How community-based tourism is becoming a vital resource for local people
Sustainable travel is more than just reducing our carbon footprint – it’s also about how we benefit and empower the communities that host us…
Curious travellers looking for insightful and enriching adventures often turn to experiences rooted in different cultures and communities. After all, what better way to get a feel for somewhere than by learning more about the local way of life or discovering age-old traditions? It’s likely that many of us consider ourselves richer in knowledge and our understanding of the world thanks to our travel experiences. But have you ever wondered how much the host communities gain from welcoming tourists?
In 2014, a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation found that ‘tourism leakage’ – whereby earned money is funnelled away from locals – was as high as 70% in Thailand and 80% in Caribbean countries. This is largely thanks to the abundance of foreign-owned operators, hotels and international supply chains in both countries.
It showed that, contrary to widespread belief, the income from tourism often doesn’t remain within the communities in which it’s spent. Ten years on from this report, it’s still the case in many destinations that those who host us benefit very little. The exception to this are those places that have adopted community-based tourism (CBT), which is becoming a vital resource for local people.
According to the Journal of Tourism and Hospitality, CBT refers to tourism initiatives owned and run by local people that enable the delivery of wider community benefits. This might be through creating jobs and business opportunities within the community or putting local people in control of their own livelihoods through tourism. It can range from the humblest operation – such as a farm stay where travellers reside with families and share their way of life – to local operators that employ residents and invest in infrastructure, health and education.
As a concept, CBT stands in stark contrast to most all-inclusive resorts, which typically import produce and encourage guests to limit their experiences (and spending) to within the confines of the hotel. There is also the potential for a positive ripple effect, whereby initiatives that benefit communities build local awareness. If people are earning a good living and see the value of being stakeholders in their environment, they will be encouraged to safeguard the cultures, ecosystems and wildlife around them.
The potential for progressive impact is huge. CBT can inspire the preservation of traditions, the conservation of biodiversity and even the protection of forests and peatlands that store carbon, helping to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels that contribute to climate change. So, the next time you plan a trip, pay a little more attention to where your hard-earned money is going – and remember that our informed choices can make all the difference.
Case studies
The salt workers of Île de Ré, France
Away from the busy tourist hubs of the mainland, Île de Ré invites visitors to understand the way of life that exists off the Atlantic coast of France. Practically speaking, this means getting to know the region’s farmers and fishermen better – two heritage industries that have long kept the island thriving.
Salt production is a major contributor to the local economy here, and it takes place in three main areas: the mudflats, the evaporation reservoir and the marshland. Between June and September, the island’s sauniers (saltworkers) use techniques passed down through generations to harvest salt.
From March to November, guests are invited to learn the skills of salt-making from a local saunier as part of guided visits by the Salt Marshes Ecomuseum. Fees from the tour (partly in French) go to the salt producers, helping to keep this age-old tradition alive. marais-salant.com
The Bicowa Project, Uganda
While most travellers in the west of Uganda are typically bound for Kibale National Park to see chimpanzees in the wild, spare a moment to visit the small village of Bigodi on the park’s outskirts. It welcomes visitors on community walks and introduces them to a local way of life.
Launched in 2016 by project leader Kateeba Baguma Leo Amooti, the Bicowa Community Tourism Project offers programmes on how to grind and roast coffee from local beans, pick plants and herbs with medicinal properties and produce banana-flavoured beer. Its star attraction, however, is a nature walkthrough the surrounding wetlands that offers some of the best birdwatching in the area (look out for the piping hornbill and the little greenbul, among others).
The benefits are clear, with the basket-weaving experience alone employing 100 female entrepreneurs. Each activity takes place in a local setting – often a garden – and tours have generated enough income to grade the 7km dirt road that leads into town, as well as repair two out-of-use boreholes and construct a new one to restore access to clean water. It even pays for high-school scholarships for kids who otherwise couldn’t afford an education. Ask your tour operator to include a visit to Bigodi.
Five ways to help communities as you travel
- Seek advice from a guide or tour operator who knows of initiatives in need of support.
- Learn the history of a region or project so that you can tell its story properly.
- Carry cash for souvenirs made by local artisans.
- Empower people to value themselves and their surroundings by, for example, tipping wildlife rangers.
- Share your experiences. Word-of-mouth can bring attention to worthy initiatives and attract other travellers.
