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This manual provides guidance on the issues to be addressed when developing Community Based Tourism (CBT) activities managed by local communities in regional and rural areas. It highlights the practical considerations when planning for and implementing CBT drawing on the experience of CBT activities internationally. It gives particular attention to the potential from and challenges in developing thermal tourism. The overall objective of this manual is to increase awareness in APEC economies of the opportunities for CBT as a vehicle for social, economic and environmental development. It integrates the general principles of good practice in sustainable tourism and community development, which focus on actual, local community needs. It aims to give guidance on CBT process and practice that facilitate protection of natural and socio-cultural resources and improve the welfare of local people, while enhancing monetary gains and market access. The manual showcases and draws lessons from good practice in CBT from around the world drawing from case study examples of good practice it identifies the underlying processes and practices that make can make CBT successful while also identifying key challenges and risks.