What is the main focus of community-based tourism?

The primary focus of community-based tourism is to involve local populations in tourism planning. This approach emphasizes the importance of local communities in the development and management of tourism activities, ensuring that their culture, environment, and economic needs are respected and prioritized.

By involving locals, community-based tourism helps ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the residents, fostering economic opportunities while preserving the cultural and natural resources of the area. This participatory approach not only empowers local populations but also creates a more authentic travel experience for visitors, as they engage with the culture and lifestyle of the community.

The other options, while related to tourism, do not capture the essence of community-based tourism. For example, maximizing tourist profits focuses on financial gain rather than community involvement, restricting access to tourist sites can contradict the inclusive nature of community-based initiatives, and promoting large hotel chains typically undermines local businesses and is not aligned with the goals of community involvement and empowerment.