“Role of private, public and local community in tourism”

Submitted to: Mr. Sachin Shrestha

Nepal Mountain Academy (NMA)
Affiliated to Tribhuvan University

Submitted by: Rajpal kc

Masters in Adventure Tourism Studies (MATS)
Cohort: 2022-2024
Roll No. 12
The private sector, public sector, and communities play important roles in the development and
sustainability of tourism. Here's an overview of their roles:

Role of the private sector in tourism planning and development.

Private sector organizations are organisations which ultimately seek to make a profit. They are not
owned by the Government, but instead owned and managed by private entrepreneurs or
shareholders.

There are a number of private sector organisations involved in tourism planning. Some will play a
more pivotal role than others. I have narrowed the benefits of the private sector in tourism planning
and development which are as follows:

Private tourism businesses can provide a forum for discussing and resolving common
problems associated with tourism enterprises

Private organisations tend to have more money and time to invest in tourism development
planning. Because they are typically money-oriented, they will spend time thinking analytically
about the best approaches to take to tourism development and which routes will likely yield the
best economic outcomes. They may, however, fail to adequately consider the economic and social
benefits.

Private tourism businesses make coordinated recommendations to the government office for
improvements in the tourism sector

Even if the public sector has its own personnel and processes, feedback from the private sector can
be quite helpful. Private sector organizations frequently influence government decisions, either
individually or collectively.

This could have both positive and bad effects on the region's plans for tourism development. An
illustration is when tour companies threatened to leave the country after all-inclusive resorts were
recently outlawed, as was detailed in the piece on the development of tourism in The Gambia.
Although the Government had established this new policy with the purpose of enhancing Gambia's
tourism industry, they were compelled to reverse course due to a dearth of assistance from the
business sector.
Private tourism businesses can provide representation on tourism boards and committees

Members of private sector tourism businesses will typically be asked to provide representation on
various boards and committees. Again, this adds insight into issues that may not always be
considered in the same light by the public sector.

Private tourism businesses can conduct research, marketing and training related to the
private sector

One of the prominent roles of the private sector in tourism planning and development is its capacity
to devote time and money into aspects such as marketing and training. This can help to promote
the destination overall and can also help to up-skill staff in the local area. On the downside, many
private sector tourism businesses will import staff from other countries which can cause economic
leakage.(Dr Hayley Stainton, 2023)

Private tourism businesses can sponsor special events

Events will be sponsored by a number of private tourism organizations. This might improve the
industry's visibility and generate more money for it. Some notable examples include Emirates,
which sponsors Arsenal Football Club, and British Airways, which sponsored the Olympics when
they were held in Britain.

Private tourism businesses can work with local government

Private tourism businesses can act as local spokesman to the local community, giving the local
people a voice that might be heard more than it otherwise would. This can also help to provide
links between business and society.

Private sector as a supporting agency for tourism.

Tourism Businesses:

Private sector entities in tourism include a wide range of businesses, such as: Accommodation:
Hotels, resorts, lodges, guesthouses, bed and breakfast establishments, vacation rentals, and
camping sites provide lodging options for tourists.Food and Beverage: Restaurants, cafes, bars,
food stalls, and catering services offer dining experiences and refreshments to tourists.
Transportation: Airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, taxis, tour buses, and other
transportation providers facilitate travel for tourists.

Tour Operators and Travel Agencies: These entities organize and sell travel packages, tours, and
activities, providing comprehensive arrangements for tourists.

Attractions and Entertainment: Theme parks, museums, cultural sites, amusement centers, wildlife
reserves, theaters, and other entertainment venues offer experiences and attractions for tourists.

Retail and Souvenirs: Gift shops, boutiques, markets, and craft stores sell local products, souvenirs,
and handicrafts to tourists.

Adventure and Recreation: Adventure tour operators, sports facilities, outdoor activity providers,
and recreational centers offer various outdoor and adventure experiences.

Wellness and Spa: Spas, wellness retreats, yoga centers, and health resorts provide relaxation and
wellness services to tourists.

Investment:

The private sector plays a crucial role in investing capital and resources in the tourism industry.
Private investors fund the development of tourism infrastructure, including hotels, resorts,
restaurants, transportation facilities, and attractions. These investments contribute to the growth
and enhancement of tourism destinations, making them more attractive to visitors.

Employment and Economic Growth:

Private tourism companies generate employment opportunities in a variety of industries. A sizeable

majority of the tourist industry is employed by the private sector, from front-line professions like
hotel receptionists and tour guides to administrative positions, marketing teams, and support
workers. By creating income, tax money, and encouraging local spending, this employment
creation encourages economic growth.

Innovation and Competitiveness:

The private sector drives innovation and competition within the tourism industry. Businesses
continually strive to improve their services, experiences, and products to meet changing customer
demands. This leads to advancements in technology, better customer service, unique offerings, and
improved overall competitiveness of tourism destinations.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

Private sector entities often collaborate with other stakeholders, including public sector
organizations, local communities, and non-profit organizations. Such collaborations can involve
joint marketing initiatives, infrastructure development projects, sustainability programs, and
community engagement efforts. These partnerships help foster a sustainable and mutually
beneficial tourism ecosystem.(Arthur L. Smith, n.d.)

It's important to note that the private sector's involvement in tourism varies in scale and nature,
ranging from small local businesses to multinational corporations. Each business contributes to
the overall tourism industry's vitality and economic impact, while also playing a role in shaping
the visitor experience.

Role of public sector on tourism planning and development.

The public sector's involvement in tourism varies from country to country, with national tourism
ministries, regional tourism boards, and local government bodies all playing a role in promoting
and regulating the industry. The public sector's activities aim to create a conducive environment
for tourism growth, safeguard visitor experiences, and ensure the sustainable development of
destinations.

Policy and Regulation:

The public sector establishes policies, regulations, and guidelines that govern the tourism industry.
This includes setting standards for safety, quality, environmental sustainability, and business
practices. Examples include licensing requirements for tourism businesses, regulations for
accommodation and food services, and guidelines for tour operators and travel agencies.

Infrastructure Development:

The public sector is responsible for developing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure to
support tourism. This includes transportation networks (airports, seaports, roads, public transit),
utilities (water supply, waste management, electricity), and other essential facilities. Investment in
infrastructure ensures efficient connectivity, accessibility, and a pleasant visitor experience.

Destination Marketing and Promotion:

In order to draw tourists to their places, governments and tourism boards engage in marketing and
promotional initiatives. To highlight the distinctive qualities and attractions of their destinations,
they create marketing campaigns, take part in trade events and exhibitions, manufacture
promotional materials, and make use of digital channels. This entails marketing initiatives, a social
media presence, and partnerships with tour companies and travel agencies.

Tourism Planning and Development:

The public sector plays a vital role in long-term tourism planning and development. This involves
identifying potential tourism areas, conducting market research, creating tourism development
strategies, and formulating master plans for sustainable tourism growth. The public sector also
collaborates with private sector stakeholders to ensure the alignment of tourism development with
broader economic and social objectives.

Sustainability and Conservation:

The public sector is responsible for managing and preserving natural and cultural resources to
ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism. This includes implementing environmental
protection measures, establishing conservation areas, regulating access to sensitive sites, and
promoting sustainable practices among tourism businesses. Governments often enforce regulations
to minimize negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities.

Tourism Statistics and Research: The public sector collects and analyzes data on tourism, such
as visitor arrivals, tourism expenditures, and market trends. This information helps policymakers
and industry stakeholders make informed decisions, develop tourism strategies, and allocate
resources effectively. Public sector agencies often conduct research and studies to gain insights
into visitor demographics, preferences, and the economic impact of tourism.

Crisis Management and Risk Assessment:

The public sector plays a critical role in managing crises and risks related to tourism. This includes
developing emergency response plans, ensuring the safety and security of tourists, providing travel
advisories, and coordinating with relevant authorities during emergencies or natural disasters.
Governments also implement risk assessment measures to identify and mitigate potential threats
to the tourism industry.

Role of communities in tourism development and planning.

Involvement of local community has substantial value in tourism for locals, their lifestyle and
environmental, cultural and traditional factors; which are the main attraction in tourism. Thus, the
needs and aspirations of locals must be maintained. Tourism development along with the
involvement of local community will result in sustainable development as well as benefit
economic, environmental and cultural benefits. Active participation of community in tourism
ensures the enrichment of tourism experience as well.

Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs:

Communities are often engaged in tourism-related activities, such as running small businesses,
homestays, handicraft production, or providing local guides. They benefit from tourism by
generating income and employment opportunities.

Cultural Preservation:

Communities contribute to preserving and showcasing their cultural heritage, traditions, and
customs, thereby enhancing the authenticity of the tourism experience. Engaging communities in
tourism planning allows for the education of tourists about cultural norms, customs, and
appropriate behavior. This fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity among visitors, leading to
more respectful and responsible tourism practices.

Community Development:

Tourism can support community development through income redistribution, improved

infrastructure, access to education, healthcare, and other social services. Local communities are
often responsible for ensuring the safety and security of tourists. By actively participating in
tourism planning, communities can contribute to the establishment of effective safety measures
and protocols. This not only enhances the overall experience for tourists but also contributes to the
reputation of the destination as a safe and welcoming place to visit.
Community Engagement and Empowerment:

Involving local communities in tourism decision-making processes and empowering them to

participate in tourism activities helps create a sense of ownership and fosters sustainable
development. It is essential for these sectors to collaborate and work together to ensure the
balanced and sustainable growth of tourism, benefiting both the industry and the communities
involved.

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Communities can play a role in educating tourists about
cultural norms, customs, and appropriate behavior. This fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity
among visitors, leading to more respectful and responsible tourism practices.

Advocacy and Decision-making: By participating in tourism planning and policy discussions,

communities can advocate for their interests and have a say in the decisions that directly impact
their lives and environment. Their input and involvement ensure that tourism development aligns
with the needs and aspirations of the local population, leading to more inclusive and sustainable
outcomes.

Preserving and Sharing Traditional Knowledge:

Local communities often possess valuable traditional knowledge about their environment, history,
and culture. By integrating this knowledge into tourism experiences, communities contribute to
the authenticity and uniqueness of the tourism product. Sharing traditional stories, skills, and
practices with tourists enhances their understanding and appreciation of the destination.

The involvement of communities in tourism development and planning is vital for fostering
sustainable, responsible, and mutually beneficial tourism practices. By recognizing communities
as key stakeholders and actively engaging them, tourism can become a powerful tool for economic
development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation, while providing enriching
experiences for tourists and locals alike.
References.

Arthur L. Smith. (n.d.). “Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Sustainable Tourism.” Inter-American
Development Bank.

Dr Hayley Stainton. (2023). The Role of the Private Sector in Tourism Planning and Development. Tourism
Teacher.