Sustainable Tourism can benefit the developing countries

Returning back to the offices from summer holidays, people may have been still basking in the afterglow of their trip, others may have already begun planning where to explore for their next holiday. But have you ever thought that your holiday could have been a strongly influential tool and a great opportunity to contribute to poverty reduction? It may sound too good to be true, but in fact, it was not only you and travel agencies who were really excited in the holiday season to come. Developing countries depend on the tourism economy, and often extend a warm welcome to visitors from all over the world.

One of the most popular and exotic destinations that draw tourist attention in Asia has been Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). I had a chance to visit Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) a couple of weeks ago, which is located in the heart of South East Asia along the Mekong river. This region possesses beautiful, untouched natural resources and various ethnic groups that preserve their inherited traditional culture. Having visited the villages of the Hmong ethnic group, where women weave traditional cotton and silk cloth and make handcrafts for sale while men make local whisky in traditional way, exemplified how local people benefit from tourism and I realize the importance of sustainable tourism development.

The Lao PDR implements and promotes social and environmental sustainable tourism development in co-operation with international organizations. Asian Development Bank’s Sustainable Tourism Development Project can be pointed as one of these outstanding projects in this region. According to Asian Development Bank (ADB), nearly $60 million in loans and grants have been funded to the GMS tourism industry since 2003, much of it focusing on building infrastructure, tourism management courses and the publication of guide books, with a swathe of positive results. ADB estimated that by 2013, the number of international tourist arrivals would increase by 30% compared with 2008 levels. 60,000 people benefit directly and 300,000 indirectly from tourism development, of which at least 30% are women and 37% are poor. ADB also estimated that the tourism economy of GMS which includes Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam forecasted to be worth nearly $57 billion in 2020. It explains that the tourism industry is a key resource in creating jobs for local people, which can result in achieving an improved standard of living.

It must be noted, however, that there are some potential risks unless the necessary measures are taken in advance for sustainable tourism development. Uncontrolled tourism can possibly cause environmental pollution, traffic jams and the deterioration of destination locations. Over-commercialization of cultural traditions can damage the heritage and the identity of ethnic minorities.

How, then, can tradition be protected while contributing the sustainable growth of local economy? The simple but significant solution must be approached from different point of view: travelers must be responsible, respectful and considerate of the local communities. On the other hand, the industry should continue its effort for strategic development, which includes providing sufficient information and training opportunities to all the stakeholders in tourism. It must give unskilled workers and local communities an opportunity not only for employment, but also in terms of earning foreign currency. Therefore, the initiative of sustainable tourism can be considered a powerful impact for poverty reduction. Now it’s time for you to think how you can take the first step towards making a contribution to the poverty reduction in developing countries.

Sourced: csr-asia