Private Enterprise Partnership - Pacific Responsible Tourism Development What Works John Perrottet Responsible Tourism Days January 9-19, 9 2008 Pro-Poor Tourism The Theory Economic Development tourism is highly decentralised reduces urban migration hotels are major purchasers of local produce tourism is a major employer of women opportunities to acquire skills, languages tourism shopping = exports without taxes tourism is a clean industry
Pro-Poor Poor Tourism The Theory Cultural Diversity different cultures are part of the global heritage tourism can contribute to cultural rediscovery and restoration maintenance of diversity there is a market for cultural tourism the market is knowledgeable the market is understanding, flexible, forgiving Nature of Community Based Tourism Some Common Elements community driven vs individual driven community benefits and community costs often don t t fit with traditional financing models often depend on the role of the benefactor hard to prove financial sustainability
What Tourists Want authenticity
What Tourists Want authenticity minimum standards hygiene, sanitation, safety, comfort
What Tourists Want authenticity minimum standards hygiene, sanitation, safety, comfort variety in food accurate description of the product
Island Safaris - Vanuatu Responsible Tourism Development What Tourists Want authenticity minimum standards hygiene, sanitation, safety, comfort variety in food accurate description of the product predictability in overall experience
What Communities Want cash little impact on normal life show off hospitality share culture and lifestyle not necessarily a full-time commitment Responsible Tourism Development What Communities Want community development
What Communities Want community development education
What Communities Want community development education health training entry to productive workforce
What Communities Want community development education health training entry to productive workforce access to outside world manage their own destiny
Some Keys to Success preservation of the assets
Some Keys to Successful Projects preservation of the assets management of relationships management of expectations detailed consultation
Some Keys to Successful Projects preservation of the assets management of relationships management of expectations detailed consultation clustering of retail opportunities
Some Keys to Successful Projects preservation of the assets management of relationships management of expectations detailed consultation clustering of retail opportunities sharing of benefits
Some Keys to Successful Programs understand the motivation of the client
Some Keys to Successful Programs understand the motivation of the client understand the market understand the distribution system know who the customers are
Challenging Some Premises community based tourism is always good ownership is the only legitimate form of participation if I build it, the tourists will come I m m here to help Responsible Tourism Development So, who is responsible? YOU AND ME
How do we practice responsible tourism? know the business commit to the process use available resources find suitable partners base our programs on sound research be credible know your client Responsible Tourism Development What can we do to be more responsible? address the real problems develop sources of equity funding for SMEs packaging AS with IS where there will be the most impact don t t overdo the study leverage donors participation based on our credibility and not just our brand be commercial
Economic sustainability economic viability will be achieved through: effective marketing, and managing prices; high levels of service through trained staff; effective relationships with guests to encourage return visits or referrals; good financial reporting and managing cash flow; close control over costs, labour, consumable products, energy, transport and other costs; repair and refurbishment to keep the asset in good condition. Responsible Tourism Development So, to whom are we responsible? OUR CLIENTS
Thank You jperrottet@ifc.org