Tourism for Tomorrow: Balancing Culture, Conservation, and Community
Achieving sustainable tourism necessitates a delicate balance between economic prosperity,
environmental protection, and the well-being of local communities. This article explores the
challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Mauritius, a captivating island
nation, and Queensland, Australia, a region celebrated for its rich Aboriginal culture and diverse
ecosystems. Drawing upon research conducted in both locations, the article examines pressing
environmental concerns alongside socio-cultural issues within tourism practices. Through this
exploration, Community-Based Tourism (CBT) emerges as a promising approach for navigating some
of these challenges. The article presents CBT models and incorporates real-world examples from
both Mauritius and Queensland. These examples illuminate how CBT may empower local
communities, foster cultural preservation, and potentially contribute to environmental
sustainability. Ultimately, this article investigates the viability of CBT as a strategic tool for promoting
sustainable tourism development in these regions.
Keywords: sustainable tourism, community-based tourism (CBT), cultural preservation, local
empowerment, Mauritius, Queensland