Local communities as sustainable tourism development partners
The Egyptian Strategic Tourism Development Plans are trying to play an increasingly important role in supporting the hoped-for transformation of Egypt’s undeveloped areas into world-class tourism destinations. The plans aim to add a considerable number of hotel rooms in the Red Sea region within the immediately forthcoming years. Particular natural features such as corals and other marine characteristics provide the main supply of revenue for locals, including fishermen; however they also constitute at the same time the core tourism attraction. Local people feel their land rights are being challenged by outsiders and threatened by planned tourism development of the area. They fear being cut off from traditional opportunities. Tourism development in the Red Sea region is characterized by the disregard of communities and illustrates the failure to improve local development and alleviation of poverty. This research investigated the relationship between mass-tourism development and local communities in the southern part of the Red Sea region. It has been undertaken to investigate barriers to change and assess means of promoting local communities involvement and evaluate roles and values of their participation. The study sought to clarify the conflicts between local communities and government which result from the tourism development structure, which has neglected locals’ rights. Consequently, the concept of sustainable tourism development (STD) and the interaction between tourism and environment, economy, society and culture are examined along with in depth analysis of the main characteristics influencing the host community. The investigation aims to understand the range of perception of tourism development stakeholders, so local communities, private sector parties, decision makers and tourism development facilitators such as consultants and NGOs have been investigated. Local communities’ opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses have been explored. Under the umbrella of STD a clear vision arises of the existing conditions surrounding local communities, not only in terms of their needs and their problems but also as a means to categorize local communities’ customs, intercultural and traditional life style. Recommendations aimed to secure improvements for local communities are discussed through explaining a rationale, standards, policy integration and roles for tourism development stakeholders. It is suggested that by promoting local communities’ key factors and using a community-based tourism approach in the study area, local people may be empowered and problems that hinder sustainability may be addressed.
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