Tourism Development and Social Justice: A Cross-Discipline Approach

Written by Aleena Norris on August 30, 2024. 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:

Provides understandings of complex social issues that require various approaches to solve
Allows researchers to reach a wider audience and communicate diverse viewpoints
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 August 30, 2024. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

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.

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.”

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!

Sustainable Food Tourism: Curating an Identity

Written by Haley Brown on June 10, 2024. Posted in Blog.

Sustainable Food Tourism: Why Does it Matter?

From street food adventures in bustling markets to exclusive dining experiences in hidden culinary gems, exploring the world through taste is important to the human experience. Food tourists see travel as discovering a culture or region through food methods, dining experiences, and local ingredients. Food tourism is a relevant tourism discipline, but sustainable food tourism is making its way into research due to the popularity of environmental awareness among upcoming generations2. The Slow Food Movement has also gained popularity and has contributed to sustainable tourism development 3. This pursuit for environmentally and culturally friendly experiences can look like wine tasting in Georgia, visiting the best artisanal bakeries in The Upper Tanaro Valley, or patronizing locally-owned restaurants and cafes in your next travel destination*. Food tourism is important not only to travelers but also to restaurants. Still, it can impact a region’s economic and cultural landscape by engaging with the local community and cementing a region’s identity that travelers can support.

Photo by ELEVATE: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chef-preparing-vegetable-dish-on-tree-slab-1267320/

* When choosing a locally sustainable restaurant, look for certification marks such as Green Standards, BREEAM, ENERGY STAR, or FSC.

The Potential of Sustainable Food Tourism: Cornwall, South England

Cornwall is a peninsula far southwest of England, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. This unique region is distinguished by its Celtic heritage, distinct from the rest of England, with a history and culture deeply rooted in its ancient past. Tourism is an essential topic within Cornwall, with the top 25% of jobs reliant on industry 4. The Cornish people are known for their pride and strong regional identity, evident in the local customs, traditions, and the vibrant arts scene. Cornish pasties, saffron buns, cornish yarg, and stargazy pie are some of the featured delicacies in their unique food culture.

Cornwall has faced obstacles on its way to becoming one of the top culinary tourism destinations. The English countryside struggled socially and economically after the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic, which caused the domestic tourism market to decline by £2 billion. After the region centralized sustainable food and agricultural practices, the region saw great benefits.

Photo by Rachel Claire: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-sitting-on-white-boat-4577117/

Investing in Food Culture

Before the boom in sustainable food movements, food tourism was underestimated as simply a trip motivator and an economic part of the traveler experience instead of an integral part of a destination’s culture and lifestyle. Cornwall started to create specialty food groups such as ‘A Taste of the West’, now one of the UK’s largest independent regional food groups. New engagements started to give the South a foundational identity as regional differences were celebrated and a mantra of quality over quantity spread. After sustainable tourism efforts gained traction, restaurant owners noticed a positive change. There were social and cultural benefits like diverse seafood at the oyster festival. The success of sustainable food also helps to sustain cultural and familial heritage. Skills like meat hanging, fishing, and maintaining small family farms were now economically supported, keeping the family farm and traditions alive.

Culinary Food Tourism: Food as an Art

As food writer Craig Claiborne would say, life is too short for mediocre food. Enhancing a community’s engagement with food tourism and curating unique experiences and recipes that stand out can engage tourists. As destinations like Italy attract food tourists to find the best quality pasta, countries in the global south can also utilize their unique methods and ingredients with a focus on quality and cultural engagement. Like birdwatchers, snowboarders, and mountain climbers, food tourists create community and raise the standards for food travel and dining experiences. Netflix’s cable show Chef’s Table showcases the highest levels of these culinary interests, bringing the community to the love of gourmet food, often sourced from specific parts of the world.

Photo by Markus Winkler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-inside-a-building-with-food-stalls-12081251/

The Top Chef Effect

Food television can be a form of destination promotion through markets of food tourists in search of region-specific ingredients and produce. The American television show Top Chef is hosted in different areas, exposing audiences to global food perspectives, cooking methods, and cultural traditions. Top Chef has cultivated a “Top Chef Effect” due to its large effect on food tourism, making it a public relations success for tourism in each region the show has hosted 6. Fisheries in Mexico’s Upper Gulf of California benefited from this market recognition as world-renowned chefs, praising the area for the best seafood. Culinary tourism is expected to increase by USD 126.28 billion between 2022 and 2027.

Photo by Tanya Gorelova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-preparing-food-3933217/

Social Media: A Generation of Authenticity

Popular culture and the newest social media generation are searching for authenticity, which is consistently evident in how they approach food and travel. Acting as the antithesis of previous generations of perfectly curated and minimalistic environments, the newest social media generation is dedicated to “de-center the physical self” 9. This means social media is now filled with fewer selfies and more photos of authentic experiences, like food not available to friends back home or a candid photo of local people on the street. Social media is shaping how people show and choose what to eat. 75% of Instagram users choose a restaurant solely based on social media photos, and 60% regularly scroll through food photos on social media,

Photo by ready made: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-black-samsung-android-smartphone-3850213/

Reviews are Essential

Travelers in an area not familiar to them no longer rely on the business’s storefronts but on real recommendations from other travelers. Online reviews are also important, with apps like Yelp having a major impact on a business’s success, 92% of consumers state that they are less likely to do business with a company if they have seen negative reviews 11. Understanding a restaurant’s social media presence and the impact of personal reviews can change destination marketing strategies, with a larger focus on aesthetic experiences that stand out online rather than location alone. Rather than picture-perfect dining experiences, travelers look to share unique experiences.

How to use Sustainable Food Tourism

Restaurants, marketing strategists, or tourism operators looking for ways to utilize sustainable food tourism should strive to offer genuine experiences that reflect the local culture and culinary identity. This can be achieved by employing local staff to connect to local farms or fisheries and showcase these choices to customers. Countries with geographical diversity, like Cornwall, focus their efforts on their food culture, creating their strong, unique identity. Similarly, Indonesia is represented by major islands and has a distinct food culture. The region has been shaped by natural conditions, history, and cultural influences, offering various flavors and dishes 13. Traditional Indonesian meals typically involve dishes served collectively on a table with rice as the staple, accompanied by savory options and condiments. Inviting travelers to participate in communal cooking and eating can transcend an average restaurant experience.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh: https://www.pexels.com/photo/asian-woman-selling-seafood-on-street-market-3871758/

Showcase your Sustainable Menu

Quality over quantity as a foundational value can be a main attraction to those seeking authentic, culinary, popular, or health-driven experiences. Restaurateurs should highlight local food, promote traditional methods, or showcase cultural objects12. The overall dining experience of the restaurant is important, as it has been shown to help formulate the destination identity, build reputation, and create visitor loyalty12. Sustainable food tourism is not a passing trend; it’s a transformative movement that can redefine the role of restaurants in the tourism industry. By adopting sustainable practices, celebrating local culture, and engaging with both tourists and the community, restaurants can create a delicious dining experience while being sustainable. As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of travel and dining, restaurants that embrace sustainability will thrive and become cherished parts of the global food tourism narrative.

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge in Cornish, NH

A Destination Management Organization’s Success as Catalyst in the Sugar River Region

Written by Halle Swets on May 21, 2024. Posted in Blog.

What is a DMO, and how is it used to develop a community into a tourist destination?

To begin examining the success of Discover Sugar River Region as a Destination Management Organization (DMO), we must first discuss what a DMO is and how it can be used as a community catalyst.

Destination Management Organization: It is an organization responsible for promoting a specific destination, such as a city, region, or country, to attract tourists, businesses, and investment.

They typically engage in marketing, advertising, and promotional activities to showcase the attractions and amenities of their respective destinations to potential tourists. In many cases, it can be used to bring awareness to unknown destination, thus acting as a community catalyst.

Discover Sugar River Region DMO Logo

Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) serve as catalysts for community development through various means:

Economic Boost: DMOs stimulate economic development by promoting tourism, which generates revenue. This influx of funds fosters business growth, job creation, and overall prosperity.
Enhanced Image: DMOs strategically market and brand the destination, enhancing its appeal to tourists, investors, and residents. By positioning the destination as unique and attractive, DMOs increase its competitiveness and attract further investment.
Infrastructure Improvement: The increased tourism facilitated by DMOs often leads to infrastructure enhancements, benefiting visitors and locals.
Cultural Preservation: DMOs preserve the destination’s cultural heritage and natural assets, fostering local pride and identity.
Community Engagement: DMOs engage stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and residents, in tourism planning and decision-making.
Sustainable Practices: DMOs advocate for responsible tourism policies and support sustainable initiatives to minimize negative impacts on the environment and communities. By promoting sustainable practices, DMOs contribute to the destination’s long-term viability.
Infrastructure Development: DMOs may collaborate with local authorities and businesses to improve infrastructure such as accommodations, and public facilities. These improvements not only enhance the visitor experience but also benefit residents by providing better services and amenities.
Education and Training: DMOs may offer training and educational programs to local residents, equipping them with the skills needed to participate in the tourism industry. This can create employment opportunities and empower individuals to take advantage of the economic benefits of tourism.

Unique Communities in the Sugar River Region in Sullivan County, New Hampshire

The Sugar River region in New Hampshire is located primarily in the western part of the state and covers 527 sq. miles in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. The Sugar River itself flows through this region, starting in the towns of Sunapee and Croydon. It winds its way through communities such as Newport and Claremont.

Map of Sullivan County, New Hampshire (Sugar River Region) — *Map of Sullivan County, New Hampshire*

This area is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic towns. The Sugar River Rail Trail, a popular recreational trail, follows the path of the former Claremont and Concord Railroad along the Sugar River. It provides opportunities for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

In addition, snow sport activities are popular in the winter months including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and skiing/snowboarding. Mount Sunapee Resort is a 233-acre skiing destination with a wide variety of terrain for the entire family.

The Sugar River region in New Hampshire offers a mix of rural charm, outdoor adventure, and historical significance, making it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. Furthermore, communities in the region include: Acworth, Charlestown, Claremont, Cornish, Croydon, Goshen, Grantham, Langdon, Lempster, Newport, Plainfield, Springfield, Sunapee, Unity, and Washington.

Transformation of a Region of New Hampshire Through Collaborative Community Effort

The Mission: Discover Sugar River Region as a Destination Management Organization develops, promotes, and sustains our regional assets to create a thriving visitor economy, improve quality of life for all who live and visit here and becoming a community catalyst.

The Vision: The Sugar River Region provided residents and visitors with an authentic New Hampshire experience through a diverse array of recreational, cultural, economic, and agricultural opportunities.

Sullivan County is one of the least visited areas of New Hampshire, so the goal of the Destination Management Organization is to be that community catalyst. In its first year, Discover Sugar River Region aims to solidify its brand identity, establish key performance indicators, and set long-term objectives while executing initial marketing strategies, materials, and approaches as detailed in this plan.

Through partnerships and active involvement within the community, the organization endeavors to enhance recognition of the destination and its exceptional tourism offerings by employing narrative-driven campaigns and collaborative promotional efforts within the constraints of a budget.

Creating strategic organizational objectives in Destination Management Organizations and positioning a brand as a catalyst in the tourism industry:

The overall objectives of a destination marketing strategy are to:

define the brand positioning and guiding principles
create strategic goals
identify the target audience
outline tactics to deploy

For Discover Sugar River Region, there is a geographic focus in their marketing strategy with the hopes of targeting visitors a short drive distance away (including Vermont, Massachusetts, southwest Main, and east central New York). Other targets are long drive/coach bus roach trippers to New England. Amtrak travelers on the Vermonter represent a potential market as well.

The goal of the project is to target people in the tourism market seeking family fun, local creativity (art enthusiasts, specifically). As well as outdoor adventurers, history, and seasonal travel.

Social media is being employed as an important tool in the marketing process. Local businesses, resorts, and events can be broadcast to the public and reach new people. The DMO can help curate its brand through social media such as Instagram, Facebook, and its website.

The Arts as a Catalyst used by Destination Management Organizations

A study done by Americans for the Arts looked at the Economic and Social Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and their audiences in Sullivan County, NH. They conducted a survey in 373 diverse regions of the county, Sullivan County being one of them.

The survey asked how much “Audiences Demonstrate Appreciation for the Impact of Arts and Culture”

79.1% said this venue of facility is an important pillar for me within my community
85.4% said “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available”
89.0% said “This activity or venue is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community”
86/9% said “My attendance is my way of ensuring that this activity or venue is preserved for future generations”

Based on this survey, the residents of the Sugar River Region value the arts and its impact. The study showed the economic and social impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. Surprisingly, in Sullivan County, the sector generates $10.2 million in overall economic activity during 2022.

Arts and culture strengthen the visitor economy, with 41.9% of attendees who are nonlocal visitors spending $37.71. 78.9% of nonlocal visitors stated that their primary purpose of visiting the region was to attend an art-related event.

So, Discover River Region aims to continue supporting the development of the arts in the region further, as it is one of the main economic drivers.

Destination Management Organization Creating a Brand to be a Catalyst in Collaboration with the Community:

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors for DSRR and Chamber of Commerce, Elyse Crossman, hopes the DMO will help create a regional sense of identity and pride in the region. The area has long been overlooked in New Hampshire, and she hopes this will slowly change through their tourism development work.

*Infographic explaining the various agencies involved in supporting DSRR*

The DMO is still in its early stages, so the extent of its success as a community catalyst is still to be determined; but Elyse Crossman has high hopes. One of the things Solimar brought to the process is helping everyone get to their vision of a shared identity. During the development, Elyse has seen a willingness to collaborate from local businesses that she has never seen before.

Developing a Sustainable Future for The Sugar River Region

Ultimately, the goal of Solimar’s work in the region is to set up a DMO that will run smoothly after the contract is finished. The project is off to a successful start, but there is still vital work to be done to ensure its long-term viability.

The Sugar River Region Project team to lay the foundation for the DMO to run smoothly into the future. Additionally, community engagement and collaboration are key to the success of this endeavor. The overall hope of the DMO is to increase the quality of life for residents of the region through economic stimulation. This will make the Sugar River Region a desirable destination to visit, work, and live.

*Aerial photograph of Downtown Claremont, New Hampshire*

Learn more about the Sugar River Region and all of the great things to see, do, and eat in the region 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 October 25, 2023. 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. 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.

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