Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Understand strategies used to manage
responsible tourism in destinations
SECTION 3
We have seen that tourism development takes place
in a range of destinations in the more economically
developed world (MEDW) and the less economically
developed world (LEDW). Many thousands of towns,
cities, countryside areas and coastal resorts are keen to
invest in tourism, primarily for economic reasons. This
section investigates how responsible tourism can bes
t
be achieved in destinations by focusing on strategies
to
maximise the positive impacts of tourism and minimise
tourism's negative effects.
FOCUS ON INDUSTRY
ATG AND ITS 'BUY LOCAL' POLICY
ATG is an independent tour operator specialising
in walking holidays worldwide, in countries
such as Tunisia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
Founded in 1979 on principles of environmental
conservation and sustainability, its objectives are to
ensure environmental best practice throughout its
activities, to 'give something back' by undertaking
conservation projects in the areas visited, and to
involve clients, suppliers, local communities and
staff in the process of responsible tourism. With
its 'buy local' policy, 65 per cent of receipts are
spent in the locations visited. The company has also
invested in local hotels - money that has enabled
vital improvements, ensuring their continuation
and hence job and wealth creation. Ten per cent of
ATG's pre-tax profi ts are channelled into the ATG
Trust, which 'gives something back' by funding
conservation projects in the destinations visited.
Staff, clients, suppliers and local authorities and
communities are all involved in the selection of
the projects, which aim to sustain the areas for the
benefi t of future generations.
Strategies to maximise tourism's
positive impacts
It is in the long-
t
erm interest of the travel and
tourism sector for
public, private and voluntary sector
organisation
s
to work together to maximise the sector's
positive aspects. This can be achieved by giving careful
attentio
n
to a number of factors, including:
Retention of visitor spending;
•
•
Widening access to facilities;
•
Community projects;
•
Employment and training of local people;
•
Education.
Retention of visitor spending
Weblink
Check out this website for more
information on ATG and its environmental
policies.
www.atg-oxford.co.uk
Money spent by tourists re-circulated in the local
economy and is often worth more than its face value.
This is known as the multiplier effect (see page 357).
Destination managers should aim to keep as much as
possible of the money from tourism in the local area by
keeping 'leakages' to a minimum, i.e. the money that
leaves the local economy to pay for supplies bought
outside the area, to pay shareholders or staff who may
not live locally, etc. This can be achieved by drawing up
tourism development plans that make maximum use of
local produce and suppliers, involve local communities
in making decisions about tourism and employ local
people whenever possible.
Widening access to facilities
It is not only good business sense to promote tourist
facilities to as many people as possible, but it also helps
to maximise tourism's positive impacts. For example,
offering concessionary rates for entry to museums and
