Sustainability Of Community-Based Tourism: Inputs For Improvement Of The Tourism Industry In Northern Samar

Abstract

The sustainability of community-based tourism has become one of the most important crucial concerns in the modern world since the tourist sectors are considered as the direct users and beneficiaries of not only the economic environment but also the environmental and social environment. This study used descriptive-correlational method and stratified random sampling wherein respondents were the owners and employees of community-based tourism establishments, the community and tourism officers of Lavezares, Capul and Biri Northern Samar. The findings revealed that among the 371 respondents there are more male than female who were middle-aged adult, high school graduate, married, fishermen and had a family income below the poverty threshold. The success factors of community-based tourism in Northern Samar in terms of community participation such as decision making, legal aspect, implementation, and evaluation; as well as the benefit community organization; government support; and awareness on natural resources were “very successful”. The level of sustainability of community-based tourism in terms of economic; socio-cultural and environmental were “sustainable”. There was a positive correlation between socio-economic profile and success factors affecting the sustainability of community based tourism. There was also a significant relationship between the success factors and the sustainability of community-based tourism in Northern Samar. Among the problems encountered in the sustainability of CBT, first in rank was the item that states there is no safety and security of the tourists in the destination area.