Destination Mutual Benefit A Guide to Inclusive Business in Tourism

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide, and it’s growing most quickly in emerging and developing countries. Currently, UNWTO calculates that tourism is responsible for 9% of global GDP, for over 1 in 11 jobs and for USD 1.3 trillion in global exports annually. Inclusive business in tourism can be defined as tourism that increases business linkages between people from low-income communities and tourism-industry actors for long-lasting mutual benefit.

Inclusive business is transforming tourism

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide, and it’s growing most quickly in emerging and developing countries. Currently, UNWTO calculates that tourism is responsible for 9% of global GDP, for over 1 in 11 jobs and for USD 1.3 trillion in global exports annually.

A new study by GIZ and Endeva shows how tourism can create mutual benefits for companies and people in poverty. 

Inclusive business in tourism can be defined as tourism that increases business linkages between people from low-income communities and tourism-industry actors for long-lasting mutual benefit. Tourism companies benefit from improved product quality and innovation. Sourcing locally can lower costs of transportation. Communities and low-income people, on the other hand, benefit from opportunities for income from employment and entrepreneurship. Acquiring new skills and improved knowledge enables them, in turn, to access better jobs. Moreover, when tourism is soundly integrated into the local economy and culture it also provides incentives and funds for the conservation of natural, cultural and historical resources.

The recently published “Guide to Inclusive Business in Tourism” by Endeva and GIZ charters the course, mapping out opportunities and demonstrating why working together makes sense for both companies and communities.