Julinus @ Jeffery Jimit (Malaysia)
DAY 1 (Thursday) 27th February
Community-Based Tourism : Empowering Local Communities
Keynote Speech II (30 minutes) : Community-Based Tourism (CBT) represents a powerful model for fostering sustainable development and empowering local communities. By ensuring full ownership and management of the tourism experience, CBT enables communities to reap comprehensive benefits. This approach generates employment opportunities, boosts revenue, and supports the local procurement of goods and services, thereby minimising economic leakage. CBT also diversifies economic activities beyond traditional farming, mitigating risks associated with climate-induced agricultural downturns. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in promoting environmental conservation, raising awareness about wildlife protection, and preserving cultural heritage. These benefits not only enhance the community's resilience but also create a richer, more authentic tourism experience.