According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), tourism is the primary source of foreign earnings for 49 of the world’s least developed countries. Therefore it has enormous potential for alleviating poverty. The challenge is to capitalise on this potential by including the poor in the tourism industry. SNV Netherlands Development Organisation has developed effective ways of doing this. Active in Asia, Africa, the Balkans and Latin America, SNV works closely with a large variety of partners, such as private entrepreneurs. All can play a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of local people, while still making profits.

 Monday November 9 marks the beginning of the World Travel Market in London, a four day international business to business event for the tourism sector, with one entire day dedicated to responsible tourism.

Many people associate responsible tourism with tourism that does not harm the environment. SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, however, goes one step further, and includes the social dimension to this equation. If we manage to include local communities in the supply chain of services to tourists, this will positively influence local development, employment and income.

During a public panel discussion on Wednesday 12 November, SNV will show how the tourism industry can increase its profits by doing good. So far, SNV’s results are encouraging: selected studies show how numerous jobs and business opportunities were created for members of the local communities.

For example in Nepal, SNV worked with local communities and tourism organisations so that the poor could also benefit from tourists visiting the Great Himalaya Trail. National Geographic recently selected this programme as one of the best new trips. This has made a significant difference in the lives of many local families, who were finally able to send their children to high school for the first time.

In Montenegro, SNV managed to create market access for local souvenir producers. SNV helped the craftsmen improve the quality of their souvenirs, and price them appropriately. In this way, their profits increased considerably.

During the session at the World Travel Market, SNV hopes to encourage other tour operators and travel agencies to find out how they can make a difference in the lives of poor people. The session will be chaired by Harold Goodwin, Professor of Responsible Tourism Management, ICR, Leeds Metropolitan University. After a discussion between the panel and the audience, the session will end with Secretary General of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai’s closing remarks.

Speakers at the panel discussion include:

-          Anne-Maria Makela - Senior Tourism Advisor, SNV Corporate

-          Anna Spenceley - Senior Tourism Advisor, SNV Rwanda

-          Hamish Keith - Managing Director of Thailand/Director of Business Development, Exotissimo Travel

-          Willem Niemeijer - CEO and co-founder, Khiri Travel Group

-          H.E. Tith Chantha - Marketing and Promotions Department, Ministry of Tourism Cambodia