Vanuatu locals, Kalo and Nina Nathaniel own Malo Lodge on Uliveo Island

A ‘Pre-Feasibility Study’

A couple of years ago, a major donor in Vanuatu decided to provide assistance in tourism. The donor sent out requests for expressions of interest in producing (wait for it…) a ‘Pre-Feasibility Study’ on developing tourism to the outer islands of Vanuatu. Even better, the ‘Pre-Feasibility Study’ in question had two programmed follow-ups: a ‘Feasibility Study’ and an ‘Implementation Plan’!

The local ‘consultants’ were excluded from meetings

The winning tender went to a consultant company from northern Europe. They assembled a crack team with representatives from all over the world. Unfortunately, all but one had never worked or studied tourism in Melanesia (the team leader had spent a week in New Guinea). As a vital counterbalance to this, I was hired as one of three ‘local experts’. But was our combined 60-plus years of local knowledge valued? No, it was mostly ignored, our function reduced to facilitating the appointments and travel needs of the imported consultants; on many occasions, the local ‘consultants’ were actually excluded from meetings with the very same local people we had arranged. The fieldwork was completed over a two-week period and the 30-odd page document (written by the team leader) was submitted to the client two months later.

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Liziwe Ngcolcoto prepares carrots in a potjie pot, a traditional South African style of cooking

Liziwes Bed & Breakfast in Cape Town, South Africa

As a long but growing list of travellers has already discovered, little rivals the cultural experience of staying overnight in a township of Cape Town, South Africa. Our choice, one among several, is Liziwes Bed & Breakfast. What was once little more than a shack in the same location, the current cheerful and welcoming structure has a heart-warming story. Liziwes’ husband worked for 25 years at Sappi Kraft (a paper and packaging company), from which he received donations of bricks over the years. With these, one brick at a time, he and Liziwes worked hard together to build what is today an internationally recognized accommodation right in the heart of a Gugulethu township. There’s also a restaurant, where visitors can savour the delicious local cuisine, learn about township culture and have a laugh with Liziwes and her family. Travellers can also experience everyday township life on walking tours that can be arranged by the guesthouse.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp of South Western Uganda

Looking for a Jane Goodall moment and to try a hand at gorilla tracking? Set on the edge of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – the only place in the world where chimpanzees and gorillas coexist – is the Buhoma Community Rest Camp. This locally run campsite is part of the Uganda Community Tourism Association (UCOTA), created to support the local people and improve their lives through community-based tourism.

Overnighters can choose to stay in a traditional banda (thatch-roofed bungalow) or a furnished safari tent and enjoy views of the forest canopy from the on-site restaurant. During the day, travellers are encouraged to take a village walk on which they can meet local artisans, healers and coffee farmers, as well as visit the local hospital, a pygmy tribe and a homestead where Waragi (Ugandan gin) is made and banana beer brewed. Proceeds from the camp go toward local initiatives.

A traditional safari tent accommodation overlooks the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda

Shewula Mountain Camp of Swaziland

This is experiential travel at its best. In the stunningly remote Lumbombo Mountain range of Swaziland, Chief Mbandzamane Sifundza II and the Shewula community welcome travellers to their village and a chance to discover the rural lifestyle of a Swazi community. Walking trails in the area are a great way to interact with the friendly community and absorb the pristine scenery of the region, all while learning about Swazi culture and the Shewula Mountain Camp’s pioneering, homegrown model for sustainable tourism.

Given the success of the mountain camp, many more community projects have been launched, including an orphanage, community resource centre and environmental ventures such as solar and wind power testing. The lodging – primarily in authentic thatch-roofed huts, although family and private accommodations are available – and three hearty meals a day are all 100% local, sourced from materials and produce immediately available.

Shewula Mountain Camp sits on a plateau of the Lubombo Mountains with views out to large parts of central and northern Swaziland

Malealea Lodge and Pony Trek Centre of Lesotho

Immerse yourself in Basotho culture. With unique accommodation options ranging from rustic rondavels, Basotho huts or forest huts to a comfortable stay in a farmhouse, the Jones family welcomes visitors to Malealea Lodge, set in the midst of the spectacular lands of western Lesotho. Pony trekking is a must-do while staying here, a chance for travellers to see the ‘real Africa’. As ponies are the traditional form of transport in the region, animals hired from local owners and led by Basotho guides are a fine form of community tourism, especially on trips into nearby rural communities, where travellers can learn about remote village traditions and even stay overnight in rented Basotho huts.

The Jones family’s knowledge of and commitment to the local community is fathomless – they have dedicated themselves completely to development projects, including building schools, HIV/AIDS awareness, and environmental protection – and they encourage travellers to get directly involved.

Damaraland Camp of Etosha, Namibia

Considered one of the most successful community-tourism projects in Namibia, Damaraland Camp is situated in the Huab River Valley. Once desolate and devoid of animals (killed by poachers), the region now teems with wildlife due to the efforts of the Torra Conservancy and Wilderness Safaris. Visitors are invited to stay in one of the ten thatched chalets run by the local community amidst beautiful plains surrounded by the Brandberg Mountains.

During the day, travellers enjoy drives to see the desert-adapted elephants and other wildlife in the region; in the evening, they gather in the open-roofed communal area and bomas around the campfire. Awarded the 2005 WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award, the camp aims to continue enriching the lives of the community and alleviate poverty by training and employing locals.

This article was originally posted on the whl.travel blog.

“The Awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge operators who are making a difference and to increase our understanding of the industry and good practices,”

Wild Asia 2008 Awards / Photo by Wild Asia

Dr. Reza Azmi, Founder and Director of Wild Asia, explains. “The awards act as both a showcase for the exemplary resorts and as an inspiration to others.” Since the inception of the Awards, Wild Asia has identified 12 winners and 27 finalists from all over Asia as leaders of Responsible Tourism.

Continue reading this article @ whl.travel Blog

Finding the Local Rhythm

Now, three months later, I’ve learned that Marrakech has come a long way in the last few years. I see it in a very different light, one in which the city does not revolve only around its stereotypes. Basing myself in a predominantly local residential area has allowed me to experience how the people of Marrakech really live.

Berber family / Photo by Ben P. Jones

For example, despite tourist perceptions, the teeming square of Jemaa el Fna is a haven primarily for foreigners and visiting Moroccans; most locals tend to avoid it unless they are looking for a bargain. People here prefer the relaxed life. Endlessly drinking tea and coffee in the cafés and restaurants that adorn the wide boulevards and labyrinthine souks, staring at passers-by and talking are the locals’ favourite pastimes.

A City of Many Identities

The beauty of Marrakech is its ability to mix the traditional with the contemporary. Gueliz, the modern commercial city, is a different world from the chaos of the immediately adjacent old walled medina. Gueliz is the plush side of the city and a pleasure to observe, from the beautiful façade of the new train station, located diagonally opposite the Royal Theatre, to the Palais des congrès, which hosts the superb annual Marrakech International Film Festival, just five minutes stroll away. But I will never tire of seeing a wagonload of oranges being dragged through these streets while a latest-model Mercedes weaves past, its horn blaring in customary fashion to gain maximum attention.

This vision, so typical of Marrakech, epitomises the struggle that Morocco as a whole is facing. Tradition is being challenged by Western influences, sometimes opening deep divides between families over how life should be lived. Similarly, at times I feel like the French believe they still rule here. But this is clearly Morocco; times have changed. Moroccans are very much in control of their own destiny, albeit unafraid to draw on the many benefits the French influence has brought.

Exploring Marrakech / Photo by Ben P. Jones

I am also fascinated by another influence on Marrakech – that of the Tamazight (Berber) people. Little prejudice seems to exist between Arabs and other ethnic groups found across this vast country. With the devout love for the king, there is no major unrest beyond the chaos of trying to drive through the city during rush hour.

In fact, the level of respect between Moroccans is an example to be followed. So too is the respect for visitors, hospitality being forthcoming far more often than not and discretion being the rule.

Marrakech is nevertheless increasingly being forced to face the sins common to all big cities. Many visitors are initially shocked by what they see: poverty is rife. But Moroccans are creative and jobs are found in every situation no matter how peculiar it might seem. Over time, the ugly just becomes beautiful and an acceptable part of everyday life. Personally I love the way the city is adapting. It has its issues, but I feel very safe.

Beyond the Walls

Luckily I have ventured outside the city many times. On a clear day, the short walk from my apartment to the local supermarket promises views of the Atlas Mountains. This is a constant reminder of how privileged I am to call Marrakech my home, but also a constant lure out of it.

Imlil is located deep in the Atlas mountains of Morocco / Photo by Ben P. Jones

Locals regularly make the journey to the Atlas region to visit relatives and to eat some of the best tajines, especially in the area of Ourika. Every route to the mountains involves roughly half an hour of driving. The views along the way are exquisite, exactly why many believe the city to be one of the best in the world. The contrast between snow-capped mountains and 30°C heat in February is another illustration of its magic.

Oasis of Tranquillity

I have taken to this city so much that I will defend it against its critics. Some say it is too touristic, but this depends on how touristic you want to make it. Others think it is chaotic, uncivilised and too small. This may at times seem true, but I think of Marrakech an oasis of tranquillity, especially when contrasted with other cities in Morocco and elsewhere I have known. To me, Marrakech is by far number one for quality of life.

Source: This article was first published on whl.travel Blog

While it takes place online and uses the latest Web-based information-sharing tools as the medium of exchange – participants will use Delicious, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, YouTube and Slideshare to document their practices – the news transmitted will always be about down-to-earth good tourism reported from around the world.

Responsible Tourism Week 2010

Shout the Good

Although the primary objective is of course to encourage the practice of responsible tourism and then broadcast word of it to as broad a community (online and off) as possible, another key outcome is the creation of incentives for continuity between tourism conferences, especially those that address responsible tourism issues and practices. RT Week is a perfect opportunity to share updates on recent events and cultivate interest for future ones, as well as renew and strengthen collaborative bonds within the industry… and create new ones.

In other words, this is the week where you get to shout out to the world the good things you see around you, so be honest and be public. Support a local event. Create a local event. Lead the way or follow the topics for which you have a passion. Talk food, volunteering, slow travel, local travel – and create a foamboard to help get your message across!

Some RT Week Tips

• Walk the talk – Practice responsible tourism wherever you are.
• Be generous – Compliment someone via twitter, fave a photo or write a testimonial on Flickr, give a thumbs up to a video on YouTube.
• Play nice – Enough said.
• Be creative – Can you make your own poster or graphic for RT Week 2010?
• Have your say – What is responsible tourism? Please take a moment to answer the responsible tourism survey.
• Show your twitter savvy – Use the hashtag: #rtweek2010 on any relevant tweets.
• Have fun! Organize a marshmallow challenge to test your creative muscle!

Pentecost Jump, Vanuatu / Photo by John Nicholls

Continue reading this article @ whl.travel Blog

Travel 1.0

Travel - 1.0

This was the travel agents (off- and later online), travel media, guidebooks etc. It was a time of trusted brands (National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Four Seasons, Thomas Cook, Virgin Holidays etc.). With the exception of some friends and family advice, travellers took counsel from experts and planned their travel accordingly.

Hence the world of travel information up to around 2005 looked very much like the image seen above right.

Travel 2.0

Travel 2.0 (which coincided with Web 2.0), was (and still is) about travellers telling everyone about their travel experiences. This has caused major trauma for the travel industry, as brands are (largely) replaced by or created around traveller feedback, and push-marketing is replaced by social networks. The new big names in travel information are the likes of Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree.

From 2005 until very recently, the world of travel information became like this the image seen above left.

Continue reading this article @ whl.travel Blog

Initially created and launched by WHL Consulting, Project:Exposure provides targeted assistance to locally owned and operated hotels and tour operators. Project:Exposure helps them acquire the tools and knowledge for successful online marketing through established far-reaching distribution partners.

In practical terms, the Project:Exposure program completes an audit of existing tourism products in a specific destination and then drives the development of high-quality photographs, professionally written content and authoritative marketing material essential when selling travel product in any medium. Program participants are also given the opportunity to examine firsthand the benefits and effects of Project:Exposure through WHL Consulting Market Access Training seminars on the dynamics and significance of the Internet and e-commerce in tourism.

WHL Consulting’s partnership with 360 Cities now adds the guarantee of striking cutting-edge visuals to the suite of products and services on offer to program participants and clients.

“360 Cities’ position as the leading site for immersive panoramic photography, as well as its extensive network of immersive photography, experts makes them an ideal partner for Project:Exposure,” said Zachary Rozga, CEO of WHL Consulting. “Every single property that participates in Project:Exposure will now receive a fully-spherical panoramic image distributed through the 360 Cities platform of over 3 million visitors per month.”

The partnership also aligns the two organizations’ dedication to enabling local participation. Both companies have built their businesses on platforms that allow for local partners to upload and manage content through centralized processes. The coming together of WHL Consulting and 360 Cities means that the 360 Cities photographer members – the world’s best panoramic photographers – have a new and promising paid outlet through which to apply their skills in the service of local entrepreneurs who otherwise could not afford them.

360 Founder and Photographer, Jeff Martin taking a panoramic image of writer Michelle Rodrigues participating in an ancient ceremony at Guachimontones ruins

Jeffrey S. Martin, founder and CEO of 360Cities.net, expressed optimism that “both local tourism destinations and 360 Cities’ local photographers will benefit from the cooperation on Project:Exposure.”

WHL Consulting

WHL Consulting is a professional services company with a singular focus on providing innovative, high-tech solutions to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism industry. WHL Consulting aims to improve the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of MSMEs by leveraging technology and business processes to connect them to global markets through established distribution partners, like whl.travel, and then using the pull of the market to guide capacity building. WHL Consulting is a WHL Group (www.whl-group.com) company.

360 Cities

360 Cities is the Web’s largest and most breathtaking virtual tour, showcasing tens of thousands of fully spherical, high-resolution panoramas made by hundreds of photographers all over the world. “360 Cities’ mission is to bring the world closer through the utility and beauty of 360-degree interactive photography on the Web. 360 Cities is a Premium Content Provider to Google, Inc. The panoramic content is included for all 400+ million users of Google Earth.”

Contact:

Zachary Rozga

zachary@whlconsulting.com

Jeffrey Martin

jeff@360cities.net

He explains why relying on business to pull countries like this out of poverty is of little use when corruption penetrates to the government level:

“There’s no point investing in a business because the government will not protect you against thieves. (So, you might as well become a thief.) There’s no point in paying your phone bill because nobody can successfully take you to court (so there’s no point being a phone company). There’s no point getting an education because jobs are handed out on merit (and in any case, you can’t borrow money for school fees because the bank cannot collect on the loan, and the government doesn’t provide good schools). There’s no point setting up an import business because customs officers will be the ones to benefit (and so there is little trade, and so the customs office is under-funded and looks even harder for bribes).”

Where businesses can function though, dealing with them as a business and providing them with a way that they can afford to invest in their own success and tap a new market seems like a far more effective approach for generating social change than simply instigating isolated donor funded projects.  This doesn’t mean giving them handouts, but an opportunity to enter the marketplace and purchase services.  It means that cash-rich countries are tasked with innovating new ways to do business with cash-poor countries.  An interesting article was written in the Guardian last week titled ‘Brain Food: Forget the Harvard MBA – learn from Africa‘.  In it Indian entrepreneur C.K. Prahalad is quoted as saying:

“If we stop thinking of the poor as victims and start recognising them as creative entrepreneurs and value-conscious consumers, a whole new world of opportunity will open up.”

I think this is an interesting approach, and is in fact one that WHL Consulting has recently taken with its latest tourism development initiative named Project:Exposure. Designed for small and medium sized tourism enterprises, the project takes room nights in exchange for services.

Small tourism business can afford to invest in their success

Overcoming obstacles / Photo by Stephen Chapman

Every participant gets a complete audit of their existing tourism products, professionally written content, photographs, marketing material, a completely spherical 360° immersive tour of the area and a website that has full online booking functionality. Participants are also given the opportunity to view first hand the benefits and effects of these services through seminars conducted by WHL Consulting on the dynamics and significance of the Internet and e-commerce.

The idea is to work with a local sponsor so that Project:Exposure can deliver essential e-commerce tools and training to the small and medium sized tourism enterprises with little knowledge, experience or presence in this area.  The services are all offered to businesses at a significantly subsidized rate by working with a local sponsor or donor agency. Participants are not asked to pay cash for the services, but instead a newly developed Tourism Development Bank has been created to take their payment in room nights, which will be sold through the WHL Group network.

The WHL Group made its first transition from development work into the social enterprise field way back in 2006 when whl.travel was transformed from a World Bank project to a private company by a visionary CEO, Len Cordiner; and more recently it has continued along that path with its ongoing tourism development work conducted by WHL Consulting, led by CEO Zachary Rozga.

Supporting the World Heritage Site of Tequila, Mexico

Project:Exposure has already been rolled out in 4 destinations in South Africa with the support of the South African Business Trust, and is now being made available to small businesses in the World Heritage Site of Tequila, Mexico through the support of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a fund administered by the Inter-American Development Bank.

The recent rise of social enterprise is all about stimulating fresh thinking, new ideas and solutions to the world’s problems from anyone dynamic, creative and highly motivated enough to make something happen. There have been some incredible success stories and Project:Exposure looks set to be another one.

Our Contributing Editor Michelle Rodrigues will be in Tequila, Mexico to help with the roll out of this project.  We look forward to receiving some updates from the field as things progress.

Network Cables / Flickr photo by pascal.charest

The internet is all about social these days, it has been for sometime, and as more of us become more active on the major social networking sites it’s becoming increasingly apparent that although our number of ‘friends’, ‘followers’ or ‘connections’ can be huge, the opportunities for us each to leverage the intelligence that’s locked away in the minds of our contacts are minimal.

The travel space is one area that everyone can contribute expertise to and there are no shortage of websites that play on this fact in an effort to increase the diffusion of local knowledge, and connect travellers to those who have answers to their questions.  Tripbod and Travellr are often cited as two of our favorites.

Extensive integration with the big networks required

The ability to spread local knowledge through sites like these is still very much hindered by their isolation from the social circles that we create for ourselves online though.  The early status update idea has transformed into micro-blogging that makes interacting online a quite seamless and open experience.  The local travel movement (as championed by the likes of whl.travel, Spotted by Locals, Tripbod and Going Local) is begging for us to see knowledge sharing websites that integrate with the obscene amounts of global intelligence available through our extended social networks, and operate in a similar way.

Not everyone can be a social networking site

Travellr has started to open the door on connecting travel questions and answers with other networks, it is a fantastic site with a great look and feel but still relies on users inputting the standard social network information into a new profile on the Travellr site.  Social networking has been cracked, and although a vast amount of startups have contributed to its innovation, it is a numbers game in which Facebook, Google, Twitter and Linked-in hold the cards and can therefore cherry pick the best ideas.

A huge untapped resource

Other sites that are looking beyond creating niche communities and providing a global service need to accept that users don’t want to build new networks all over the web, and they need to begin looking at how they can integrate with the major social networking players and leverage the information already shared, much of which is not being used in any intelligent way.

Google purchases question and answer site

The recent purchase of Aardvark by Google is an indicator that Google understands what needs to happen in this space, and the potential that exists.  It will probably eventually release another new tool that will blow all of these smaller local travel knowledge enterprises out of the water in the same way that it has with Google Buzz.  The addition of personalised social results to the Google search pages is a step in this direction.  The ability of a company to innovate and execute an idea technologically these days limits their success amongst the giants, even if the idea is a good one.