu, L. A. de, Walkowski, M. da C., Perinotto, A. R. C., & Fonseca, J. F. da. (2024). Community-based tourism and best practices with the sustainable development goals. Administrative Sciences, 14(2), 36.
Ard?ç Yeti?, ?., Deniz, G., AYDIN, ?., & Dalk?l?ç, F. (2022). An Evaluation on the Problems and Solutions of Cappadocia Regional Tourism. Anemon Mu? Alparslan Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.18506/anemon.1017029
Benner, M. (2019). From overtourism to sustainability: A research agenda for qualitative tourism development in the Adriatic. Zeitschrift Für Wirtschaftsgeographie= German Journal of Economic Geography, 2(64), 74–87.
Bhuiyan, M. A. H., Siwar, C., & Ismail, S. M. (2013). Tourism development in Malaysia from the perspective of development plans. Asian Social Science, 9(9), 11.
Biagini, K. M. (2012). ‘The Triple Bottom Line’: Examining EU Support for Organic Agriculture With Examples from Italian Wine Producers.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
Briliyanti, A. (2021). Community-based tourism development and its effects on the local community: The Case of Penglipuran Village, Indonesia. Michigan State University.
Brinkmann, S. (2013). Qualitative interviewing. Oxford university press.
Camatti, N. (2022). Tourism in Venice: mapping overtourism and exploring solutions. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789907407.00013
Carandang, A. P., Camacho, L. D., Gevaña, D. T., Dizon, J. T., Camacho, S. C., de Luna, C. C., Pulhin, F. B., Combalicer, E. A., Paras, F. D., & Peras, R. J. J. (2013). Economic valuation for sustainable mangrove ecosystems management in Bohol and Palawan, Philippines. Forest Science and Technology, 9(3), 118–125.
Ceron, J.-P., & Dubois, G. (2003). Tourism and sustainable development indicators: The gap between theoretical demands and practical achievements. Current Issues in Tourism, 6(1), 54–75.
Chan, J. K. L., Marzuki, K. M., & Mohtar, T. M. (2021). Local community participation and responsible tourism practices in ecotourism destination: A case of lower kinabatangan, sabah. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(23), 13302. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313302
Chong, K. Y., & Balasingam, A. S. (2019). Tourism sustainability: Economic benefits and strategies for preservation and conservation of heritage sitesin Southeast Asia. Tourism Review, 74(2), 268–279.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage publications.
D?u?ewska, A., Podgórski, Z., & Giampiccoli, A. (2022). Ecosystem services versus wellbeing – implications for sustainable tourism: The host perspective. Forum Geografic, 21(2), 186–200. https://doi.org/10.5775/fg.2022.045.d
FAO. (2019). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Faraji, A., Khodadadi, M., Nematpour, M., Abidizadegan, S., & Yazdani, H. R. (2021). Investigating the positive role of urban tourism in creating sustainable revenue opportunities in the municipalities of large-scale cities: the case of Iran. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 7(1), 177–199.
Franco, I. B., & Newey, L. (2020). SDG 12 responsible consumption and production: sustainable community development through entrepreneurship: corporate-based versus wellbeing-centred approaches to responsible production. Actioning the Global Goals for Local Impact: Towards Sustainability Science, Policy, Education and Practice, 187–217.
García-Rosell, J.-C. (2016). Certification of Indigenous Cultures in Tourism - The Case of the Sápmi Experience Quality Mark. 12, 60–62.
Giampiccoli, A. (2020). A conceptual justification and a strategy to advance community-based tourism development. European Journal of Tourism Research, 25, 2503.
Giampiccoli, A., D?u?ewska, A., & Mnguni, E. M. (2022). Host population well-being through community-based tourism and local control: Issues and ways forward. Sustainability, 14(7), 4372.
Gibbs, G. R. (2018). Analyzing Qualitative Data. SAGE Publications. https://books.google.com.my/books?id=d3lRDwAAQBAJ
Gyódi, K., Mazur, J., & Cocola-Gant, A. (2025). Barcelona as a case study for the effectiveness of short-term rental market regulations. Cities, 162, 105915. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.105915
Habiba, M., & Lina, F. Y. (2023). Community-Based Tourism (CBT): A Community Development Tool. European Journal of Business and Management, 15.
Hiyama, H. (2024, December 29). Japan’s Wajima craftmakers see hope in disaster-hit region. The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/29/japan/society/wajima-craftmakers-see-hope/
Hlengwa, D. C., & Maruta, A. T. (2020). A framework for facilitation of community participation in and beneficiation from CBT around the Save Valley Conservancy. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9(2), 1–11.
Ibrahim, M. S. N., Johari, S., Adam Assim, M. I. S., Mohammad Afandi, S. H., Khan, W. R., & Hassan, S. (2023). Community well-being dimensions in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01737-4
Ibrahim, M. S. N., Johari, S., Assim, M. I. S. A., Mohammad, S. K. W., Afandi, S. H. M., & Hassan, S. (2024). An economic assessment on public well-being for biodiversity conservation in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-04533-5
Ibrahim, M. S. N., Johari, S., Yahya, A. S. M., Zainol, R. M., & Hassan, S. (2024). The Challenges and Socioeconomic Impacts of Proposed Road Development to Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia: A Case Study of Local Community Perspectives on Sustainable Tourism. In A. I. Hunjra & A. Sharma (Eds.), The Emerald Handbook of Tourism Economics and Sustainable Development (pp. 99–118). Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-708-220241006
Ismail, N. A. B. (2020). A comparison of how two homestays (Kampong Beng Homestay and Gopeng Homestay) safeguard traditional Malay food (TMF) as a means of promoting cultural-based food tourism in Perak, Malaysia. Newcastle University.
Jackson, L. A. (2025). Community-Based Tourism: A Catalyst for Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals One and Eight. Tourism and Hospitality, 6(1), 29.
Jamal, T., Budke, C., & Barradas-Bribiesca, I. (2019). Community-based tourism and ‘development.’ In A research agenda for tourism and development (pp. 125–150). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Jugmohan, S., Giampiccoli, A., Vallabh, D., & Mtapuri, O. (2020). A model of CBT networks and organizations: an African perspective and beyond. Forum Geografic, 19(1).
Juma, L. O., Bakos, I. M., & Khademi-Vidra, A. (2020). Nature interpretation and visitor management objectives: A survey of tourist attitudes at Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Sustainability, 12(18), 7246.
Kodithuwakku, T. N. (2025). Exploring challenges and opportunities that women entrepreneurs encounter in Sri Lanka.
Kunjuraman, V., & Hussin, R. (2017). Challenges of community-based homestay programme in Sabah, Malaysia: Hopeful or hopeless? Tourism Management Perspectives, 21, 1–9.
Majin, J. J., Azman, I., & Lamun Jailani, F. (2016). Support for Future Tourism Development, Quality of Life and Perceived Impacts of Tourism Industry Within Indigenous Community: Mah Meri of Carey Island, Malaysia. Regional Conference on Science, Technology and Social Sciences (RCSTSS 2014) Business and Social Sciences, 1063–1073.
Mallawarachi, B. (2025, March 13). A resort entirely staffed and run by women in Sri Lanka seeks to break gender barriers. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/1812d3dcc7031ca09a2283dc1ead8050
Mirza, H., Mirza, C., & Bellalem, F. (2023). Ethical considerations in qualitative research: Summary guidelines for novice social science researchers. ???? ???????? ??????? ??????????, 11(1), 441–449.
Mohd Radzi, N. A., Saidi, N. A., Hassan, S., Ibrahim, M. S. N., & Lee, K. E. (2025). Exploring corporate social responsibility practices in the telecommunications, broadcasting and courier sectors: a comparative industry analysis. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1–16.
Montojo, U. M., Banicod, R. J. S., Tadifa, G. C., Tila, C. A. S., Baldoza, B. J. S., Tanyag, B. E., & Garcia, L. C. (2024). Status of the Salt Industry in the Philippines: Production, Challenges, and Opportunities. The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, 31(1).
Nainggolan, H. C., Prihadi, D. J., & Mulyana, H. (2024). Community-Based Tourism as a solution to Reduce the Negative Impact of Mass Tourism. MSJ: Majority Science Journal, 2(4), 88–93.
Neilson, A., & São Marcos, R. (2016). Civil Participation Between Private and Public Spheres: The Island Sphere and Fishing Communities in the Azores Archipelago. Island Studies Journal, 11, 585–600. https://doi.org/10.24043/isj.368
Nurhasanah, I. S., & Van den Broeck, P. (2025). Youth engagement in ecotourism and community-based development: experiences and lessons from Pahawang Island, Indonesia. Journal of Ecotourism, 1–30.
Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice. SAGE Publications. https://books.google.com.my/books?id=ovAkBQAAQBAJ
Pemayun, I. D. G. A., Meirejeki, I. N., Sukmawati, N. M. R., Harmini, A. A. A. N., & Kanca, I. N. (2023). Tourism development and community business development through homestay in Panglipuran Village Bali. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 20(2), 1401–1406.
Pengiran Bagul, A. H. B. P. B., & Ag. Samad, F. (2022). Community-Based Ecotourism Development for Sustainability: Lessons from Desa Cinta Kobuni. Proceedings of the 1st International Colloquium on Accounting and Business, 335–338.
Pongajarn, C., van der Duim, R., & Peters, K. (2018). Floating markets in Thailand: same, same, but different. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 16(2), 109–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2016.1253704
Prasad, K. (2024). The Role of Local Community in Enhancing Sustainable Community Based Tourism. J. Electrical Systems, 20(7s), 558–571.
Rocharungsat, P. (2008). Community-based tourism in Asia. In Building community capacity for tourism development (pp. 60–74). CABI Wallingford UK.
Rusmana, D., Pratikto, H., & Winarno, A. (2025). Sustainable Tourism Development in Indonesia: A Critical Evaluation of Economic Philosophy. Enigma in Economics, 3(1), 173–185.
Sivanesan, J. (2024, February 17). DBKK plans to hold fruit festivals to attract tourists to homestays. The Borneo Post.
Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity. (2025). Asin Tibuok Unbroken Salt.
Talib, O. (2019). Analisis data kualitatif dengan Atlas.ti (1st ed.). Penerbit Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Tan, R. D., Lizada, J. C., delos Reyes, J. A., Lat, A. T., Reodica, T. J. I., & Manalo, C. J. B. (2022). Value chain analysis of salt in the Visayas Region, Philippines.
Trupp, A. (2014). Ethnic tourism in Northern Thailand: Viewpoints of the Akha and the Karen. Department of Geography and Regional Research, University of Vienna.
Tubey, W. C., Kyalo, D. N., & Mulwa, A. (2019). Socio-cultural conservation strategies and sustainability of community based tourism projects in Kenya: A case of Maasai Mara conservancies. Journal of Sustainable Development, 12(6), 90–102.
UNESCO. (2024). The practice of making Asin Tibuok, the artisanal sea salt of the Boholano of Bohol Island, Philippines. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. https://ich.unesco.org/en/files-2025-under-process-01347
Van Schaaijk, A., Noor Baloch, A., Thomée, S., Frings-Dresen, M., Hagberg, M., & Nieuwenhuijsen, K. (2020). Mediating factors for the relationship between stress and work ability over time in young adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072530
Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. (2020). National program on efficient and sustainable fishing development. https://asemconnectvietnam.gov.vn/default.aspx?ID1=2&ID8=123979&ZID1=14
Walia, S. K. (2021). The routledge handbook of community-based tourism management. Routledge.
Ziegler, J. (2019). Conservation outcomes and sustainability of whale shark tourism in the Philippines.
Zielinski, S., Jeong, Y., Kim, S., & B. Milanés, C. (2020). Why community-based tourism and rural tourism in developing and developed nations are treated differently? A review. Sustainability, 12(15), 5938.
Zielinski, S., Jeong, Y., & Milanés, C. B. (2021). Factors that influence community-based tourism (CBT) in developing and developed countries. Tourism Geographies, 23(5–6), 1040–1072.
Zielinski, S., Kim, S., Botero, C., & Yanes, A. (2020). Factors that facilitate and inhibit community-based tourism initiatives in developing countries. Current Issues in Tourism, 23(6), 723–739.
Ibrahim, M. S. N., Bagul, A. H. B. P., Apilado, K. G., Saikim, F. H., Hassan, M. S., Zainol, R. M., Aquino, J. S., & Lascano, H. M. (2025). Tourism Impacts and Community Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Kobuni Village, Malaysia, and Albuquerque Village, Philippines. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(8), 923-938.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
Published by Knowledge Words Publications (www.kwpublications.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
