Preferred use of local suppliers of goods and services
Wherever possible using local labour in construction and operation of tourism camps, as well as local suppliers of goods and services, allows for greater participation of community members in PA tourism and ensures a wider spread of benefits (multiplier effects). It is, however, essential to connect benefits from tourism and conservation to the protected area and the related tourism. Damaraland Camp used largely local labour in construction: this provided important income as well as skills training for local community members. The camp still uses local suppliers for various services, including laundry, security, cultural activities, etc. and future plans aim to include more local suppliers.
On-going, regular communication to determine skills and services available in the local community
A clear, transparent, equitable benefit-sharing scheme and selection of local suppliers.
Training and skills development for community members so that they can engage in tourism.
Providing an understanding of the needs and requirements of the tourism industry so that community members can provide the required goods and services in the correct quantity and quality.
Never assume that people will connect benefits to the related tourism and conservation: the connection needs to be explicit and explained.
There is often a disconnect between what the tourism industry needs and wants and what the community is providing – regular communication can assist with mitigating this, as can training and skills development.
It is important to also make tourists aware of local community suppliers of goods and services from a marketing point of view, as it can enhance the tourism business and the visitor experience.