Cultural Tourism and Community-Led Conservation: Case Studies from Africa

Abstract

For years, travelers from all over the globe have sought out Africa and its rich cultural heritage as well as its stunning natural landscapes. During the last decades a rising tide of advocates have arisen, who seek to exploit tourism's incoming for local development while simultaneously preserving the fragile ecosystems and traditional ways of life. The apporach of community based tourism implies locals as tourism initiations’ pioneers, sharing their culture and environment protection, and earning economic benefits.This article presents a few compelling case studies of community based tourism and conservation initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. With a lens on successes and challenges, we will learn about elements that allow this model to lead to sustainable development, increase intercultural understanding, and establish cooperative hosts and visitors.