Tourism Impacts and Community Sustainability: A Qualitative Study of Kobuni Village, Malaysia, and Albuquerque Village, Philippines

Community-based tourism (CBT) has been recognized as a pathway to sustainable regional development, balancing economic opportunities with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.This study explores the impacts of CBT development in Kobuni Village, Malaysia, and Albuquerque Village, Philippines, based on narratives from three key informants who are community leaders and top management.Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically, revealing four key themes: economic impacts, socio-cultural contributions, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.The findings show that both villages have successfully leveraged tourism to enhance livelihoods, cultural pride, and environmental awareness, albeit through different approaches.Kobuni Village emphasizes inclusive participation, structured community engagement, and environmental innovation, while Albuquerque Village highlights cultural entrepreneurship and heritage-based product development.Despite differing approaches, both communities demonstrate how tourism can be developed in ways that align with local values, strengthen social cohesion, and support long-term sustainability.This study affirms the role of community leadership and engagement in shaping positive tourism experiences and outcomes in rural settings.