8 ways Responsible Tourism benefits local communities

Exploring the world while supporting local communities? That’s the power of responsible tourism.

Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It employs more people worldwide than any other, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs. At Adventurous Ewe we believe that our type of small scale, positive impact tourism can bring benefits to many communities, help preserve the environments we travel to see, and provide real and positive social exchanges.

Here are 8 ways responsible tourism positively impacts local communities:

1.Enriching Local Economies: Tourist spending boosts local economies by reinvesting in essential services and educational opportunities. Tourist spending helps to stimulate local businesses, from small artisan shops to larger service providers, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. Additionally, the influx of funds can facilitate improvements in local infrastructure, such as better roads and enhanced public services, which improve the quality of life for residents and enhance the experience for you as a visitor. Did you know that for every $1 generated in direct Travel & Tourism GDP, more than $2 are generated on an indirect and/or induced basis.

2. Boosting Employment: Tourism is a powerhouse for job creation, enhancement of workforce skills and impacts everything from major cities to small communities. In 2019, the sector employed one in ten people globally and accounted for one in four new jobs over the previous five years. As the industry evolves, it demands a diverse skill set ranging from customer service to technical abilities, which drives the implementation of various training programs. These initiatives equip local populations with essential skills, improving job prospects and career advancement opportunities both within and beyond the tourism sector. 

3. Encouraging Creativity and Entrepreneurship: The ripple effects of tourism support local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and launch new ventures, with 80% of the sector comprising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Tourism fosters a dynamic economic environment where creative solutions and unique business ideas can thrive, particularly in areas such as local arts, culinary experiences, and eco-tourism. This entrepreneurial spirit not only diversifies the local economy but also empowers communities by providing opportunities for individuals to innovate and create sustainable livelihoods that draw from their cultural and natural resources.

4. Creating Inclusive Opportunities: Tourism provides diverse opportunities, notably benefiting vulnerable groups such as minorities, youth, and women. The sector employs almost twice as many women as other sectors and has a significant proportion of young workers. Here at Adventurous Ewe, we actively seek to support locally owned accommodation & restaurants, ensure as much income as possible remains within the local communities, involve local communities with our itineraries and some of our local operators are female owned tour operators eg. our new B Corp certificied operator in Peru. We also adhere to a Vulnerable People Protection policy including women, children and minority groups, Responsible Travel Policy (section 4).

5. Fostering Understanding, Appreciation and Empathy: As a peace driver, tourism serves as a powerful bridge between cultures, offering an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to connect and share experiences. By visiting new places and engaging with locals, you gain a deeper insight into the day-to-day lives of people in different parts of the world. This exposure helps break down stereotypes and preconceived notions, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the customs, values, and challenges faced by others.

6. Preserving Cultural Heritage: Tourism significantly contributes to the preservation and revitalisation of cultural heritage by directing investments towards maintaining historical and cultural sites. These efforts not only protect architectural and traditional treasures but also support community initiatives that revive local traditions and crafts, offering economic benefits and maintaining cultural identities. With 40% of travellers engaging in cultural tourism, there is a strong demand for authentic cultural experiences, which in turn promotes global appreciation for cultural diversity and fosters international understanding.

7. Conserving Wildlife: Responsible tourism plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation, combating illegal poaching and supporting conservation-related employment. Tourism also raises awareness among travellers about the importance of biodiversity and the threats many species face. By integrating conservation efforts with tourism activities, visitors become active participants in protecting the environment and supporting local communities. Furthermore, the financial influx from tourism can fund essential conservation projects, such as habitat restoration and anti-poaching patrols, which are critical for the sustainability of wildlife populations. This synergy between tourism and conservation ensures that wildlife benefits directly from the continued interest and investment in their habitats. Did you know that the total economic contribution of wildlife tourism amounted to $344 billion in 2018, equivalent to the entire GDP of South Africa or Hong Kong. 

8. Fuelling the adoption of sustainable tech. Tourism’s push towards sustainable technologies also encourages sectors like hospitality to adopt more eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient systems and waste reduction techniques. These innovations not only improve your experience by offering tech improvements such as smart room controls, but also significantly reduce the environmental footprint of travel and tourism operations. 

Since our very first days as a tour operator, responsible business has been at the heart of what we do. Adventurous Ewe is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference – by supporting local communities, wildlife conservation projects and the environment. We’re all about operating in a responsible manner and incorporating principles of sustainable tourism and development into the way we provide our travellers with real life experiences. These values are more than just words; they’re ingrained in the culture and daily operations of the Adventurous Ewe team and on every trip.

For some further ideas of how you can be a responsible traveller, head over to our Responsible Travel page.