Can you imagine building a 5 star luxury resort in the middle of an impoverished community? The disconnect is not just an African phenomenon, but a global one too. While old-time luxury travelers might have been more than happy to stay at an all-inclusive resort in a developing region, secluded from the surrounding community, the same cannot be said of the current generation.
Modern travellers are more aware of the communities they venture into. They want to explore unchartered and often low income destinations to recognize how other people live and figure out how to support it.
What is the true metric of tourism success?
Create a wealth ripple effect
How to Implement this metric of tourism success?
- Before developing a luxury hotel/restaurant or tour within a certain community, find out what the development needs are. There could be skilled yet unemployed people who could be an asset to the business.
- Offer to train members of the community to support your business
- And where possible, hire these trained community members.
- Support initiatives and invite your visitors to participate with the community.
