In the wake of global anti-tourism protests and increasing tourist taxes and behavioural byelaws to curb the industry’s negative impacts, a new report by tourism bodies and university researchers reveals 40 actions stakeholders could take “to distribute tourism’s benefits across local communities better.”
Up to 80% of tourism wealth “leaks” from communities
Tourism has boomed to record levels around the world but, the report highlights, its benefits don’t always reach local people, and in some cases “tourism activity can exacerbate local inequalities.” For example, the authors say, “tourism revenue can be concentrated in the hands of a few, while jobs created can be low paid.” Shockingly, between 50 and 80% of tourist spending does not find its way into local hands, the research finds.
Key recommendations emerging from the report include the principle that destination management should always prioritise “local needs first and foremost”. Specifically, the report calls out the idea that spreading tourism, creating jobs, or bringing in high-spenders are always good things. This is a fallacy and “won’t automatically or necessarily make it fairer – and may even make it worse,” say the authors, a broad coalition from the Travel Foundation and the Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH), the European Tourism Futures Institute, Breda University of Applied Sciences, HZ University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC), and Destination Think.
Always consider the impact on those who are not involved at all
However, that’s not to say that tourism isn’t “a global and growing industry with significant potential to drive positive societal change.” But the “broader value” of tourism should be considered in terms of how it impacts community members who are not involved at all in the industry, for example, by improving infrastructure, regenerating urban spaces or restoring the natural environment.
In fact, the report outlines 25 case studies where tourism has “significantly contributed to local entrepreneurship, improved community wellbeing, and other positive outcomes. One such is Vancouver Island’s Tribal Parks Allies Initiative, held up as “an inspiring example of how local host communities can receive more benefits from tourism, while also playing a more active role in its management.”
Equity-driven development
A suite of 40 mechanisms to protect, empower and embrace communities include:
- Taxes and revenue-sharing initiatives,
- Business incubation and training programs,
- Licensing and zoning regulations,
- Community enterprises and volunteering programs,
- Product development that integrates local culture and environment protection.
Notably, figuring out what will work in your specific location and situation is paramount. “This report is essentially a roadmap for a more equity-driven management approach,” says lead author, Bernadett Papp. “You start by identifying the broader community goals that tourism can contribute to, then review the evidence-based mechanisms and real-world case study examples we have gathered and consider our practical guidance on implementation and measuring impact, before deciding what might work in your context.”
