Pro Poor Tourism - Hotels and Resorts

Hotels & Resorts

Introduction
Hotels and resorts can make a significant difference to the economically poor as both employers and through their supply chain. Pro-poor tourism is about increasing the benefits which accrue to the economically poor from tourism; it is about being pro-active in enabling them to sell to tourism businesses or to tourists: it is about going beyond the usual trickledown effects.

Simple steps such as providing information to guests about local sourcing and the efforts being made to engage with local people and the economically poor, or informing people about how they can enhance their experience of the destination can make a big difference to local people and the experiences of their guests. By helping the economically poor secure livelihoods, hotels and resorts can set an example for other businesses.

The Benefits

Enhance your brand and differentiate your hotel or resort. Competitive advantage is gained by having a more distinctive enriched product, often with local flavours. Companies that give something back to the local community and invest in the local economy stand out from the others.
Greater local support. The support of the local community can be very important to tourism businesses in ensuring their license to operate; the degree of acceptance and support for a hotel or resort can have tangible benefits for the safety and welfare of guests. You also benefit from a more diverse and vibrant business environment.
Staff morale and improved service. Staff take pride in the way a company delivers benefits for the local community, and happy staff generally deliver improved customer service and achieve higher levels of guest satisfaction.
Happier guests. Customer satisfaction is a major business benefit identified by owners/managers of tourism operations that are strongly committed to local linkages and initiatives – particularly where it is the locally economically poor who benefit.
Word-of-mouth marketing and media coverage. Contact with local people provides the stories people tell to friends or readers, which in turn generates repeat bookings and referrals.
Provide a richer experience. Offering something unique and genuine, such as local flavours and experiences, often include positive encounters with the economically poor. These experiences can add flair and distinction to guests' experiences. For example a visit with a coffee farmer who needs additional income to help raise the standard of living of his family or provide opportunities for guests to purchase directly from local economically poor crafters.
Industry awards and recognition. Awards bring market advantage through PR and added credibility.
Improved corporate governance and organisational development. Boosting local linkages can improve other aspects of the business, such as procurement or how new products can be tailored to suit your organisation and the experiences you offer.