Sustainable community-based tourism development nexus livelihood improvement in urban areas: Evidence from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the nexus between sustainable community-based urban tourism (CBUT) development and livelihood improvement for the residents of Addis Ababa. Purposive sampling was employed to select unprivileged and disadvantaged groups from the Arada sub-city's population, followed by census sampling to contact respondents. Principal component analysis was used to break down determining factors, followed by a multiple regression test to examine their impact on community-based urban tourism. The research findings indicate that community awareness about community-based urban tourism concepts is low, necessitating intensive awareness creation. However, potential tourism resources and community interest were observed. Arada sub-city is endowed with high-potential tourism resources. Moreover, social capital and empowerment, improved livelihood, and sense of place have been drawn as determining factors for successful community-based urban tourism development. It also revealed that need assessment, development works, administrative frameworks, community participation, benefit sharing, sustainability, and its value are pillars to the development of community-based urban tourism. The study has provided insight for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the government on how to concentrate on various forms of tourism that are important for the development of the tourism industry, the well-being of the populace's economy, the diversification of attractions, and the viewpoint of tourists.