This research addresses the challenges of organizational development in community-based tourism in rural communities of southern Manabí, where structural limitations persist in consolidating it as a sustainable development alternative. The main weaknesses include insufficient basic infrastructure, a lack of ongoing training for local stakeholders, and weak coordination with government authorities. The research focused on assessing the current state of organizational development in community-based tourism, using a mixed-method approach, the analytical-synthetic method, and documentary analysis. Fieldwork included semi-structured interviews with community leaders, local entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives, as well as conducting a strategic SWOT analysis. The results reveal a participatory organizational structure with a certain degree of autonomy, although limited by operational and management factors. Community-based tourism presents significant potential for diversifying the local economy and conserving natural and cultural heritage. It is concluded that consolidating inter-institutional partnerships, improving infrastructure, and promoting ongoing training processes to strengthen local management are priorities. A participatory management model is proposed that connects community stakeholders with external institutions, aimed at ensuring sustainable, inclusive tourism development with real benefits for the communities involved.