Inspiring Community Engagement to Ensure a Sustainable Local Tourism Product
December 12, 2017 – Christopher VisentinIn an earlier article, I explored the various types of sustainable tourism, and the potential benefits destination communities stand to gain from ecotourism and cultural tourism over the more common mass tourism product. Sustainable tourism prioritizes community well being and heightens community involvement in its delivery. Vital to its success, however, is an engaged local…
Continue ReadingSeeking Assistance Is Acknowledging Strength Not Weakness
December 11, 2017 – Justin MoorheadOver the past weeks we have benefited from an outpouring of support from diverse sources. All have responded knowing that what separates us is simply the timing of when assistance is required. Crises spur innovation and caring. The need is indisputable. Material resources improve survival and the quality of lives. Those with a willingness to…
Continue ReadingEcotourism: Promoting Sustainability in the Tourism Product
November 4, 2017 – Christopher VisentinThe tourism industry can be a double-edged sword for small communities whose economies rely on it for survival. Tourists bring in money, but the growth of the tourism product within a community can come at a significant cost if not properly managed. This issue was discussed in an earlier article appearing on this web site,…
Continue ReadingPrioritizing Recovery and Rebuilding the Tourism Industry Following a Disaster
October 30, 2017 – Christopher VisentinThe recent spate of devastating hurricanes has brought the fragile economies of many small Caribbean communities in the storms’ path to a shuddering halt. Pressing issues such as regaining running water and electricity and rebuilding homes have replaced daily activities and ordinary concerns. As these communities struggle simply to regain basic necessities, thoughts of an…
Continue ReadingAddressing the Looming Cost of Rebuilding
October 17, 2017 – Justin MoorheadBattered and bruised our communities have moved past back-to-back natural disasters and now face the rebuilding effort. Those we have lost, whether as a direct result of the storm or from stresses and events in the weeks following, are missed. The quality of the decisions we individually and collectively make in the coming months will…
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