Pro Poor Tourism - Tourism increasing benefits for poor people

Restaurants, Cafes and Bars

Introduction
All visitors need somewhere to eat during their visit to an area. Indeed, local food and drink are often amongst the most distinctive and memorable aspects of a holiday. Restaurants, bars and cafes have direct contact with visitors and therefore have the opportunity to influence visitors and introduce them to local flavours and activities.

Catering establishments also have purchasing power. Produce such as vegetables, meat and beverages can often be sourced locally and by buying ingredients and other supplies locally, you can have a significant impact on local producers and retailers.

The Benefits

Enhance your own brand and USP. Competitive advantage is gained by selling a distinctive product. Using local produce in local dishes can reflect local character. Companies that invest locally stand out from others.
Greater local support. The support of the local community is important to any tourism business, particularly when it comes to the safety and welfare of diners and customers.
Staff morale and improved service. Staff enjoy working for businesses which deliver benefits for the local community, and happy staff result in improved customer service and guest satisfaction.
Happier customers. Customers like to try local flavours and visitors respond positively to a demonstrable commitment to supporting the local community.
Word-of-mouth marketing and media coverage. Contact with local people provides the stories which people tell to friends or readers and can result in increasing reservations.
Diversification of product. Stand out from your competitors with distinctive food and beverage, all of which add to the tourist experience and can add flair and distinction.
Improved margins and sales. Boosting local linkages can improve other aspects of the business, such as lower costs, fresher and more distinctive produce.