Publication

This case study evaluates the viability of rural community-based tourism in Nicaragua and Guatemala as an alternative to more mainstream approaches to the development of tourism. Despite strong community organisations (cooperatives) and some natural assets related to tourism such as caves and culture – and, in the case of Nicaragua, reasonable infrastructure and access to markets – the financial sustainability of initiatives has been badly affected by an inability to link with the main distribution channels (tour operators and hoteliers). The initial investment costs are high and barriers to entry are significant. Notwithstanding poor tourist flows, these have brought some economic and other benefits to the destination areas.