Tourism and Poverty Reduction - Tourism and Development: Concepts and Issues - page 138

where existing structures preclude the empowerment of the poor, it will be
difficult for PPT to contribute effectively to poverty alleviation: 'PPT will
not “cure” corruption and cronyism, nor can it rid a place of patriarchy and
racism. As a tool, tourism is overly burdened with ideals it cannot realise'
(Chok et al. , 2007: 51).
If PPT is to work as a comprehensive approach, it will require what
Chok et al. (2007) call a fundamental shift in ideology, from relying on
supposed altruism to a more solid foundation of ethics. A number of
researchers support the need for a more ethically grounded approach to
pro-poor tourism (Higgins-Desbiolles, 2006; Schellhorn, 2007) which sug-
gests that development policies focus less on growth and more on equity
(Schilcher, 2007). This accords with Harrison's (2008: 865) assertion that
tourism studies needs to regain 'a moral dimension which was there in the
1970s and 1980s'. It is useful to reflect back on the 1980 Manila Declaration,
prepared during this period, in which moral imperatives were more at the
forefront of tourism debates, which stated: 'world tourism can only flour-
ish if based on equality and if its ultimate aim is the improvement of the
quality of life and the creation of better living conditions for all peoples'
(WTO, 1980: 1).
For many decades, governments of developing countries have pursued
growth in their tourism sectors in the belief that this would create jobs and
be an engine for development of their countries. However, from the moderni-
sation-inspired agendas of the 1950s through to the neoliberal agendas of the
present it is apparent that growth of tourism does not always lead to equi-
table distribution of benefits. Rather, 'a proactive interventionist approach is
needed' whereby governments target the poor and establish legislation to
back up affirmative action strategies (Sofield, 2003: 351). It is vital that devel-
oping country governments create an environment which promotes ethical
business practice and also seeks to control the nature of tourism development
in order to minimise potential harm and maximise local and national level
benefits. Governments can, for example, seek to attract foreign investors
while also ensuring there are clear performance standards to maximise ben-
efits for their country (e.g. requirements for local procurement or joint ven-
tures); establish a legal and policy environment which is supportive of
development initiatives by nationals of a country; support freedom of expres-
sion, allowing for strong NGOs and advocacy groups which play a watchdog
role regarding tourism development; and implement good labour rights leg-
islation along with appropriate incentives for upskilling employees or
employing vulnerable peoples (e.g. youth at risk). It is, after all, the role of the
state, not private companies, to advance the well-being of citizens:
Companies should not be expected to take over governments' responsi-
bility for social policy - the state should set the rules and regulate in the
interests of all groups equitably and efficiently. (Standing, 2007: 2)