Do you want your trips to leave a positive impact on the destinations you visit?
Many people believe that simply visiting somewhere and spending money is enough to help. But there is a problem with that logic…
Only a fraction of tourist money reaches the local community.
When visitors choose big-name hotels, global food chains, travel with foreign companies… most of the money is sent abroad. How’s that for supporting local communities?
According to research by the Travel Foundation, between 50% and 80% of tourist spending comes out of the local economy. That means host communities see very little cash coming into their country.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel like everyone else does.
There are simple ways to ensure your vacation money goes to the people who need it most. When booking through locally owned businesses, Hiring local tour guidesand respecting local customs… you can make each trip a positive experience for the host communities.
Here’s how:
What you will learn:
- Why it is important to support local communities
- How to choose experiences that support local communities
- Five ways to support local communities while traveling
Why it is important to support local communities
Travel is a huge industry.
It added $10.9 trillion to global GDP in 2024 alone and employs nearly 357 million people worldwide. It is evident that tourism has the power to improve economies and communities.
But here’s the problem: That money doesn’t always reach the people who need it most.
When tourists spend money at international hotel chains and foreign-owned tour companies…very little of that profit stays in the host country. Local families are not benefiting from tourist money as they should.
And you know what?
Most travelers want to do better. A recent Hilton report found that 78% of travelers are looking for vacations that can support local communities. Authenticity is the new luxury.
That’s why choosing an island tour guide from a local company like Unique and authentic excursions to the islands of Tahiti can make such a big difference. When you hire locally, you’re spending your money directly with experts who know your community best.
It’s a win-win situation.
Not only is it the right thing to do as a traveler, but it also leads to a better overall experience. Local communities deserve your support, and when you give it… everyone benefits.
How to choose experiences that support local communities
Not all tours and activities are the same.
Before you book your next trip, take a few minutes to learn how choose experiences that support the community. When you know what you’re looking for, you can ensure your trips have a positive impact on local communities.
The key is to find experiences that will keep tourist money in the local economy.
Look for locally owned tour guides, small group classes, and activities that hire local artisans, storytellers, and guides.
Ask yourself these questions when booking your next activity:
- Is this business locally owned and operated?
- Does the activity support or exploit the community?
- Will this help or harm the local environment?
- How small or large are the groups?
Small groups are better because they minimize the impact of tourism on local communities and provide a more authentic experience.
Not sure if an activity supports the community or not? Just do a quick search online or send an email. If it’s locally owned, you’ll know pretty quickly. If it’s owned by a large international corporation… that should be pretty clear too.
Either way.
Do your research first. It only takes a couple of minutes and can drastically improve your trip.
Five ways to support local communities while traveling
Now it’s time to get into the good stuff.
Below are five helpful tips that will ensure your trips support local communities.
Eat local food at local restaurants
The easiest way to support local communities? Eat at local restaurants.
Don’t spend your money on McDonald’s and Starbucks. Instead, look for locally owned restaurants and street food vendors. Not only will the food taste better, but it will also help small business owners in the area.
If you can, eat locally sourced foods as well. Food chains source their ingredients from large suppliers around the world.
When you visit a local restaurant that uses locally grown ingredients, those dollars stay in the community and support local farmers and businesses.
It’s a win-win situation.
Stay in locally owned hotels and guesthouses
Another big expense for travelers is accommodation.
The same rule applies as food: stay where the locals stay.
Stop booking hotels through Expedia and instead look for locally owned accommodations. Local hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and boutique hotels keep money in the community instead of sending it to large corporations.
Not sure how to find locally owned accommodation? Use this hotel search engine that filters out the big hotel chains.
Hire a local island tour guide
You can’t learn about culture by reading a website or blog.
There is nothing wrong with planning your trip in advance. But if you really want to immerse yourself in a community, you should hire a local to show you around.
As mentioned above, hiring locally owned tour companies and local tour guides is essential for community-focused trips. Sure, you can join a large group tour with an international company… but that money won’t go towards supporting the community.
Ask yourself:
Who benefits from your tour dollars? If you hire a local tour guide who owns his or her own business…those dollars stay in the community.
Buy local products from local artisans
Everything discussed above also applies to purchases.
When traveling, try to avoid shopping at chain stores or airport stores. Not only are the prices inflated, but you are also missing out on the opportunity to support local artisans by shopping there.
When you visit a local market and buy things directly from the artisans who make them, you are helping to support their small business.
Whether it’s food, tours or shopping. Always ask yourself if there is a local alternative.
Respect local culture and environment
Let’s say you found all the locally owned restaurants, stayed at a local hotel, hired a local tour guide, and bought locally made souvenirs.
There is one piece of the puzzle that has not yet been covered.
Your actions as a visitor matter.
Sure, investing your money in a community will help. But if you are disrespectful to their culture, traditions and environment… you are not doing much good.
Follow the advice of your tour guide. If they tell you not to litter, don’t laugh and do it anyway. Ask questions and learn about the places you visit.
Visit local temples with respect and take the time to learn why they are important. These things make you a better traveler and, in addition, you will also have a better experience that way.
Concluding
Supporting local communities while traveling is not difficult to do.
It’s about taking a few extra minutes to book accommodations and activities through locally owned businesses. Spend your money with the people who live in your destination all year round.
If every traveler makes an effort to travel locally, it can make a big difference for host communities.
Remember:
- Eat locally sourced foods from local restaurants and street vendors.
- Stay in locally owned accommodations that cater to tourists.
- Hire local tour guides to learn about the culture firsthand.
- Buy souvenirs and locally made products directly from artisans.
- Respect local culture and landmarks by following your guide’s advice.
