Abstract

Tourism has become a popular way of boosting the economies within rural areas but it may also be accompanied by a variety of far-reaching impacts which affect several (non-economic) aspects of residents' quality of life. Local involvement is considered to be a key ingredient for rural community development and it is also recommended for achieving a successful form of tourism that provides communities with a degree of control over tourism's benefits and outcomes. The case of Dawson City, Yukon shows that community members have become involved in creating tourism events and attractions, developing local facilities, and delivering a range of valuable programs and services by participating in the third sector's activities, organizations and groups. This study argues that Dawson's success is linked to the existence of a strong third sector, which has not only acted as a vehicle for tourism development but has also been essential for enhancing the community's quality of life.