CBET CONCEPT
Whilst there are no fixed concepts or definitions of CBET, and it is often open to different interpretations by organisations involved in it, the bottom line is that CBET is a type of tourism which should contribute to sustainable tourism development that benefits local people.
“The CBET concept is part of an alternative form of tourism that is important for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Timor-Leste, as it not only contributes to the well-being of local people economically but also helps host communities protect and preserve their natural and cultural resources” (J.Quintas,2016).
Definition of CBET
The term ‘community-based ecotourism’ takes this social dimension a stage further. This is a form of ecotourism where the local community has substantial control over, and involvement in, its development and management, and a major proportion of the benefits remain within the community (WWF International, 2001).
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Timor-Leste, CBET is a type of alternative tourism which can economically, socio-culturally, and environmentally benefit its local people; any type of tourism enterprise associated to tourism should be driven by local people.
More info at http://www.cbet-timorleste.com/