Tourism - ensuring a positive local impact

The hôtellerie industry is the gateway through which many tourists visit an area. It's where they finally manage to put down their luggage and relax. From here, the visit begins. But just as the visit begins for those arriving to an area, so too it begins for the locals. Changes in visitor numbers or cultural behaviours are most keenly noticed by those who have lived in the area all their lives. Just as we can endeavour to be more sustainable with our waste and travel habits, so too must we be with the people around us. Local people are a vitally important aspect of a region which can bring so much value to an area, but conversely if mismanaged, can lead to considerable problems. One way in which sustainable tourism can engage with local people is through employment. The wide variety of jobs which accompany hôtellerie industry can have a significant impact on the local area. Particularly in developing countries, jobs which require low levels of skill and education can have a great benefit among disadvantaged groups. Similarly contributions toward gender equality can be achieved by providing jobs to women.

The beautiful coastal resort of Chumbe near Zanzibar. (Photo: Peter Prokosch, www.grida.no/resources/3285)

Favouring proximity in the selection criteria of employees ensures that the jobs are for local people, while simultaneously having other benefits. One example is in the resort of Chumbe on the coast of Zanzibar. The majority of employees are from the local rural fishing communities, and as part of their employment, education is prioritised with teachings on ecological importance and English. These actions have widespread positive impacts, while also meaning the Chumbe resort has been recognised repeatedly for excellence in sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism means far more than simply recycling some plastic, or cycling rather than driving around the local area. Tourism, as with so many areas of business, can have life changing impacts, and positively affect those who share their place in the world with you.

Education programs for employees and the rest of the local community is vitally important at the Chumbe resort. (Photo: Chumbe resort)

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