Abstract: Community participation has been widely accepted as one of the goals and principles of sustainable tourism. However, if community participation is seen as control over resources without understanding and implementing sustainable principles, sustainable tourism remains conceptual. Hence, frameworks are required to enhance active participation by community. Qualitative approach has guided the researcher in understanding sustainable tourism in Makassar city, Indonesia. Data were collected in 2011 which were then updated until December 2014. Interviews to different stakeholders and observation have enriched information about the research area. This article provides insights on how to encourage community participation in tourism through creating and implementing three interrelated frameworks including institutional, tourism-resources-based and stakeholder frameworks. The frameworks provide the opportunity to achieve sustainable tourism.