Urban community-based tourism development: A networked social capital model

The rapid and uncontrolled tourism growth has impacted local livelihoods in many cities through commodification, gentrification, and expropriation. Though community-based tourism offers a prospective development alternative, the phenomenon has been underexplored in urban contexts which are more complex than their rural counterparts. The urban dwellers who are seeking to engage in collective actions need social capital. This study deploys a qualitative ethnographic approach using an in-depth interviewing technique undertaken in three historic Bangkok communities to investigate the dual nature of social capital in promoting and impeding cooperation and collaboration. The study presents six analytical themes and the networked social capital model to explain the roles of positive and negative social capital in urban community-based tourism development. •Community-based tourism approach is applicable to developing urban communities.•Social capital is prone to conflicts of interest and a “double-edged sword.”•Bonding social capital determines cooperation or competition amongst urban dwellers.•Bridging/linking social capital can mobilise resources though can exacerbate tensions.•Inclusive engagement and collaborative network are key to sustainable urban tourism.