The long-term effectiveness of a community-based tourism approach in Bolivia using the lens of community resilience : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This study explores the factors that influence the long-term success of community-based tourism (CBT) projects in Bolivia and examines the degree to which CBT initiatives contribute to increased community resilience (CR). Adopting a community resilience lens, the research explores economic, social, cultural, environmental and structural indicators of resilience to investigate how participation in CBT projects impacts overall community resilience within communities. A qualitative approach was adopted, and primary data was collected through a grey literature analysis and semi-structured interviews with representatives from communities, NGOs, and tourism organisations involved in CBT within Bolivia. The data was coded and analysed using a thematic analysis in which the data was sorted by CBT success factors and the four potential indicators of CR to identify key patterns. Findings suggest that while CBT projects can strengthen community cohesion, cultural pride and aid in economic diversification, their long-term success may be constrained by structural and institutional weaknesses. Although many communities remained dependent on NGOs for technical support and funding, projects that integrated training, partnerships with external organisations and local leadership were found to be more resilient. This study concluded that CBT could serve as a valuable pathway for strengthening CR when supported by consistent policy frameworks, long-term training and supportive governance structures. However, without addressing systemic issues such as limited infrastructure and institutional dependence, the potential of CBT to achieve enduring resilience remains restricted.