Community Development
One of the benefits of tourism within a community is the potential for positive community development. Your business' links to the local community should extend beyond employment and financial growth. There are a variety of different ways in which your business can invest back into the community by actively contributing to local initiatives such as healthcare, sanitation, education and community development.
A responsible business regularly seeks opportunities to provide education, training or resources within the community they operate in to help improve the local livelihoods. By providing this active support, your business can establish itself as a positive and welcome addition, creating strong local support and consequently, a better experience for your clients.
Responsible Projects
- Any community project must be in response to a direct need, benefiting the wider community rather than select members
- Sponsorship of local sports groups or youth groups
- Construction projects such as children's playground or school
- Sanitation and health facilities such as providing access to clean water
FINANCIAL & SOCIAL INVESTMENT
Community investment does not just have to come from straightforward cash donations, in fact, there are many other means by which your business – and your suppliers, partners and even clients – can contribute. Going the extra step demonstrate how your business' commitment to responsible tourism runs deeper than the company bank account.
Philanthropy
- Make a 'soft' or charitable investment in the social infrastructure of the community
- Invest in philanthropic activities through either cash donations or donating staff time
- Facilitate suppliers or business partners' donations to support the local community
- Encourage your customers to donate to local initiatives supported by your business
- Set up a non-profit partnership organisation, such as a trust or foundation, to facilitate donations and support for a nominated charity/project
EDUCATION & MENTORING
It is a business' social responsibility to “invest” back in the local community and economy in which it operates. The most obvious way of achieving this is by the hiring of local employees. However, your business can take this one step further through education and mentoring.
Invest in your Community
- Provide scholarships for school children or students going to university
- Provide business development support through training and mentoring
Community & Conservation