A community-based Tourism Approach for Sensitive Tourist Destinations: The Case of the Elmina Castle and the Community.

Abstract

The historical slave castles and forts along the coast of Ghana presents a touristic experience full of emotions. These sensitive sites attract a number tourist to Ghana bringing revenue for government expenditure. Whereas these sites are owned and run by government, communities within which these sites are located have had poor development due to their isolation from tourism development. The neglect of community involvement in tourism have resulted in problems reflective in the host communities such as lack of development, resident’s isolation and possible community backlash. Also, the sensitive issues related to these sites have not been given enough attention. This study uses qualitative interviews to explore the possibility of employing the community-based tourism (CBT) approach to these historical sites. The study uses the Elmina castle and the community as its case of reference to explore the fundamental concepts of the CBT to determine the level of participation of stakeholders in Elmina tourism and the required initiatives necessary to establish a CBT model for the community. The study also explores the economic, social and environmental impacts of utilizing the CBT model for the sites. Finally, the study assesses the barriers that tend to impede establishing CBTs in Ghanaian communities. While these issues are discussed, suggestions on issues such as dealing with sensitivity, policy recommendations, and community alternative to CBT are also outlined.