Assessment of Key Factors Influencing the Success and Sustainability of Community-Based Ecotourism: Insights from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) has emerged as a promising sustainable development strategy. This study assesses factors contributing to the success and sustainability of seven CBET initiatives around Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, based on a proposed conceptual model. Through qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, five key CBET factors were evaluated: community pride, cooperative structures, local oversight, economic diversification, and external support. Results indicate that cultural and environmental preservation primarily drive CBET participation, fostering community pride and inclusivity. Initiatives with structured management and diversified economies, such as San José de Chiquitos, report high satisfaction and resilience, while those solely reliant on tourism, like Aguas Calientes, face sustainability challenges. Despite the overall success, there remains a disconnect between recognizing non-financial benefits and acknowledging the environmental impacts of CBET. Additionally, business and management skills gaps indicate a need for targeted training. Although government support is limited, partnerships with NGOs have contributed to CBET development in the region. These findings validate the proposed CBET model and highlight the importance of adaptative, external support across diverse cultural contexts. Further research should address how community pride fosters CBET and how communities effectively collaborate with external entities, such as tourism industries and governments.