ABSTRACT

In the evolving landscape of global tourism, the significance of community participation in fostering sustainable rural tourism is increasingly recognized. This research primarily delves into the integral elements of effective community participation within the context of rural tourism in the Ile de France region, France aiming to bolster our understanding of community-centric rural development strategies. This study utilized a quantitative research method. The data was collected from an extensive survey conducted among rural communities in the Ile de France region of France. The study findings revealed five fundamental factors that encapsulate effective community participation in rural tourism within the Ile de France region in descending order of importance: (1) access to training and resources, (2) effective communication among stakeholders, (3) proactive commitment to environmental sustainability, (4) preservation of cultural heritage, and (5) a robust sense of community. Consequently, the study concludes that the strategic promotion of rural tourism in the Ile de France region could be significantly enhanced by centering efforts on these key facets of community participation. The findings from this study may suggest potential directions for stakeholders in rural tourism, including policy-makers, rural development practitioners, and tourism enterprises. These insights could be considered in shaping strategies for sustainability and community empowerment, with careful attention to the unique characteristics of the specific regional context.

Keywords: Rural Tourism, Community Participation, Ile de France, Sustainable Development, Cultural Heritage, Environmental Sustainability.