Assessing the Challenges of a Talaba Eco-Park and Exploring Opportunities as a Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Destination

Sustainable community-based tourism (CBT) gives local communities diverse economic or non-economic advantages. The Philippines, a popular destination for ecotourism, is likely to alleviate and contribute to preserving biodiversity and culture. Talaba (oyster) aquaculture promotes local economic growth through its ability to draw tourists, provide markets for associated goods, and generate revenue for the local community. Talaba serves as a food market and a livelihood for a community by leveraging natural resources as an investment for tourism growth. However, a comprehensive understanding of CBT must recognize the challenges and opportunities of fostering a symbiotic relationship between community development and tourism. This study evaluated the present condition of a Talaba eco-park in Quezon, Philippines. The study seeks to provide action plans to promote the sustainable development of Talaba eco-park as an emerging community-based tourism (CBT) destination. The study investigated Talaba eco-park as a community-based tourism site, with a specific focus on the involvement of residents, the dynamics of power, and the various levels of participation according to steinstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation (LCP). Data collection and exploratory analysis were conducted using a qualitative approach involving interviews and community cases. The study's findings revealed challenges in enhancing the overall management of the Talaba eco-park. The challenges include awareness of community-based tourism (CBT), adequate financial means, and tourism management. A tourism-based action plan was created for policymakers and decision-makers focused on enhancing Talaba facilities, implementing policies, fostering local community awareness, managing marketing strategies, formulating a disaster management plan, and initiating and executing community projects that benefit the local populace. This study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge on sustainable tourism for a local community in a Talaba eco-park, exploring opportunities as a community-based tourism destination.