Community empowered tourism development: a case study.

Abstract

This chapter explores the area of destination governance that focuses on community involvement and empowerment as a key to success in regional communities. This chapter endeavours to explore the global-traditional nexus which regional communities continue to face. They acknowledge what is referred to as 'a dangerous governance gap' and the need for new ways of governance to address highly complex destination challenges. Also discussed is the importance of merging more traditional and separate sectors of society in dealing with and making decisions regarding complex governance problems. This includes the movement away from quick-fix or government-fix approaches to issues and toward a more integrated and comprehensive approach to governance and decision making. The chapter proposes a new paradigm in working toward partnerships of decision-making resources with locally adaptable solutions and involving public, private and community involvement and responsibility. The chapter discusses a case study of Prainha do Canto Verde, Brazil, and a number of principles which are implemented in achieving the potential success of this partnership involvement approach to governance. As part of Chapter 10, six important points are presented representing the aspects of best practice in governance within a developing destination. These relate to local income generation and entrepreneurial activities, local participation in decision making and governance, reinforcement of local culture, environmental practices, local knowledge transfer and a focus on economic outcomes. The chapter concludes by demonstrating results of success and expressing the importance of empowerment and a collaborative, localized approach within isolated villages that are potential tourist destinations.