Preconditions for Community-based Tourism

Before pursuing community-based tourism the suitability of the local area should be checked and fundamental preconditions met.

It is important to ascertain at the outset, before raising expectations in the community regarding potential benefits to be derived from tourism, whether conditions in that area are conducive to tourism.

The first step in the process is to conducted social and environmental assessments by the relevant agencies. Another assessment tool is a carrying capacity study that reviews existing physical, social and environmental conditions and make projections for the future based on recommended improvements. These data could form part of the measurement tool in the evaluation cycle. These studies will set the parameters for the development of the project. The analyses conducted in these studies will indicate timeframes within which development can be pursued. That is, can the community-based tourism project be undertaken in the short, medium or long term and if so, under what conditions.

It must be noted that some preconditions are tied to international and national regulatory standards. Others may be tied to local conditions. The main areas to be reviewed are:

• Economic and political frameworks that facilitates trade and investment.
• Legislation that fosters and supports community participation (this is not now the case in Jamaica).
• International protocols and standards related to tourism and the environment.
• Development Orders and Parish Council regulations that govern physical plans and related issues.
• A reasonable level of ownership of the projects at the local level.
• Adequate physical infrastructure, access to health, housing, safety and security factors, schools, water quality, sewage and the ratio of visitors to residents.
• Reasonable access to communication.

Pre-conditions for community-based tourism products should have at a minimum:

• Interesting landscapes, flora, fauna that have the potential to attract specialists and/or the public in general.
• High levels of community awareness of and appreciation for opportunities, risks and changes associated with tourism and an interest in receiving visitors.
• Ecosystems that can withstand increased levels of stress.
• Structures that foster effective communication within the community and between the community and relevant government entities related to the project.
• The potential to enhance the lifestyles and character of indigenous people, e.g., the Maroons.
• A market assessment of the potential of the project reviewing all elements of the marketing mix.
• An understanding that each set of preconditions is unique to the specific project and community.

PIOJ document - Guidelines for South Coast Project -
prepared by Carolyn Hayle