Pro Poor Tourism - Tourism increasing benefits for poor people

Other Visitor Attractions: Theme Parks, Zoos, Casinos etc

Introduction
Visitor attractions are tourist magnets – they have the power to draw visitors into a town or region. Attractions can also play an important role in influencing visitors’ behaviour by highlighting other local attractions and encouraging people to stay longer in an area.

Through its website, visitor centre or signage, a cultural heritage site can encourage visitors to stay longer in the area, visit local villages, food and drink producers or craftspeople thereby spending more money in the local economy. Small initiatives of this kind can have a disproportionate impact on the livelihoods of local people - for example consider encouraging tourists to visit and purchase from local crafts people or selling local food and beverage in the attraction.

Attractions also require resources, both staff and supplies. By adapting recruitment and purchasing activities, significant benefits can be brought to the poorer sections of the local community.

The Benefits

Enhance your own brand and USP. Competitive advantage is gained from a more distinctive product. Companies that invest locally stand out from others.
Greater local support. The support of the local community can be very important to tourism businesses, particularly when it comes to the safety and welfare of your visitors.
Staff morale and improved service. Staff want to work for a company that delivers benefits for the local community, and happy staff result in improved customer service and guest satisfaction.
More satisfied customers. Customer satisfaction is often enhanced by developing strong local linkages.
Word-of-mouth marketing and media coverage. Contact with local people provides the stories people tell to friends or readers.
Diversification of product. By providing information on what the locality has to offer can encourage people to extend their stay.
Industry awards and recognition. Awards bring coverage and added credibility.
Improve your business. Boosting local linkages can improve other aspects of the business, such as employment, procurement or product development.