Public Participation in Community Tourism Planning: A Gaming Simulation Approach

Abstract

Public participation is considered to be an essential part of a successful tourism development plan. This article suggests gaming simulation as a tool for inviting public input into the community tourism planning and management process. Selected simulation games applicable to the tourism development process are reviewed. The Tourism Activity Game (TAG)©, a board game designed to simulate the economic and environmental impacts of tourism development on small communities, is briefly described. The game is a means to facilitate exchange of views and cooperation between the various private industry interests, the general public, and community planners. The conditions necessary for a successful application of the game are discussed.