LAUSR

ABSTRACT Community-based tourism (CBT) uses existing natural and cultural resources and contributes to their preservation. Local communities are often presented as homogenous blocks in literature, without the presence of internal power struggles or contrasting values. In tourism studies, it is frequently assumed that CBT can overcome power imbalances by involving all stakeholders in a process that meets the desires of all stakeholders. In the context of how the CBT tourist attraction Vicos in Peru got authenticated, this case study explored not only the power imbalances between external and internal stakeholders, it also gathered empirical data regarding power issues in the authentication process of the tourist attraction, as well as the empowerment of community members. By researching the interests and influence of different external and internal stakeholders in the authentication process of Vicos, it was detected that various instruments of power were used. Moreover, differences in the empowerment of local community members were noticed, not only economically, but also in other dimensions. In conclusion, this study enriches tourism studies regarding imbalanced power relations between external and internal stakeholders, differences in the empowerment of community members through CBT and the presence of power issues in the authentication process of tourist attractions.