Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate how a local community’s empowerment influences its perception of the impacts of community-based ecotourism (CBE) upon the people of Ban Na village in the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area of Laos. Qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews reveals that economic empowerment is the most significant dimension of empowerment to the development of CBE and influencing positive perceptions of the impact of CBE. Meanwhile, the social dimension of empowerment is the least important in the village. The study demonstrates that the empowered local community was more supportive of tourism development, and of equal chances for locals to have fair responsibilities for their work and to obtain comparable power over the decision-making process in the development of their jobs were driving force in enhancing living conditions and receiving substantial economic benefits from CBE participation.