Community-Based Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: A Study of Kuakata, Bangladesh
Author (s)
Md Mahfuzur Rahman
Abstract
This study investigates Community-Based Tourism (CBT) as a strategic instrument for sustainable development in Kuakata, a coastal destination in Bangladesh renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative survey data collected from 150 local residents with qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with 25 stakeholders, including hoteliers, local business owners, and community members. The findings reveal that CBT is predominantly perceived as a positive force for strengthening local economic growth, creating employment opportunities, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing community pride. However, the study also identifies significant obstacles constraining CBT’s full potential, including limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training programs, poor sanitation facilities, environmental pressures, and low levels of community participation in tourism planning and governance. The research proposes a strategic framework emphasizing enhanced governance mechanisms, policy support and integrated planning, infrastructure development, environmental awareness initiatives, capacity building, and community empowerment. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities seeking to develop sustainable CBT models in coastal destinations. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of CBT implementation in developing country contexts while providing practical recommendations for fostering inclusive and sustainable tourism development in Kuakata and similar coastal regions.
Key words: Community-Based Tourism, Sustainable Development, Cultural Exchange, Economic Growth, Environmental Pressure, Community Participation, Governance, Kuakata.
| Title: | Community-Based Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: A Study of Kuakata, Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Author: | Md Mahfuzur Rahman |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Scientific Reports |
| Website: | http://ijsab.com/jsr |
| ISSN: | ISSN: 2708-7085 (Online), ISSN: 3079-9317 (Print) |
| Publisher | IJSAB International |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1222 |
| Media: | Online |
| Volume: | 14 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Acceptance Date: | 22/06/2026 |
| Date of Publication: | 27/06/2026 |
| PDF URL: | http://ijsab.com/wp-content/uploads/1222.pdf |
| Free download: | Available |
| Page: | 389-415 |
| First Page: | 389 |
| Last Page: | 415 |
| Paper Type: | Research paper |
| Current Status: | Published |
Cite This Article:
Rahman, M.M. (2026). Community-Based Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: A Study of Kuakata, Bangladesh, Journal of Scientific Reports, 14(1), 389-415. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1222
About Author (s)
Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Lecturer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, World University of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2905-6825
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58970/JSR.1222
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