|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Dominated by environmental concerns and community engagement, the tourism industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technology. As technology reshapes interactions between destinations and travellers, opens new business horizons, and enriches visitor experiences, it is pivotal in forging the future of the tourism sector. In the age of technology-driven tourism, the symbiotic relationship between Community-Based Tourism (CBT) and digital innovation takes centre stage in promoting sustainability, preserving culture, and empowering local communities while addressing challenges such as data privacy, over-tourism, and digital inclusion
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) has emerged as a highly relevant model in the tourism industry and can be a positive force that supports economic and social well-being while minimising negative impacts on the environment and culture. Thus, CBT becomes an essential instrument in the effort to achieve responsible and sustainable tourism in the future.
Achlan Fahlevi R, MBA, a lecturer at the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, described CBT as an approach that places local communities at the centre of the tourism industry’s entire planning and development process. He emphasised that CBT involves local communities in various aspects, including planning, management, decision-making, and community empowerment. This approach demonstrates a commitment to encouraging active community participation and responsibility in managing and benefiting from the tourism sector.
CBT aims to enhance the well-being and empowerment of local communities worldwide. As an inclusive approach, CBT encompasses various types of tourism. In other words, CBT’s focus is more comprehensive than developing village tourism.
Still, it extends to other aspects, such as local lifestyles, historic cities, natural beauty, adventure, luxury tourism, and more. It enables local communities to actively participate in shaping their well-being and a brighter future.
Achlan explained that technology in the tourism industry changes how tourist destinations interact with travellers, opens new business development opportunities, and enhances travellers’ experiences. With the continuous advancement of technology, the tourism sector continues to adapt to harness its potential.
While technology has brought many benefits, the tourism sector also faces several challenges. One of them is the issue of data privacy and security. With the increasing amount of data collected and used in this industry, protecting travellers’ data has become a critical concern. Companies need to ensure the safety and responsible use of customer data.
Furthermore, the tourism sector also needs to address issues related to over-tourism. Using technology in destination marketing can lead to spikes in tourist visits to specific destinations, which, in turn, can exert excessive pressure on the local environment and infrastructure.
Additionally, technology accessibility can be a hindrance for some groups of travellers. Only some have access to technological devices or a sufficient understanding of their use. Therefore, the tourism sector must ensure that technology usage does not leave anyone behind.
Achlan emphasised that in facing these challenges, the tourism sector needs to continue innovating and collaborating to develop adequate solutions. Technology will remain a driving force in this industry, and understanding its potential and challenges will help the tourism sector grow and develop sustainably.
However, like many other development approaches, CBT also faces several challenges that require solutions. Some of these challenges include community engagement effectiveness, ensuring accessibility for all, and enhancing human resource capacity in the tourism sector.
Nevertheless, it can be accepted that CBT brings along various potential opportunities for significant benefits. For example, CBT can create employment opportunities, contribute to the preservation of social and cultural heritage, and promote economic diversification at the local level.
In Indonesia, some tourist destinations have adopted the CBT approach, and one of them is Wakatobi. As a case study, Wakatobi National Park, particularly Liya Togo Village, is a successful example of CBT implementation.
