SDG Focus: 1 How can tourism create economic empowerment

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, No Poverty, calls on us to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere” a huge challenge. And one that feels far removed from the day-to-day running of a tour operator - is it even possible to address this mighty challenge? When planned well, tourism has the potential to create meaningful change and small steps can be taken by us all. 

A Big Ask from Tourism

Tourism is often chosen by local and national governments as a means for economic growth and community development. The pandemic showed just how fragile this system can be. Many communities that relied on tourism for income saw livelihoods vanish, setting back years of progress towards poverty reduction. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2020, 62 million people lost their jobs in tourism and global tourism GDP dropped 49.1%. For destinations that use tourism for economic growth and to reduce poverty this was a marked set back. 

Tourism has bounced back from this global shock but how can we ensure that recovery leads to lasting positive change?

Collaboration is Key

Whilst SDG 1 doesn’t have any specific targets or indicators that relate to tourism, the ‘Toolkit for Indicators’ helps us understand where tourism can play a role through shared responsibility from tour operators and DMOs.

Tour operators and DMCs can work alongside the DMO to ensure any community tourism initiatives are brought to market and training opportunities are given to staff.

Let’s not overcomplicate it, tackling poverty is about making deliberate, small steps that strengthen local economies:

Tour operators and DMCs

For the private sector, particularly small and medium tour operators, including some goals and actions around local purchasing in a sustainability plan is key:

• Hire locally and invest in training guides, hosts, and drivers.

• Support small entrepreneurs and locally owned suppliers.

• Collaborate with social enterprises that provide skills and opportunities for underrepresented groups.

• Champion women’s empowerment, from guiding roles to leadership positions.

• Develop or contribute to CSR initiatives — whether through your own foundation or by supporting community projects via your partners. 

  
  

Government, tourist boards and Destination Management Organisations (DMOs)

DMOs can be involved in ensuring host communities are recognised in tourism strategy:

• Ensuring communities are considered in tourism strategies. 

• Prioritising local employment and training, especially for women and young people. 

• Building climate resilience into tourism infrastructure. 

Indirect impacts are not as noticeable and would be led by the local or national government. Tax revenues from tourism can help with infrastructure improvement in destinations and resorts, road improvements and local services can be better funded. 

From Transaction to Transformation

Achieving the No Poverty goal alone is impossible -  but it’s also one of the areas where tourism can make some tangible difference.

Tourism should not be seen as a transaction but a transformative experience for both the visitor and the community. The community can be active partners in tourism and create a lasting impact on the local economy. 

Quick Win Actions

Consider where your clients money is being spent, who you partner with and itinerary design. 

• Ask your DMC partners if they are locally owned. 

• Review your itineraries - whether they are set group tours or sample FITs, add in some community tourism experiences, visit restaurants or cafes that offer training for underrepresented groups.

  
  

Find one initiative that empowers community growth and support them either directly or through a travel industry foundation.

Do you want to know more? I can help you include UNSDG 1 into your sustainability planning. Read more here: https://www.justtourism.co.uk/theimpactcompass