Guiding the Future of Community-Based Tourism: Leadership Behaviours that Drive Sustainability

Leadership plays a crucial role in the development and sustainability of community-based tourism (CBT). This study examines typical leadership behaviours in CBT development, focusing on collaborative leadership, community engagement, leadership by example, and open communication. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. An interview guide and a questionnaire were used as data collection instruments to collect information from 40 management committee members. Qualitative data from focus group discussions were analysed thematically using NVivo software, while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Statistical Package for Service Solution (v. 24). Findings indicate that leaders in CBT environments exhibit participatory and consultative leadership styles, fostering strong community involvement and stakeholder collaboration. The study highlights the role of servant, transformational, and authentic leadership in ensuring sustainable tourism practices. The results emphasise that effective leadership in CBT is not only about guiding decision-making but also about creating an inclusive and transparent environment that aligns with community needs and aspirations. The study recommends further research into leadership adaptation to varying community dynamics and stakeholder expectations.