Evaluating the Efficacy of Community-Based Tourism as a Strategic Public Administration Initiative for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Zamboanga City, Philippines

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) as a strategic public administration initiative for sustainable development in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and economic assessments with qualitative interviews and focus groups to examine the impacts of CBT on local governance, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. Four case studies of CBT initiatives-Fiesta and Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism Project, Heritage Tourism Initiative, and Rural Tourism Development-provide a detailed analysis of their diverse implementations and outcomes. The findings reveal that CBT initiatives significantly enhance local governance by fostering community participation and transparency, in line with New Public Governance principles. Economically, these initiatives contribute to income generation, job creation, and local business development, though benefits are unevenly distributed. Environmentally, CBT promotes conservation and sustainable resource management but faces challenges such as waste management. Socially, CBT strengthens community cohesion and cultural preservation but requires ongoing efforts to address social disparities. The study's theoretical implications advance understanding of how CBT can operationalize governance principles and support sustainable development. It concludes with recommendations for policy and future research to optimize CBT's benefits, suggesting that with strategic adaptations, CBT can be a valuable tool for sustainable development in diverse contexts.

Keywords: Community-Based Tourism (CBT), Sustainable Development, Local Governance, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, Social Cohesion