Pro Poor Tourism - Tourism increasing benefits for poor people

Guest Houses, Small Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

Introduction
Accommodation is a key part of a tourist’s experience of a destination. They are often a key source of information (and therefore influence) about local activities and local places for for souvenirs and gifts. Ensuring that the information helps to maximse benefits local people, and in particular the economically poor and marginalised, can have a significant impact on local suppliers.

The Benefits

Enhance your own brand and USP. Competitive advantage is gained by creating a more distinctive product. Companies that invest locally stand out from others. They have a local flavour and deliver a richer experience which can encourage gusts to stay longer.
Greater local support. The support of the local community is important to tourism businesses, particularly when it comes to the safety and welfare of guests.
Staff morale and improved service. Staff want a company to deliver benefits for the local community, and happy staff result in improved customer service and 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 and helps to build your business.
Diversification of product. Stand out from your competitors and encourage people to repeat their visit with a richer experience and by enabling your guests to access a more diverse experience in the destination. This adds to the tourist experience and can add flair and distinction to your business.
Industry awards and recognition. Awards bring coverage, awareness and added credibility.
Improved corporate governance and organisational development. Boosting local linkages can improve other aspects of the business, such as how procurement or new products can be improved, bringing cost savings and a richer guest experience.