What factors should you prioritize when developing a tourism policy that promotes social responsibility?

1 Vision and goals

The first factor to consider is the vision and goals of your tourism policy. What are the main objectives and values that you want to achieve and uphold through tourism? How do they align with the broader vision and goals of your destination, region, or country? A clear and coherent vision and goals can help you define the scope and direction of your tourism policy, as well as communicate it to your stakeholders and target audiences.

2 Stakeholder engagement

The second factor to consider is the stakeholder engagement. How will you involve and consult the different groups that have an interest or influence in tourism, such as tourists, local communities, businesses, governments, and civil society organizations? How will you ensure that their voices and perspectives are heard and considered in the policy-making process? Stakeholder engagement can help you gain insights, feedback, support, and collaboration for your tourism policy, as well as foster trust and accountability.

3 Impact assessment

The third factor to consider is the impact assessment. How will you measure and monitor the social, economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of tourism in your destination, region, or country? What are the indicators and criteria that you will use to evaluate the performance and outcomes of your tourism policy? How will you address the potential risks and challenges that may arise from tourism? Impact assessment can help you identify and prioritize the issues and opportunities that your tourism policy should address, as well as track and report its progress and results.

4 Best practices and innovation

The fourth factor to consider is the best practices and innovation. How will you learn from and adapt to the successful examples and experiences of other destinations, regions, or countries that have implemented tourism policies that promote social responsibility? How will you encourage and support innovation and creativity in tourism, such as new products, services, technologies, or models that can enhance the social responsibility of tourism? Best practices and innovation can help you improve and update your tourism policy, as well as inspire and motivate your stakeholders and audiences.

5 Capacity building and education

The fifth factor to consider is the capacity building and education. How will you develop and strengthen the skills and knowledge of the people and organizations that are involved or affected by tourism, such as tourists, local communities, businesses, governments, and civil society organizations? How will you raise awareness and educate them about the importance and benefits of social responsibility in tourism? Capacity building and education can help you enhance the quality and professionalism of tourism, as well as its positive impacts on society.

6 Partnerships and cooperation

The sixth factor to consider is the partnerships and cooperation. How will you establish and maintain effective and constructive relationships with the different actors and sectors that are related or relevant to tourism, such as transport, health, education, culture, environment, and security? How will you coordinate and collaborate with them to achieve common goals and address shared challenges in tourism? Partnerships and cooperation can help you leverage the resources and expertise of others, as well as create synergies and alignment for your tourism policy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?