Community Based Tourism

Community Based Tourism (CBT) is a novel concept to Sri Lanka and which has been developed out of the traditional tourism approaches. Also it is considered as an alternative tourism typology against the conventional mass tourism. CBT is an ideal example for sustainable tourism and it is believed that CBT is an extension of Eco-tourism. Especially community ownership and their significant involvement in tourism is the key factor in CBT. A particular community need to be associated with unique characteristics of natural or cultural resources is the other fundamental fact for the origination of CBT. The key reason is to engage with CBT by developing countries is the ability to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by uplifting the living standards of rural people through tourism. This course focuses community leaders/members of a Community Based organization (CBO) with unique characteristics of natural,cultural aspect or any livelihood (Traditional agriculture/Fishing/ Pottery making/ Lacquer making or any) which has agreat potential for tourism. This programme will be conducted in Provincial levels with the partnership of the Ministry of Tourism, Provincial Tourism Authorities, SLTDA, SLTPB and the support of the other relevant stakeholders.