Economic Empowerment of Communities through Tourism: A Pro-Poor Tourism Value Chain Approach

Authors : Rayviscic Mutinda NDIVO, Lorenzo CANTONI

Pages : 116-134

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Publication Date : 2015-10-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :A number of constraints continue to limit participation of the local people to tourism and travel activities in the less and developing countries. Addressing such constraints has over time formed the focus of development paradigms in these countries. This paper uses analytical literature review for identifying the appropriate strategies promoting host community participation and the benefits of tourism development by giving particular emphasis on less and developing countries. Specifically, the paper critiques pro-poor tourism insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PPT); and tourism value chain insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(TVC); approaches, in view of their feasibility for ensuring that tourism benefits the poor within the host community. By demonstrating their inherent limitations and strengths as models for empowering poor communities, the paper proposes an integrated model -Pro-Poor Tourism Value Chain- that integrates the strengths of both PPT and TVC approaches into a single framework. This framework would find important policy and practical application in enhancing economic participation of host communities in tourism. To realise this goal, the paper recommends mapping of appropriate TVC nodes, identification of intervention strategies for increasing benefits arising to those already participating in the TVC, and developing capacity of those not involved through pro-poor affirmative initiatives
Keywords : Tourism Value Chain, Pro Poor Tourism, Less and developing countries, Sustainable tourism, Economic empowerment, Tourism planning and development