Communities Strengthen Long-Term Tourism Benefits Locally by Decision-Making

THE NEWS:

Jessica Yew, director of Sticky Rice Travel, says meaningful travel should leave a lasting benefit for communities after visitors leave, with tourism income staying locally and residents gaining new skills and exposure.

DETAILS:

• Yew emphasizes that communities must be fully involved and act as decision‑makers rather than merely consulted.
• She notes that community‑based tourism cannot follow a one‑size‑fits‑all model, requiring tailored approaches.
• Yew stresses creating opportunities for genuine participation instead of token involvement.

WHY IT MATTERS:

When local residents shape tourism decisions and retain income, travel experiences become more authentic and sustainable, benefiting both communities and operators.

FAQ

Who said that meaningful travel should benefit local communities after visitors leave?

Jessica Yew, director of Sticky Rice Travel, made that statement, highlighting the need for tourism income to stay locally and for residents to gain new skills and exposure.

What does Jessica Yew propose about community involvement in tourism decision‑making?

She proposes that communities be fully involved as decision‑makers rather than merely consulted, ensuring genuine participation in tourism activities.

Why is a one‑size‑fits‑all approach unsuitable for community‑based tourism, according to the article?

Yew warns that community‑based tourism must be tailored to each locale, as no single model works everywhere, requiring operators to adapt to local needs.

Read Original Article.