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The Influence of Community-Based Participation on Sustainable Tourism Development: Mediating Effect of Local Support through a Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Introduction

The influence of community-based participation on sustainable tourism development: mediating effect of local support through a structural equation modelling approach. Explore how community-based participation and local support drive sustainable tourism development in South Punjab, Pakistan. A structural equation model reveals crucial mediating effects.

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between the community-based participation (CBP) and sustainable tourism development (STD), with the particular focus on mediating role of the local support. The core objective of this current study, is to explore that how society involvement contributes in the effectiveness of sustainable tourism initiatives. On the bases of primary data collected through an empirical survey of 150 local residents from south Punjab of Pakistan. This study also helps to reveals the significant and positive connection between the community-based participation and sustainable tourism development. The simple random sampling technique applies for this study. Furthermore, the finding of this study indicate that local support mediates this relationship and suggesting the main acting endorsement and involvement of the local people help to enhance the sustainability of the tourism development. The results of this study, underscore the importance of inclusive community involvement which helps to impower the local stakeholders and local leaders to make the successful tourism outcomes. The theocratical implementation of this study adds the value by demonstrating the local support operate as a critical intermediary, reinforcing the link between the local people’s involvement and sustainable tourism practices.

Review

This study presents a timely and relevant investigation into the crucial relationship between community-based participation (CBP) and sustainable tourism development (STD), with a particular focus on the mediating role of local support. The core objective of exploring how societal involvement contributes to the effectiveness of sustainable tourism initiatives is commendable, addressing a critical area in tourism studies, especially in developing contexts like South Punjab, Pakistan. The finding of a significant and positive connection between CBP and STD, and crucially, the demonstration of local support as a mediator, adds valuable nuance to existing literature. This theoretical contribution, positing local support as a critical intermediary, reinforces the link between local involvement and sustainable practices, thereby empowering local stakeholders and leaders. While the study's aims are laudable, several methodological and presentation aspects require further clarification and refinement. The sample size of 150 local residents, while a start, might be considered modest for a study employing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), and a more detailed justification of its adequacy for the proposed model complexity would be beneficial. Furthermore, although "simple random sampling" is mentioned, the abstract lacks specifics on the sampling frame and execution, which are essential for evaluating the generalizability of the findings. Most importantly, for a study that explicitly states using an "SEM approach" in its title, the abstract provides very limited information regarding the SEM application itself – no mention of constructs, number of items, model fit indices, or software used. This omission significantly limits the ability to assess the rigor and validity of the claimed mediation effect. Moreover, the abstract exhibits several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing that necessitate a thorough linguistic review to enhance clarity and professional presentation. Despite these areas for improvement, the study tackles an important practical and theoretical challenge. The emphasis on inclusive community involvement and the critical role of local support offers valuable insights for policymakers and tourism practitioners seeking to foster more sustainable and equitable tourism outcomes. For publication, it would be essential for the authors to substantially elaborate on the methodological details of their SEM analysis, including model specification, measurement details, and full results. Addressing the linguistic and presentation issues would also significantly strengthen the manuscript. With these revisions, the study has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the understanding of community-led sustainable tourism development.

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