Community-based Tourism Development: A Possible Educational Gap

ABSTRACT The demand for well-trained staff in tourism has increased in the last three decades. This is due to the economic contribution of tourism to national economies and its popularity in generating employment. Many developing countries depend on tourism for socio-economic development. Current literature reveals the existence of a gap in Community-based Tourism (CBT) curriculum and qualifications at degree level. This paper is a conceptual paper compiled using an internet search of keywords related to community-based tourism. It examines the gaps that exist in the CBT capacity building process. This is meant to encourage tourism educators and curriculum developers to seriously consider CBT education at degree level. This paper recommends the introduction of a new qualification in CBT at the degree level in South Africa and elsewhere to fill the gaps in CBT capacity principally because such an offering does not exist based on the literature perused.