2026 Volume 36 Pages 82-89
The tourism industry, including inbound tourism, plays a key role in Japan’s socio-economic landscape, supporting local economies and communities. This study examines how tourism benefits local societies and the mechanisms needed to achieve these effects. While corporate social responsibility (CSR) promotes sustainable and ethical tourism, research on the interaction between businesses, residents, and travelers is still limited. Focusing on practical examples and evolving traveler values, this study analyzes Korea’s ‘Gongjeong Travel’ (Fair Travel), which emphasizes fair transactions and local partnerships, and Japan’s “Community-based Tourism,” which fosters collaboration with local communities and encourages culturally and environmentally responsible behavior. By exploring these cases, the research clarifies the theoretical basis of social responsibility in tourism and offers insights into its practical implementation, highlighting how such initiatives can promote more responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
