Roger Harris's Page

During a lecture at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 9th Feb 2010, Dr Taleb Rifai the new head of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation admitted that the tourism industry has failed to make a connection with the world’s major problems, such as poverty. When I put it to him that much tourism in Asia involves taking people to destinations whose residents were mostly poor and who don’t enjoy much benefit or share in the revenues that the industry generates, he stated that he is against r… Continue

Tourism and Poverty Reduction: Pathways to Prosperity

"Tourism can reduce poverty in developin

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"Developing community-based tourism is important. Asymmetric distribution of benefits and costs in the tourism sector remains a challenge. At present, the benefits of tourism largely bypass the majority of poor in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. New models of tourism development are required that involve poor local communities. These models should include the development of CBT products in areas attractive for tourists where the poor live, and the establishment of supply chains

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I attended a tourism conference recently that claimed to focus on Community Based Tourism (CBT). Actually most of the presentations and people attending worked for travel operators that were based in cities and who sent tourists into rural areas where they stayed in lodges that were owned and managed by the travel operators but who hired local residents as staff. They call this community-based tourism. I don’t!!

For me, TRUE CBT occurs when the residents of a destination own and operate their o… Continue

Tourism in Bario, Sarawak, Malaysia: A case study of pro-poor community based tourism integrated into community development
by Roger W. Harris

Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, Publisher: Taylor & Francis, Apr 27, 2009


Abstract

There are divergent views concerning the efficacy of pro-poor community based tourism as a tool for community development. Whilst theoretical perspectives give rise to optimism, the evidence leaves some doubt. There is merit therefore… Continue

Visiting tribal peoples is appealing for travellers eager to experience cultures very different from their own. The editor of a new book celebrating indigenous cultures explains how to ensure your visit is beneficial for the tribespeople as well.

The Guardian, Thursday 15 October 2009

Marcus Veron, a leader of the Guarani-Kaiowa people, said of the forests and plains of Brazil that… Continue