Tourism has become a significant contributor to the economy of many countries, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue.

While traditional tourism often focuses on popular destinations and attractions, community tourism presents a unique approach that empowers local communities and enhances tourism development from the grassroots. This article will discuss the concept of community tourism, its benefits, and its importance in fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism.

It is an article I decided to make public after watching the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John on the screen while unveiling her Ministry’s policy for the nation. I must commend and acknowledge Mrs Lola Ade-John for her strides at the Min- istry in the last few months.

Her activities have depicted her as a very diligent and patriotic public officer who is out to serve the nation earnestly and responsibly She understands the uniqueness of Ni- geria’s geographical tourism contraptions – which is grassroots-based and hence coming out with the gospel according to Community Tourism Thus let us understand this gospel of hers by asking what is Community Tour- ism?

Community tourism, also known as community-based tourism or local tour- ism, involves the active participation of local communities in the planning, de- velopment, and management of tourism activities. It aims to promote local culture, heritage, and resources while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level.

This is one of the reasons why devel- opers of Tourism Master Plans always emphasise the involvement of members of rural communities This is to underscore the benefits of Community Tourism: Community Tourism enhances em- powerment and shores up poverty alle- viation programmes. Community Tourism enables local communities to participate in deci- sion-making processes, giving them a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Involving community members in tour- ism activities creates employment op- portunities and helps alleviate poverty in these areas. Members of the communities would be aware of the importance of what they have and thus develop affectionate behavioural patterns that will encourage tourists to flock to their areas. With the understanding of what tour- ism is and its advantages, members of the communities will naturally strive to pre- serve their Culture and Heritage which they have seen as economic products for Community Tourism emphasises the preservation and promotion of local cul- ture and heritage.

Engaging tourists in local traditions, festivals, and handicrafts, helps preserve these elements and pass them on to future generations. Also, this will test the environmental consciousness of members of the commu- nities. Community Tourism often takes a sustainable approach, ensuring that natural resources are conserved. Locals become more aware of the importance of protecting their environment, and initia- tives such as eco-tourism and responsible tourism practices are prioritised.

Also, community-based tourism helps stimulate economic growth in lo- cal areas. Small-scale enterprises, such as homestays, local restaurants, and artis- anal shops, benefit from increased tour- ism activities, generating income for the community.

Community-based tourism helps to lu- bricate cultural exchanges and authentic experiences: Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, and com- munity tourism provides opportunities for cultural exchange between visitors and locals. Tourists gain a deeper understand- ing of the local way of life, traditions, and customs, while community members in- teract with visitors from different cultures. One cannot ignore the importance of Community Tourism Community tourism promotes inclu- sivity by involving diverse members of society, including marginalised groups, in tourism activities.

It fosters social cohe- sion, bringing together people from differ- ent backgrounds and promoting mutual understanding. It also offsets overtourism, which tradi- tional tourism encourages by concentrat- ing on popular destinations, leading to issues of overtourism.

By encouraging vis- itors to explore lesser-known communi- ties, community tourism helps distribute tourism activities more evenly, reducing the negative impacts of overcrowding in heavily visited areas. Community-based tourism aligns with the principles of sustainable development by emphasising the preservation of nat- ural and cultural resources.

It promotes long-term planning, ensuring that tourism development is environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially beneficial. Through community tourism, new and unique tourism products and services can be developed. This enriches the overall tourism industry by offering travellers a wider range of experiences while also encouraging creativity and innovation within local communities. Conclusively, Community Tourism plays a crucial role in enhancing tourism development from the grassroots.

By em- powering local communities, preserving culture and heritage, and promoting sus- tainable tourism practices, it ensures a more inclusive, authentic, and responsible tourism industry. Governments, tourism stakeholders, and travellers themselves should recog- nise the importance of community tour- ism in creating a balanced and sustainable tourism environment that benefits both locals and visitors alike. *Wale Ojo-Lanre, is a Barrister-At-Law and Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.