Challenges and opportunities of community-based rural tourism in Peru: An analysis of the level of development from the perspective of tourism operators

López J.A.V.; Juárez E.M.U.; Castillo L.F.C.; Galarreta M.J.J.A.; Acero H.M.L. · Multidisciplinary Reviews (2026) · DOI: 10.31893/multirev.2026489

Resumen

Community-based rural tourism has become a pathway for social, cultural, and economic development in various communities across Peru. It is an emerging activity increasingly utilized by tourism operators to connect travelers with diverse local experiences. The objective of this study was to determine the level of rural tourism development based on the perception of tourism operators from different Peruvian communities, with the purpose of identifying the main challenges and opportunities for the sector. The research was basic in nature, adopting a quantitative approach with a descriptive level and a nonexperimental cross-sectional design. A survey was administered to 31 tourism operators working in rural communities. The main findings revealed that, in some communities, the level of rural tourism development is moderate (68%), while in others it is high (32%). Likewise, natural and cultural resources are not fully utilized—some communities make use of only 68% of these resources, whereas others reach 32%. Regarding economic activities, 65% are being effectively harnessed, while 35% remain underdeveloped. Key challenges include improving road and supply infrastructure, promoting environmental awareness, and preserving traditional and cultural practices within communities. On the other hand, several opportunities have emerged, such as increasing tourist preference through enhanced experiences and better-designed tourist spaces, discovering new local attractions and activities, and improving the quality of natural and organic products. In conclusion, community-based rural tourism in Peruvian localities demonstrates moderate progress in tourism management and in the utilization of natural and cultural resources. While some communities exhibit a high level of dynamism, others still need to strengthen their organizational and promotional capacities. The limited infrastructure and weak institutional coordination continue to hinder the full development of the tourism potential in these areas.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú