Tag: #tourismdevelopment

Tourism Development and Social Justice: A Cross-Discipline Approach

Written by Aleena Norris on . Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

What are Cross-discipline Approaches, and Why are They Important? 

Cross-discipline approaches refer to research or practices involving two or more academic disciplines. Using a cross-discipline approach when exploring tourism and social justice is important, because cross-discipline research: 

  1. Provides understandings of complex social issues that require various approaches to solve
  2. Allows researchers to reach a wider audience and communicate diverse viewpoints
  3. Enables researchers to open up new areas of research and answer questions that traditional disciplines do not ask

By using cross-discipline approaches, we can develop more solutions that address the complex challenges of promoting social justice in tourism development.

The Intersection of Tourism Development and Social Justice

Social justice is the principle that all individuals and communities should have equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources, regardless of their background, identity, or social status. It involves addressing and correcting systemic inequalities and fighting to create a more inclusive society. The five principles of social justice include: human rights, participation, equity, diversity, and access to resources.

In the context of tourism, social justice seeks to address power imbalances, reduce inequalities, and ensure that tourism contributes positively to the social and economic well-being of all active and passive participants.

Tourism’s Impact on Communities

On the positive side, when integrated with social justice principles, tourism can promote cultural preservation, offer training and employment opportunities, and give a voice to communities in the planning and management of tourism initiatives. 

Tourism Development and Social Justice in Local Tours. Image Credit: Pekic on iStock.
Image Credit: Pekic on iStock.

However, on the negative side, unchecked tourism development often leads to the displacement of local populations, commodification of culture, and the dispossession of land. Land is appropriated for tourist facilities, and traditional ways of culture are often commercialized and distorted to meet tourist expectations. Additionally, profits from tourism can disproportionately benefit outside investors, exacerbating existing inequalities. 

Inclusive Practices in Tourism Development

Therefore, tourism must be developed with a deep commitment to social justice, ensuring that all community members are actively involved in decision-making and share in the benefits. Let’s look at some inclusive practices in tourism development. 

 

1. Community-Based Tourism (CBT)

Projects like community homestays, where tourists stay with local families, allow communities to better control the tourism experience. This ensures that revenue directly benefits the community and promotes cultural exchange and preservation.

2. Fair Wages and Working Conditions

Ensuring that all workers, especially locals, receive fair wages and safe working conditions is vital. Initiatives that provide training and career advancement opportunities for local residents empower them to take on leadership roles within the tourism industry.

3. Participatory Planning

Involving local communities in the planning and decision-making processes of tourism projects ensures their needs and voices are prioritized. Participatory planning might include, at the very least, consulting communities before developing on their land, or ensuring that tourism strategies align with local cultural values. 

4. Sustainable Development

Implementing eco-friendly practices that protect local environments and respect cultural heritage is another inclusive practice. This approach benefits both the community and the tourists, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Exploitative Practices in Tourism Development

To better understand the importance of cross-discipline approaches between tourism and social justice efforts, let’s also look at some exploitative practices of tourism development.

1. Land Displacement

In some cases, tourism development leads to the forced displacement of local communities to make way for resorts, hotels, or other tourist facilities. This often happens without fair compensation or consideration of the land’s cultural significance.

2. Cultural Commodification

Commodification is the act of taking something’s original form and commercializing it in order to be consumed. When local traditions, customs, or sacred sites are commercialized for tourism without the consent or involvement of the community, it can lead to the erasure of cultural identity. 

3. Unequal Distribution of Benefits

Tourism often leads to economic benefits being concentrated in the hands of large corporations or wealthy individuals, while the local communities, particularly marginalized groups, see little to no benefit. This increases local inequalities and exacerbates poverty.

4. Poor Working Conditions

Exploitative practices include underpaying local workers, subjecting them to unsafe working conditions, or offering no job security. This is particularly harmful to marginalized groups, who may have fewer alternative employment opportunities.

5. Overtourism

A study from the University of Nebraska found that overtourism decreases the quality of life for residents, including housing costs, limited economic opportunities, and the misuse of public spaces. 

Overcrowded and unsustainable tourism development in Australia. Image Credit: danefromspain by iStock
Image Credit: danefromspain by iStock

These examples highlight the need for socially responsible planning in tourism development, which ensures that the benefits are shared equitably and that local communities are protected from exploitation.

Cross-Discipline Approaches to Tourism and Social Justice

Community-Based Tourism (CBT)

Community-based tourism  (CBT) is a powerful model for empowering local communities and promoting social justice. CBT emphasizes the involvement of local residents in tourism planning and management, ensuring that they have a voice in the industry. This approach helps preserve cultural heritage by showcasing authentic local traditions and practices, rather than distorting them for tourist consumption. Additionally, CBT often prioritizes fair wages and equitable distribution of economic benefits, which supports local economies and reduces inequalities. By centering the needs and voices of community members, CBT allows a more inclusive form of tourism that aligns with the principles of social justice.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainable Development Goals for Tourism Development and Social Justice.
Image Credit: Anson_iStock on iStock.

Additionally, tourism and development efforts can be effectively aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote justice and reduce inequality. For example, SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequality, is directly relevant to tourism development, as it addresses the need for equitable distribution of economic benefits and opportunities. Similarly, SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements sustainable, supports the integration of tourism into urban planning in a way that benefits all residents. By connecting tourism initiatives with these global goals, we ensure that development efforts support economic growth as well as contributing to a fairer and more just world. 

 A Solimar Case Study: Tourism Development and Social Justice Principles on Atauro Island

The beautiful scenery of Atauro Island.
Image Credit: Timor Leste, faizzaki on iStock.

In 2019, under the efforts of the USAID Tourism for All Project, Solimar began working with local communities of Atauro Island to help establish a Destination Management Organization (DMO) known as ATKOMA. By leading tourism development initiatives on the island, the Asosiasaun Turizmu Koleku Mahanak Atauro (ATKOMA) helps to ensure that tourism directly supports the community, and that its development includes the voices and vision of local people. This strategic plan for tourism development successfully integrates social justice principles and Community-Based Tourism, with the hopes of creating more economic opportunities for local communities. Read more here. 

Challenges and Criticisms of the Intersectionalities of Tourism Development and Social Justice. 

Despite proven successes, there are challenges to integrating social justice into tourism and development efforts. Some barriers include: 

1. Lack of Resources

Lack of resources hinder local communities ability to engage in and benefit from tourism projects. Financial constraints, limited access to training, and inadequate infrastructure often prevent communities from fully participating in or utilizing tourism opportunities. 

2. Resistance from Stakeholders

Resistance from stakeholders, including government bodies, private investors, and even community members, effect efforts to implement equitable practices. These stakeholders often prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term social justice goals.

3. Cultural Misunderstandings

When tourism initiatives are designed without a deep understanding of local cultures and values, they can perpetuate stereotypes and exploit cultural heritage. This lack of cultural sensitivity can minimize the effectiveness of social justice efforts and alienate the communities they aim to support.

4. “Tokenism”

“Tokenism” describes tourism projects that include symbolic gestures of inclusion or community involvement without actually implementing substantive changes. For example, involving local communities in promotional materials or brief consultations without giving them real decision-making power or a fair share of the benefits is a token effort rather than a genuine commitment to social justice. These superficial measures perpetuate existing inequalities and undermine trust between stakeholders and the local communities they seek to serve.

Addressing these challenges requires a genuine effort to ensure that tourism and development projects are well-intentioned and genuinely effective in promoting social justice. This involves transparent practices, meaningful community engagement, and a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities at every stage of the process.

Final Thoughts on Integrating Tourism Development and Social Justice

Additionally, educating tourists about the impact of their travel choices on local communities and environments leads to more responsible behavior and support for ethical tourism practices. Tourism companies and organizations are responsible for providing resources and information that raise awareness about the importance of social justice, cultural sensitivity, and environmental sustainability. Advocacy efforts should focus on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in tourism planning and policy-making processes.

Social Justice team working together.
Image Credit: Thirdman on Pexels.

These examples highlight the possibility of developing tourism projects that advance social justice principles. However, this requires a commitment from all stakeholders: tourism companies, developers, policymakers, and tourists themselves. The commitment to prioritize the well-being of communities over short-term gains is vital. By incorporating community-led initiatives and continuing to push for these best practices, we can ensure that tourism contributes to a more just and equitable world for everyone. 

Interested in how we can help you combine social justice principles within your tourism efforts? Contact us to learn more.

sustainable tourism intern on the computer

Solimar Sustainable Tourism Intern Alumni–Where Are They Now?

Written by Eleanor Grubbs on . Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Remote Interns

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Introduction to Solimar Sustainable Tourism Internships

Since its inception in 2006, Solimar’s sustainable tourism internship program has become a cornerstone for nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainable tourism. Over nearly 20 years, the program has welcomed  talented interns into the program, ranging from undergraduate to Ph.D. students, each semester and summer. Solimar CEO Chris Seek began the program in collaboration with the George Washington Tourism Program, reserving it for students at DC area schools. In 2019, the program switched to hybrid to incorporate students from across the US and worldwide. Seek describes the long-term goal for the internship program as a way to “provide students with a professional development opportunity and introduction to the industry, and to support our mission and projects.” Through the years, these sustainable tourism interns continue to share a deep passion for tourism and travel, with interests spanning various fields such as storytelling, data analysis, tourism development, and environmental preservation.

Solimar’s sustainable tourism internship program is not just an educational experience; it’s a launchpad for future careers in the tourism industry. Our interns have gone on to make significant contributions to tourism development and environmental preservation worldwide. This article highlights the achievements of nine outstanding alumni, showcasing the diverse paths they have taken and the impact they continue to make in the fields of tourism, sustainability, and international development.

City Tourism
Photo by Nan Zhou on Unsplash

Solimar Interns Now Involved in Tourism

The foundation of Solimar International is sustainable tourism. For this reason, Solimar attracts team members and interns who share a passion for travel. For some, this passion may evolve into a long-term career within the tourism sector, while for others, it may take a different path. Nevertheless, it is this shared enthusiasm that has led many Solimar interns to pursue and achieve successful careers in the tourism industry. This section highlights three former interns who have remained in the field of tourism and have undertaken noteworthy and impactful work.

1. Chloe King, Summer 2019 Intern, Director of Stewardship at Solimar International 

Chloe King is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of Cambridge, where she works with stakeholders of the Galapagos Islands to help create a more regenerative future for tourism. Chloe is passionate about the intersection of conservation, climate change, and tourism, working to create solutions that value people and nature over profit. Through her work, Chloe investigates the age-old question of the tourism industry: “How do we manage tourism sustainably and equitably?” 

Chloe spoke about some of the challenges in weighing the risks and rewards of tourism through her work in the Galapagos: “Tourism can be a hugely risky activity to conduct in areas of high biodiversity. Here in the Galapagos, tourism is bringing a huge increased risk of invasive species, which is the biggest biodiversity challenge on this island. At the same time, tourism has introduced a lot of additional financing and funding opportunities for local communities. It is important to understand that there will always be trade-offs between conservation and development goals… How do you navigate those goals in a transparent and equitable way for large swaths of stakeholders rather than just the ones in power?” 

She continues to explain that Destination Management Organizations allow for the collaboration of multiple perspectives between private and public sectors within a community. For example, during her time living in Timor Leste, the government was considering building a casino on the island to boost tourism, but the locals were able to protest the casino through their DMO and block its development. In other words, “tourism in this way is effective in giving people a voice and uniting people around a common cause rather than just letting growth and development happen for the sake of it.”

2. Dominic Gialdini, Fall 2020 Intern, Chief Operating Officer of South Central Tennessee Tourism Association

Dominic Gialdini attained an Erasmus Mundus European Master of Tourism Management, where he specialized in tourism management and sustainable development. With Solimar, he worked on the Armenia and Georgia DMO projects. Dominic currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association and the Executive Director of the Tennessee Tourism Investment Project. 

Dominic examined his work with rural DMOs and considered how this particular lens has influenced his view of tourism development: “My work with rural DMOs has influenced my view on tourism development by allowing me to see the challenges faced by small-scale operations. Rural DMOs often have staffing and budget limitations, and sometimes locals are skeptical or even actively against tourism development…Having established a DMO in a rural Appalachian community, I came to learn quickly that building kudos and trust with locals would be paramount to the success of my project objectives.”

Throughout his time in a rural DMO, Dominic has come to recognize that tourism is a team effort and that tremendous value lies in the opinions and support of the local community: “From my work in 13 counties in south-central Tennessee, I have seen time and time again the hard work that chamber directors, county employees, and DMO directors engage in to make tourism successful. It is important to find allies and support them, especially in contexts where the powers that be create roadblocks and speed bumps for the tourism professionals.”

Dominic also highlighted the importance of recognizing that rural DMOs can serve a different purpose than urban DMOs. “I like to think of larger cities or attractions as the hubs to the spokes that are rural destinations. Large cities like Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga serve as anchors that attract diverse demographics of tourists (including international travelers) and bring in large-scale conferences and events. However, many wonderful destinations (e.g., Lynchburg and the Jack Daniel Distillery or historic Bell Buckle) serve as great day trips for those who want to experience a bit of rural life and sample a few activities….” 

3. Emilie Ehrman, Fall 2020 Intern, Senior Associate at Skift Advisory

Emilie Ehrman attained a Master of Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, which aids her ongoing advocacy for environmentally and socially responsible travel. She currently works as a Senior Associate for Skift Advisory, a market research consulting firm specializing in travel and tourism. When asked about a project incorporating her passion for travel, Emilie gave a recent example of her work with Discover Puerto Rico.

“Discover Puerto Rico had impressive sustainable tourism goals, but they weren’t sure if they had the assets or foundation to claim they were a sustainable destination or to foster a sustainable tourism program, campaign, etc., so they retained Skift Advisory to investigate. For the sustainable tourism audit, my team and I did significant research to identify strong, authentically sustainable assets (accommodations, tour operators, attractions) that already existed on the island. We ranked these initiatives using a Skift Advisory framework designed to look at the asset holistically, including economic, social, and environmental impact (this is all public in a published executive summary). We also examined other destinations, comparable to PR, based on a set of criteria, and determined their sustainable tourism success, including what they were doing right. Finally, we provided a list of themes we were able to identify as qualities of sustainable tourism assets and destinations.”

Emilie enjoyed this project because it incorporated her passion for sustainable tourism, while also creating space to recognize the obstacles that so many destinations face in feeling so behind and not knowing where to begin.

“This project showed that Puerto Rico already had a really incredible assortment of sustainable tourism assets, that protected and regenerated the environment, supported the economy and culture of Puerto Rico, and empowered Puerto Rico to lead sustainable efforts.”

Solimar Interns Now Involved in Sustainability

Sustainable Nature Tourism
Photo by Alex Moliski on Unsplash

For Solimar, sustainability and tourism are inextricably linked. Tourism development cannot occur without holistic consideration of the longevity and success of the local people and their environment. Sustainability is a far-reaching sector, allowing it to assume many different forms and roles. This section highlights three former interns doing notable and unique things within this sphere. 

1. Thomas Kalchik, Spring 2022 Intern, Senior Facilities and Sustainability Associate with the US Green Building Council

Thomas Kalchik is a credentialed LEED Green Associate and TRUE Advisor, which he utilizes through sustainable construction projects, facilities management, and operational strategies. He serves as a Senior Facilities and Sustainability Associate with the US Green Building Council. Additionally, Thomas and his partner Charles founded Casa Galú, a boutique nature hotel in Colombia’s Caribbean Sea. 

“Casa Galú was constructed with the integrity of our natural surroundings and local community in mind. We wanted to build with minimal impact by not cutting down trees, and adhering to local construction customs by using materials and techniques common to our area. The structures were designed to work with the natural surroundings and not disrupt the ecosystems around us. For example, building around natural features such as a waterfall and river that naturally occurs when we have enough rain not only provides a visually stunning attraction for guests but allows the natural systems on our property to remain intact and healthy.”

​​ Thomas attributed much of his above success to the knowledge he learned through his involvement in various sustainability-minded organizations. “Through my professional experience working with the US Green Building Council, and my up-to-date credentials as a LEED Green Associate and TRUE Advisor (zero waste) I have been able to offer my expertise in green building and operating strategies to the construction, maintenance, and operation of Casa Galú. This, combined with my work with Solimar and other travel and tourism organizations has allowed me to blend my various skills and knowledge relating to sustainable and regenerative tourism practices in order to create meaningful and impactful guest experiences.”

2. Lindsey Johnson, Spring 2023 Intern, Program Coordinator for the Soil & Climate Alliance and Nutrient Density Alliance

Lindsey Johnson draws on her background in climate change and health and wellbeing to promote sustainable food systems and regenerative tourism practices through her role as a Program Coordinator for the Soil & Climate Alliance and Nutrient Density Alliance. Additionally, Lindsey is the founder of Copani, a responsible travel platform focused on agritourism and culinary tourism. As a sustainability tourism intern, she wrote a blog about agritourism, linking her particular tourism interests to the larger whole of sustainability in the industry. Lindsey spoke on what agritourism means to her, and how she would like to see it incorporated into the larger tourism industry.

“I believe that agritourism, at its core, involves any activity that brings people to a site of agricultural production and engages them with it. This could include tours, meals featuring local produce, farm stays, or special events that showcase agricultural practices. Importantly, agritourism often serves as a gateway to less-visited rural destinations, offering unique opportunities for both visitors and local communities.” 

Lindsey also mentioned the educational opportunities that agritourism provides, specifically by “showcasing regenerative agriculture and the critical importance of soil health. Through immersive experiences, visitors can gain insights into these crucial aspects of our environmental and health challenges.” 

“Agritourism also offers a unique window into local cultures, as food is often at the heart of cultural traditions and social interactions. The simple act of sharing a meal can create profound connections and understanding between visitors and local communities. In this way, agritourism has the potential to regenerate not just the land, but also our connections to each other and the sources of our food. By bringing together elements of education, sustainability, cultural exchange, and personal rejuvenation, agritourism can evolve into a powerful force for positive change in both the tourism industry and agricultural sectors.”

Lastly, Lindsey connects her love for agritourism to her company, Copani. “Our mission is to connect conscious travelers with regenerative farms, vineyards, eco-friendly hotels, sustainable restaurants, and responsible tour experiences. Copani aims to empower people to explore the world in a fun, ethical, and sustainable way.”

3. Gabriella Whittaker, Fall 2021 Intern, Sustainability Manager at Polycore

Gabriella Whittaker completed the sustainable tourism internship in the fall of 2021. She is passionate about the sustainable development of the outdoor industry, where she draws on her love and enjoyment for nature. She works as a Sustainability Manager at PolyCore, promoting sustainable alternatives to environmentally harmful textiles. 

Gabriella connected her work in sustainability within the textile industry to the importance of sustainable travel: “I think the biggest connection between textiles and tourism is that both can be done sustainably, but it requires due diligence to understand how you (as a consumer) can make the responsible choice…Learn about where your textile products are coming from, just as you would learn about the tourism destination you are headed to.” 

Solimar Interns Now Involved in International Development

Solimar assists specific regions or countries in using tourism as a tool for development. Tourism can aid economies, boost local livelihoods, create valuable cross-cultural connections, and more. However, this development has to take place sustainably and collaboratively for an area to remain successful long-term. Many of our former interns have gone on to hold unique positions within international development, and in this section, three of these successful professionals are highlighted. 

City Tourism
Photo by Anthony Lim on Unsplash

1. Hannah McDonnell, Fall 2022 Intern, Economic Desk Officer of the Turkey Unit at the European Commission

Hannah McDonnell holds a Master’s of Politics from University College Dublin. She was a sustainable tourism intern with Solimar in the fall of 2022. Hannah’s interest in politics and international development has culminated in her current position as an Economic Desk Officer of the Turkiye Unit with the European Commission. Hannah described her day-to-day tasks with her job in the European Commission: “My day-to-day in the job varies, depending on the time of year. For instance, I am the permanent secretary of two subcommittees between the Turkish authorities and the Commission which facilitates discussions and updates on topics such as internal market and competition, and economic and monetary policies. I am tasked with the organisation of these subcommittees each year. Furthermore, I am the lead on a portion of the Commission’s assessment of Türkiye’s Economic Reform Programme, which is drafted at the beginning of each year. Another annual exercise I contribute to is Türkiye’s Enlargement Report which assesses the progress the country has made in the last year.”

2. Kathryn Selfe, Summer 2023 Intern, Boren Fellow

Kat Selfe is a 2024 graduate of Colgate University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. She served as a sustainable tourism intern on-site for the Tunisia project in the summer of 2023. Kat’s anthropological research into international development and migration in the Middle East and North African regions led to her recent award of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Boren Fellowship as 1 out of 5 scholars selected to study Arabic in Morocco.Through this fellowship, she will receive $25,000 throughout the 9 month program. Kat provided more details about what her time during her Boren fellowship will look like, as well as her commitments after the 9 months are complete. 

Additionally, she connected this opportunity to her internship with Solimar: “For my Boren year, I will be studying Arabic in Meknes, Morocco with the CASA I fellowship. Boren is funded by the Department of Defense and has a focus on national security. The aim of the fellowship is to develop language skills in a critical language. In addition to studying formal Arabic, I will be studying the Moroccan dialect and completing an internship in Morocco. Also as part of my Boren, I will be conducting research on Morocco’s integration approach to undocumented transit migration, focusing especially on the work of NGOs.”

Upon its conclusion, Kat will return to the US to complete a Masters in International Development Studies at George Washington University. After graduating with her Masters degree, Kat will be required to fulfill a year of federal service in a position servicing national security in accordance with the Boren Policy. She intends to work with USAID, an agency she already has gained experience with through Solimar. Kat shares: 

“I found myself inspired by the possibilities of development during my Solimar internship. I learned that the US has a lot to offer other countries and their communities and that those beneficiaries are eager and ready to make a difference with this aid. I felt like my world opened up during this internship.” Kat shares the gratitude she has for her internship at Solimar, which educated her on new career opportunities, gave her the confidence to realize her ability to actually do these jobs, and inspired her to take those next steps. “This internship was a key aspect of my applications and has been one of the most influential experiences in my career path.” 

3. Zane Hartog, Fall 2021 Intern, Program Analyst at the US Department of Justice

Zane Hartog’s interest in policy research and evaluation led to his current position as a Program Analyst with the US Department of Justice. In this position, Zane works with global partners to combat issues of cybercrime and intellectual property rights enforcement. In his own words: “Our team places Department of Justice attorneys at U.S. Embassies across the world, where they work with foreign partners to build capacity in combating cybercrime and intellectual property rights enforcement. My role has enhanced my view of international development by demonstrating that broad cooperation is essential in dealing with issues that are cross-border or global in nature.”

 Hartog shares that the breakthroughs he has seen in this realm of work revolve around the people in it, the breakthroughs come about “by getting the right people together, from one country or from multiple countries, and creating a space for ideas and tactics to be shared openly. Oftentimes, international development implies one developed country providing support, knowledge, or resources directly to a single lesser developed country. While this traditional mechanism does have its merits, greater inclusion, either at a national or semi-national level, has proven to be a more effective approach. By facilitating partnerships and fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders—including governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities—complex global challenges can be addressed more comprehensively.”

Sustainable Tourism
Photo by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash

You Could Be a Sustainable Tourism Intern Too!

The Solimar sustainable tourism internship provides an amazing professional development opportunity for students who have a passion for sustainability, international development, and, most importantly, travel! Connecting with a diverse group of like-minded students who are scattered around the world and networking opportunities with hundreds of previous Solimar intern alumni makes the 3-month internship a valuable one. Through this internship, you gain exposure to real-world jobs that may incorporate all of your passions into one! 

Interested in working with us? Learn more about our virtual internship opportunities here!

Man from the Lacandon Indigenous community in the Maya Lacanjá Chansayab ecotourism area in Mexico.

Importance of Indigenous Involvement in Tourism Development

Written by Maria Fernanda de la Selva Hernandez on . Posted in Blog.

 

Two women standing in front of a market stall that sells traditional crafts in Oaxaca, Mexico, showcasing a basic form of indigenous involvement in tourism development programs.
Two women standing in front of a market stall that sells traditional crafts in Oaxaca, Mexico, showcasing a basic form of indigenous involvement in tourism development programs. However, most of these products are not authentic and are sold as a response to uninformed tourist demand.

Indigenous involvement in tourism development is crucial

Picture this: cultural education and interpretation that breathe life into traditions, a vibrant marketplace brimming with authentic cultural treasures, the rallying cry of policy advocacy and representation, and the gentle footprints of ecotourism echoing through ancestral lands. Indigenous communities showcase some of the world’s richest and uniquely diverse cultures, a stark departure from the Eurocentric norms many people are accustomed to.  This captivating contrast is driving the surge in cultural tourism, propelling it as one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. Within this realm, travelers seek encounters with gastronomy, heritage, religious sites, craftsmanship, and festivals, all offering a captivating lens through which to view the world. 

Similarly, according to a report by the TICAA Consortium, Indigenous communities around the world conserve around 22% of the biodiversity of the Earth and around 21% of the global land. This represents a more significant percentage than the land and biodiversity conserved by States, including federal lands and national parks. Several scholars agree that the traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples is valuable for land and resource conservation. Thus, their involvement in development programs, including tourism development programs, is essential. 

Tourism can stimulate economies, promote infrastructure development, and protect natural and cultural resources. However, it’s crucial to recognize its impact on Indigenous communities and the need for cultural connection. The reckless commodification of cultural assets alienates Indigenous communities, perpetuates cultural exploitation, and endangers biodiversity. Indigenous Involvement in the decision-making processes of tourism development and policy formulation is essential to ensure that the magic of cultural tourism benefits everyone involved, preserving authenticity and fostering mutual understanding.

Exploring Indigenous and cultural tourism

Indigenous tourism, a form of cultural exchange celebrating Indigenous cultures, relies on the active involvement of Indigenous communities. This involves cultural tours, homestays, art exhibitions, storytelling, and traditional activities. Examples of these include the Canadian coastal adventures curated by Abegweit Mi’kmaq Nation, the hiking tourism trail led by the Raramuris in Mexico, and the Daintree Rainforest experiences organized and executed by Kuku Yalanji people of Australia. When done correctly, Indigenous tourism goes beyond low-skill labor and contributes to the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous peoples. 

However, an example of how easily governments can exploit cultural assets without actively involving Indigenous Peoples is the use of prehispanic cultural heritage in the Maya area of Mexico where the federal government has approved the construction of several infrastructure projects such as Xcaret, offering the ancient Maya culture as an attraction (essentially, cultural appropriation), and where contemporary Maya people are usually only employed as low-skill labor. By reevaluating actions, utilizing international legal frameworks, and stepping back from a critical perspective, significant improvements can be made.

A representation of an ancient Maya ritual in the Xcaret Park that shows the involvement of indigenous people in the tourism program but can also be considered cultural appropriation.
The Maya ritual in Xcaret Park showcases indigenous participation in tourism, but may also be seen as cultural appropriation. Photo by Beth and Anth from Flickr.

Stages of involvement of Indigenous people in Tourism

For centuries, Indigenous communities have been participating in tourism. Initially, visitors commodified them for pleasure, but as awareness grew, they began exhibiting their artifacts and traditions. This phase led to the realization that preserving culture was crucial, but actions toward preservation often happened outside the communities. Today, Indigenous communities actively engage in tourism, sharing their culture and traditions with visitors, asserting control over their cultural and natural resources, and taking the reins of their own narratives.

International law, such as the International Labor Organization Convention No. 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, recognizes and protects the rights of Indigenous peoples, including self-determination, cultural preservation, and involvement in land and resource decisions. These frameworks promote equality, justice, and respect for diverse cultures, and they have been the starting point of the involvement of Indigenous People in tourism development programs as agents rather than as elements of observation. In practice, challenges and conflicts may arise when balancing economic development with the rights and well-being of indigenous communities. Tourism development requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to respect indigenous communities’ rights and ensure meaningful benefits.

Man from the Lacandon Indigenous community of the Maya Lacanjá Chansayab ecotourism area in Chiapas, Mexico.
A man from the Lacandon Indigenous community in the Maya Lacanjá Chansayab ecotourism area in Mexico.

Why Indigenous involvement in tourism development holds significance

We can acknowledge Indigenous communities’ autonomy by empowering them economically, socially, politically, and psychologically while recognizing their historical oppression. Thoughtfully planned and community-led tourism development can help achieve this change:

Economic empowerment: Tourism, including guided tours, homestays, artisan crafts, and local food, can provide Indigenous populations with a sustainable revenue source. It can also diversify sources of income, minimize reliance on a particular business, and generate employment opportunities within the community

Social empowerment: Tourism can help keep Indigenous customs and cultures alive. Communities are inspired to uphold their cultural heritage when tourists actively engage with them. Similarly, as Indigenous communities collaborate to promote their culture and oversee tourism-related activities, tourism can help them feel more united.

Political empowerment: Indigenous groups have greater influence in discussions on land rights and tourism development, given their rights to their ancestral lands and resources. This ensures federal governments consider their opinions in the policy-making processes.

Psychological empowerment: As Indigenous tribes share and are recognized for their distinctive traditions, tourism can increase cultural pride within those communities. When communities take control of their tourism projects, their sense of identity, purpose, value, and self-esteem can be strengthened. 

This empowerment is also linked to the conservation of cultural and natural resources. Indigenous tourism serves as a means to preserve and revitalize cultures by providing a platform for the transmission of traditional knowledge and practices to future generations. This can foster cross-cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of responsible tourism.

UNWTO Recommendations

Several means can achieve these measures, but the United Nations World Tourism Organization offers recommendations that should be considered:

  •       Respect for the cultural values and the cultural capital of Indigenous groups.
  •       Transparent and permanent consultation with the Indigenous communities.
  •       Equitable partnerships that ensure the protection and conservation of their natural and cultural resources, as well as their intellectual property.
  •       Protection of these groups to ensure the evitability of the adverse outcomes of any tourism development plan.
  •       Design of Indigenous tourism products in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
  •       Distribution of benefits to the Indigenous communities.

The active involvement of indigenous peoples in tourism development not only enriches the visitor experience but also serves as a powerful means to showcase their abundant cultural heritage and profound wisdom.

Local woman, with a colorful skirt, dancing with a basket on her head during the Guelaguetza celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico, a festival that is known to showcase indigenous traditions and attracts a considerable amount of tourism flow.
A woman in Oaxaca, Mexico, participates in the Guelaguetza celebrations, a festival showcasing indigenous traditions and attracting significant tourism.

Indigenous knowledge: a path to a brighter, inclusive future

Indigenous communities, through their traditional ecological knowledge, can also play a crucial role in environmental conservation. Integrating indigenous perspectives into tourism planning can balance economic development with environmental preservation, prioritizing nature-based experiences and incentivizing indigenous communities to protect their natural resources. In this sense, circular tourism, characterized by reducing waste, conserving resources, and engaging local communities, is a great collaborative approach. This is a great first step towards creating more responsible tourism practices aimed at cultural and environmental conservation.

Indigenous voices provide novel viewpoints, ground-breaking concepts, and revolutionary programs. Any tourism development program worth its salt must consider Indigenous communities’ rich cosmologies and respect their roles as valued partners in the preservation of both culture and nature. They have long fought for their due status as caretakers of their cultural and natural heritage, and are the beating heart of a more inclusive and sustainable future for the tourism industry – a beautiful dance between tradition and progress.

Interested in learning about how Solimar recognizes the importance of Indigenous involvement in tourism development? Click here to read about our projects.

Tourism for development

Unlocking the Potential: Understanding the Impact of Tourism for Development

Written by Thomas Freilich on . Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

In a world that thrives on exploration and cultural exchange, sustainable tourism development is a strong force capable of driving positive change and fostering sustainable development. It’s indisputable that tourism provides a positive experience for the tourists themselves. Exploring new cultures and locales is transformative, but the benefits of tourism go far beyond just the tourist’s own experience. 

Tourism has proven to be a strong tool for developing countries’ economic and social development and acts as a cultural preservation method. This blog post intends to illuminate tourism’s transformative role in shaping a brighter future for both host destinations and intrepid travelers. It stresses the importance of tourism industry growth. 

Tourists connect after a shared experience
Tourists connect after a shared experience

Tourism and the Economy

Can tourism drive sustainable economic development?

A primary concern of any tourist destination is how broadening the scope of their industry will impact their economies on both national and local levels. However, recognizing that tourism is one of the planet’s largest industries illuminates the desire and necessity for countries to tap into this global market. 

Tourism contributes to job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth. The World Tourism Association describes tourism as an “economic and social phenomenon” and recognizes how beneficial modern tourism is for developing countries and tourism’s role in local economies.

A study listed on the National Library of Medicine, expanding from 2003-2020, found that in most countries, tourism has a significant contribution to economic growth and that this economic growth has a positive impact on these nations’ tourism industries. This really illustrates the enriching cycle of economic growth that tourism can have, and when put into the context of developing countries, shows the opportunity for these countries to expand and develop in a positive way economically.

Tulum archaeological site, Mexico
Tulum archaeological site, Mexico

Tourism as a tool for economic prosperity

As previously mentioned, tourism is currently one of the planet’s largest industries. Some fascinating information about tourism’s contribution to national economies can be found on Solimar’s Websitee, such as:

 

These incredible statistics illustrate how widespread and important tourism is for the vast majority of countries on the planet. Part of Solimar’s mission is to stress the importance of a tourism presence in the world’s developing countries, as tourism has shown to contribute to a larger percent of national GDP’s in developing countries, marking the importance of growing and maintaining this industry. Careful planning and smart investment can sustain these nations’ economic development. The Cayman Islands National Tourism Plan is an excellent example of this practice; you can learn more about it here! 

How Can Sustainable Tourism Preserve Cultural Heritage?

When managed responsibly, sustainable tourism development has the potential to make a significant contribution to the cultural preservation of a region. Many tourists actively seek authentic and immersive experiences that allow them to engage with local culture and traditions. By attracting visitors to unique destinations and facilitating cultural exchange, tourism becomes a powerful tool that generates awareness, appreciation, and financial support for local traditions and heritage. 

This, in turn, incentivizes regions to actively preserve their cultural artifacts and traditions to benefit from the economic opportunities that tourism brings. By recognizing and prioritizing cultural preservation, destinations can strike a balance between tourism development and preserving their cultural heritage, ensuring the benefit of present and future generations. 

Mont Saint-Michel in France, A UNESCO world Heritage Site
Mont Saint-Michel in France, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Official recognitions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site title enable destinations to distinguish themselves as cultural tourism hotspots. These sites have been acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having exceptional universal value to humanity. 

Recognized for their cultural, natural, or mixed significance, UNESCO World Heritage Sites enjoy protection and preservation through funding and regulation. Moreover, this prestigious title significantly boosts tourism inflow. In fact, in China, having a site inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site leads to an approximate 8% increase in tourism inflow.

Solimar understands the pivotal role of cultural preservation as a catalyst for positive tourism growth. That’s why they actively strive to preserve and stimulate cultural heritage practices and sites. In Morocco, Solimar addressed the challenge of limited direct selling and personal connection between Moroccan artisans and foreign buyers by creating artisan and cultural heritage routes in Fez and Marrakech. These curated routes allowed tourists to visit artisan workshops, creating awareness of Moroccan culture and craft traditions. As a result, artisans could sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing middlemen. This project successfully promoted Morocco’s cultural heritage and craft traditions, attracting more visitors and boosting revenue for artisans and the overall tourism sector.

How Can Tourism Serve Community Development?

Tourism holds tremendous potential for fostering community development, positively impacting various aspects of a community’s well-being. Infrastructure development is one notable outcome of tourism. As destinations strive to attract visitors, they invest in improving transportation networks, accommodations, public facilities, and utilities. These infrastructure enhancements enhance the tourism experience and benefit the local community by providing better access to services and amenities, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Public Trolley in Lisbon, Portugal
Public trolley in Lisbon, Portugal

Tourism can also have a significant impact on healthcare facilities. Increased tourist arrivals often lead to expanding and improving local healthcare services to cater to visitors’ needs and ensure their safety. This, in turn, benefits the local community by providing improved access to medical services and better healthcare outcomes for residents.

Education is another area that can be positively influenced by tourism. Tourism growth creates job opportunities, particularly in the hospitality and service sectors. This encourages the local workforce to acquire new skills and knowledge through education and training programs. Consequently, educational institutions may be strengthened, and vocational training programs may be developed to meet the demands of the tourism industry. In Solimar’s various projects, we prioritize workforce development through targeted training. This benefits individuals by improving their employability and contributes to the community’s overall educational development. 

Solimar recognizes the urgency of mitigating tourism’s impact on climate change to safeguard vulnerable communities dependent on tourism. Through sustainable practices and community engagement, Solimar strives to protect both the well-being of communities and the places they call home, ensuring a resilient future for tourism. 

Tourism’s Potential for Development

Tourism’s impact reaches far beyond the individual traveler’s experience. Sustainable tourism development serves as a catalyst for economic development, cultural preservation, and community growth. Solimar, recognizing the potential of tourism as a force for positive change, actively engages in projects that preserve cultural heritage, foster community development, and promote sustainability. By embracing responsible practices and engaging local communities, we can ensure a resilient future for tourism and create a brighter world where exploration and cultural exchange thrive.

To learn more about Solimar International’s current and past tourism for development projects, click here!

Blog by Thomas Freilich and Josette Apple

Green Investments in Tourism: Unlocking Opportunities and Experiences for Sustainable Growth (World Tourism Day 2023)

Written by Oscar Morrison on . Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Green Investments in Tourism: Unlocking Opportunities and Experiences for Sustainable Growth (World Tourism Day 2023)

green and eco-friendly hotel
Green investments in the tourism industry are crucial as we move farther away from the pandemic, as many consumer preferences have shifted to become more eco-friendly.

Environmentally friendly investments have been a hot topic of discussion in recent years, and now they get to live in the limelight thanks to World Tourism Day 2023. This day, on the 27th of September each year, has been created by the UN to highlight the increasing importance tourism brings to economic development worldwide. Many corporations and entities across all industries, from oil to travel, are now forced to consider other sustainable alternatives. These alternatives look different for each company and industry. In the travel industry, green investments look to accomplish six objectives from the hotel’s perspective, according to the UNWTO:

  1. Boost profit margins through utility savings. In some cases, utilities can cost upwards of 20% of a hotel’s operating cost.
  2. Increase revenue by satisfying consumer preferences and reducing reputational risk. Hotels should focus on hiring exceptional staff that leave a lasting impression on the guest.
  3. Future-proof investment strategies. Will investments made today still be considered acceptable in future revaluations?
  4. Safeguard against regulatory risk and benefit from incentives.
  5. Increase value and validation through certification. Companies should be flocking to popular sites used by tourists, like Trip Advisor and Expedia, so customers can leave their positive reviews, which will be done with the right level of service.
  6. Ensure a long-term energy supply. Hotels need to ensure that the flow of customers seen now is sustainable in various economic, environmental, and social conditions.
wasteful, unresourceful resort
All-inclusive resorts are the go-to for many tourists around the world, but hotels attract business by providing an abundance of food and material objects, not sustainable experiences. Learn how Solimar International is tackling this in our current project, Visit Tunisia                                                       

For people working in influential roles within the tourism industry, there is no better time than now to start adopting sustainable investments and initiatives. As we have transitioned into a post-pandemic world, travelers have been exploring more sustainable vacation options than they had before the pandemic. A 2022 Booking.com survey claimed 61% of respondents revealed that they wanted to reconsider how they traveled and were trying to be more conscious of their environmental impact due to travel. This is a massive potential market for emerging destinations around and over-visited cities alike. Tourists want to feel more connected to the places they visit and immerse themselves in local and sustainable experiences like they have never seen before. 

A prime example of work being done in already popular tourist destinations is in the Caribbean. According to the UN, a clean and effective transition to a more sustainable future would increase jobs by 10.5% by 2030. A crucial part of creating and improving more sustainable experiences is ensuring local community members are involved in the decision-making process and providing insight. This is another main topic of World Tourism Day this year. When entities, be they from the public or private sector, choose to invest in local communities, it becomes a virtuous cycle between the locals and the visitors. One of Solimar International’s projects in the Caribbean did just that. The climate-smart islands project ran from November 2017 to December 2018 and focused on islands of three Caribbean nations: Trinidad & Tobago, the Bahamas, and Belize. One of the main activities was to involve locals and their knowledge about how climate mitigation and adaptation efforts could be achieved in practice.

Bay in Tobago
A bay on the island of Tobago, a perfect opportunity to invest in sustainable tourism by promoting homestays and hostels in place of large resorts

World Tourism Day 2023

World Tourism Day 2023 presented by the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) is highlighting green investments in tourism this year. They have decided to center this day in accordance with the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) with an emphasis on female leadership and entrepreneurship. They are also focusing on a variety of issues, including “how to promote ease of doing business, how to better develop investment policies and how to embrace new innovative financial mechanisms and solutions to address emerging and complex challenges,” and “how to close the financing gender gap and accelerate access to capital in both domestic and international markets for women entrepreneurs.” Promoting and uplifting female voices in the tourism industry is crucial. According to the UNWTO, women constitute 54% of workers and employees compared to just 39% in the global workforce. When we take action and strongly consider women’s voices and input, everyone benefits. The world has seen tremendous economic development and poverty reduction under female entrepreneurship, demonstrating why global leadership needs to continue uplifting them.

sustainable global development and investment
The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), designed to be achieved by 2030, cover many direct and adjacent aspects of economic well-being in relation to sustainability, from reduced institutional inefficiencies to care for life all around the planet.

World Tourism Day exists for many reasons, a couple of which, according to National Today, are to ensure that travel is accessible to everyone, especially those with disabilities and people from low-income backgrounds. Promoting world travel is incredibly important for many reasons, mainly because it provides many opportunities for sustainable economic development if done correctly. Hotels are currently responsible for 1% of global emissions (and rising) and are prominent energy and water consumers. 

The Role of Community-Based Tourism

Community-based tourism is one of the best ways to go about green investments in the industry–perhaps the best. This model of tourism allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in new cultures. Knowledgeable community members serving as guides are key in this process. Kyrgyzstan has one of the world’s most robust and developed community-based tourism schemes. Many of the excursions are designed to show nomadic Kyrgyz life all over the country.

green homestay in Kyrgyzstan
A jailoo on lake Son-Kul, where nomadic Kyrgyz people take their livestock in the summer to escape the heat of the valleys. Read more about tourism in Kyrgyzstan

Much of the cost of these excursions goes directly into the pockets of the guides and community, promising the customer that their money is being put to good use. With significant and continued investments from the public and private sectors, community-based tourism will have tremendous effects. 

Overall, the path to investing green in tourism may seem straightforward, but it is easier said than done. In reality, everyone needs to be hands-on and involved constantly because that is the nature of these investments. They will require much more work than simply putting money into a lavish beach resort, but the return on green investments will create a lasting legacy for the people, the planet, and the visitors to a destination. World Tourism Day serves to raise awareness of the importance of tourism around the globe. It is a reminder that while it is easier said than done to put sustainability over short or medium-run profits, green investments, if done well, will prevail. 

Interested in learning more about Solimar’s green initiatives? Read more about us here!

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