Imaginaries of community-based initiatives : charting paths towards sustainable tourism in rural Bonaire

Abstract

This paper explores the potential for community-based tourism (CBT) on Bonaire, a special municipality of the Netherlands in the Dutch Caribbean. It examines how Bonaire's unique constitutional status and historical context, among others, enable or constrain CBT development. Changes in Bonaire’s status as a sub-national island jurisdiction (SNIJ) in 2010 led to increased governance and legal alignment with the Netherlands, resulting in mixed impacts on CBT initiatives. Fieldwork, including 18 semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders, suggests that while infrastructural investments and access to Dutch resources provide opportunities, economic disparities, brain drain, and social tensions hinder progress. The current tourism model places pressure on picturesque but delicate coastlines and coral reefs, bypassing rural inland areas like Rincon from a share of economic benefits. The findings highlight the value of preserving cultural heritage, addressing infrastructural challenges, and promoting equitable market access for local business. Inclusive policies and community-driven approaches are needed to foster a sustainable CBT sector that aligns with Bonaire’s cultural and ecological heritage and meets residents’ aspirations. By addressing such challenges, Bonaire can leverage its unique status to cultivate a thriving, equitable tourism model that benefits the entire community and achieves environmental and cultural sustainability.