From Culture to Economy : The Role of Community Based Tourism in Kediri’s Tourism Villages

Abstract

This research examines the development of tourism villages in Kediri through the lens of community-based tourism (CBT) as a means to promote sustainable economic growth and social cohesion. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, documentation, and Focus Group Discussions with stakeholders and community members, and analyzed with descriptive and SWOT methods. The findings show that villages such as Kampung Madu, Jambu, and Keling offer strong natural, cultural, and educational attractions that create jobs, raise local incomes, and enhance community solidarity. Despite these benefits, key challenges include limited human resources, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental management issues. The research highlights the importance of government support and institutional collaboration in overcoming these barriers. Overall, Kediri’s tourism villages demonstrate significant potential to serve as a replicable model of inclusive and sustainable CBT, provided that empowerment efforts and policy support are consistently reinforced.

Keywords: tourism villages, sustainable tourim, community empowerment, economic growth