COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM - A NEW DIRECTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHAM ISLAND WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Abstract

As a World Biosphere Reserve, Cham Island possesses unspoilt natural scenery and striking distinctive features in geology, geomorphology, forest and marine ecosystems with diverse genetic resources, favourable climatic conditions as well as a hospitable and friendly residential community. These are good conditions for the development of community-based tourism. However, the life quality of the local community here is still poor and the tourism sector has not been well developed in correspondence with its potential.This paper presents the status quo of community-based tourism development and puts forward some orientations and measures for the effective exploitation of natural resources as well as conservation, sustainable development and the improvement of the local people community‘s living conditions.