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Research Article

Empowering Communities and Advancing Sustainable Eco-Tourism: The Intermediary Function of Community Support for Eco-Tourism

Authors

  • Heda Augustino Chale School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

    felistadaniel2@gmail.com

  • Xiu-Hao Ding School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
  • Salum Mohammed Ahmed College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
  • Ruihong Liu School of Economics and Management, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi 435003, China

Abstract

Despite the literature on community empowerment and sustainable eco-tourism development (SETD), few studies have examined the mechanisms that connect these factors. This study explores the relationship between community empowerment and SETD while assessing the mediating role of community support for tourism. Social exchange theory provides the framework for understanding key factors in SETD. An empirical survey was conducted with 392 northern Tanzania residents from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). The analysis revealed a significant correlation between community empowerment and sustainable eco-tourism activities, with community support partially mediating the relationship. Findings suggest that enhanced community empowerment fosters successful eco-tourism development, primarily through local support for eco-tourism initiatives. This study contributes to the theory by highlighting the crucial role of community support in linking empowerment to sustainable tourism practices in local contexts.

Keywords:

Community-Based Tourism Community Empowerment Community Support Eco-Tourism Sustainable Development Tanzania

Article information

Journal

Journal of Management, and Development Research

Volume (Issue)

2(1), (2025)

Pages

22-33

Published

16-02-2025

How to Cite

Chale, H. A., Ding, X.-H., Ahmed, S. M., & Liu, R. (2025). Empowering Communities and Advancing Sustainable Eco-Tourism: The Intermediary Function of Community Support for Eco-Tourism. Journal of Management, and Development Research, 2(1), 22-33. https://doi.org/10.69739/jmdr.v2i1.232

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