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In a landmark report unveiled today, a global coalition of tourism experts has outlined 40 actionable strategies to ensure that tourism’s economic and social benefits are more evenly distributed among local communities. The report, titled Creating Equitable Destinations: How to Manage and Distribute Tourism’s Value to Better Serve Communities, was produced by the Travel Foundation in collaboration with esteemed research institutions such as the Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH), Breda University of Applied Sciences, and the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC).

At a time when many of the world’s most popular travel destinations are experiencing a surge in tourism—often accompanied by local frustration and protests—this report presents a powerful argument for a more inclusive and community-driven approach to tourism management. It offers a blueprint for Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), policymakers, and National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) to rethink the distribution of tourism’s economic value and ensure local communities are genuinely benefiting.

Unveiling Inequalities: Where Tourism Fails Communities

Tourism’s explosive growth over recent years has brought record visitors to many destinations. Yet, despite its substantial economic impact, the benefits of tourism are often unevenly distributed. The report warns that tourism can inadvertently contribute to social inequality, with up to 80% of visitor spending “leaking” out of destinations—meaning that a significant portion of the revenue does not remain within the local economy.

Lead author Bernadett Papp explains, “Tourism is not inherently fair, and without intentional strategies in place, it can exacerbate local inequalities. The report is essentially a roadmap for a more equity-driven approach, guiding tourism stakeholders on how to redistribute tourism benefits to local communities.”

Key concerns include low-paying jobs that offer limited career advancement and tourism revenue being concentrated in the hands of a few. This, coupled with the rising costs of living and housing in tourist hotspots, often leaves residents bearing the burdens while seeing little reward.

Solutions to Drive Equitable Change

The report offers a variety of solutions designed to address these disparities. Some of the most impactful recommendations include:

Taxes and Revenue-Sharing Initiatives: Introducing tourism-related taxes that fund local projects or redistribute tourism revenue into the community.
Business Incubation and Training Programs: Empowering local entrepreneurs and workers to exploit tourism opportunities through targeted training and resources.
Licensing and Zoning Regulations: Ensuring that local businesses and communities maintain control over tourism assets, like land and cultural heritage, through fair licensing and zoning policies.
Community Enterprises and Volunteering Programs: Encouraging the development of community-based enterprises that reinvest in local infrastructure and provide meaningful employment.
Product Development Focused on Local Culture and Environmental Protection: Creating tourism products and experiences that prioritize the protection of local culture and the natural environment while benefiting the community financially.

These strategies are not merely theoretical. The report includes 25 case studies where tourism has already led to significant community improvements, such as promoting local entrepreneurship, enhancing public infrastructure, and contributing to urban regeneration.

One such success story highlighted is the role of tourism in restoring natural environments, such as in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Here, revenue from eco-tourism has been reinvested into extensive conservation efforts, benefiting the tourism industry, the broader ecosystem, and the local population.

Building Stronger Communities Through Collaboration

The report stresses that sustainable and equitable tourism requires robust partnerships between tourism managers and local governments. This collaboration should be guided by clear goals that prioritize community needs. As Rodney Payne, CEO of Destination Think, aptly noted, “The world is in crisis, but this research shows that so many of the solutions we need are ready to be adopted. We have invested in this report to lay out a clear path for the travel industry to take bold action.”

One of the report’s most critical insights is the need for a participatory approach to destination management. Communities should not be passive recipients of tourism but active participants in shaping the policies that will impact their lives. This approach ensures that tourism’s benefits are shared equitably and that residents, including those not directly involved in the industry, can reap rewards.

Moreover, the report calls for greater attention to balancing foreign investment with local control. Too often, outside investors profit disproportionately from local tourism, leaving local businesses at a disadvantage. By promoting local entrepreneurship and safeguarding essential resources—such as land and housing—governments and DMOs can ensure that tourism enhances the community rather than exploits it.

A Bold Vision for the Future

The Creating Equitable Destinations report makes it clear that equitable tourism is not only possible but essential for the industry’s future. As global tourism grows, the importance of distributing its benefits more fairly cannot be overstated. By embracing the recommendations outlined in this report, policymakers, DMOs, and NTOs can play a pivotal role in reshaping the tourism industry into a force for good.

For those interested in learning more about these strategies, the full report is available for download at www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/equitable. The Travel Foundation and its partners will also host a launch webinar on October 23, during which they will present their findings and discuss practical steps for implementation.

This new era of tourism calls for bold action, and with the 40 strategies provided in this report, the industry now has a clear path forward to create more equitable, inclusive, and community-focused destinations.