Thanks to the technological development of the last decades, we’ve witnessed a dizzying growth of tourism on a world scale, allowing the knowledge of places and cultures that were almost unattainable before. That benefits mainly those countries that are not integrated into the global economy, but rich in uncontaminated landscapes and cultures.
In this context, tourism is the sector that mostly can contribute to reducing poverty and promoting socio-economic growth in developing countries.
Trends
Besides the consolidation of traditional tourist destinations in Europe and North America, the last trends see the increase of tourist arrivals in third world countries. Tourism became the first or second source of income in 20 of the 48 least developed countries. Indeed, in some of them, it can represent over 25% of GDP.
Benefits of tourism in developing countries
· Favourable conditions: characteristic resources such as warm weather, breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage exist particularly in rural areas, that are usually disadvantaged in the other economic sectors.
· More jobs: many tasks in the tourist industry don’t require particular skills and can be carried out by the poorest classes or disadvantaged groups.
· Impact on the economy: the development of tourism also affects other sectors such as agriculture, crafts, transport and services. Moreover, the income of those who live thanks to tourism helps to support the economy.
Disadvantages
· Unpredictability of demand: economic, environmental and socio-political events can bring down tourism demand. Indeed, to develop tourism, political and economic stability is necessary to allow investments in local and foreign capital.
· Seasonality of demand: it’s necessary to integrate tourism and other economic activities, so as to provide enough livelihood throughout the year.
· Impact on natural resources: the excessive use of water, land, food and energy sources can disadvantage the poorest segment of the population.
· Exclusion of the poorest: if not managed correctly, it’s possible that a large part of tourist spending won’t benefit the poorer destinations, with the consequence that the income would end up in the more affluent social classes without bringing any advantage to those economically disadvantaged.
How tourism can alleviate poverty
Although it’s a valuable aid, we shouldn’t see tourism as the only solution to poverty. If we set this goal, however, we must focus on some aspects:
· Increase the size and performance of the tourism sector as a whole, increasing the number of visits, the length of stay and the cost per person.
· Involve private companies and help them provide benefits to the poor, by employment policies or through tourism activities and products for the poorest.
· Ensure competitive and sustainable tourism, ensuring a balance between the tourism sector and the management of resources.
The role of technology
To promote tourism in less developed countries, it’s necessary a greater awareness of digital technologies: computerising sites and attractions help to make the industry more suitable for tourists’ needs.
Marketing products through digital platforms, together with big data, supports tourism development, investments and partnerships by creating a more inclusive sector and generating new jobs.
Implementing a technological strategy would enhance the digital branding of destinations, providing valuable support in a data-based decision-taking process and contributing to the development and management of tourist attraction sites.
Ending poverty is one of the most difficult challenges the world has ever faced: using tourism to help the neediest people is an opportunity that we can’t overlook.
By Alessia Fravolini