Best Practices for fostering social inclusion: strengthening communities through participative empowerment and promoting inclusive opportunities

Tourism and hospitality industries have been historically associated with driving local development and growth in European destinations, from the development of a diverse range of tourism activities in destinations such as commerce, tours, food and family-owned accommodation, to large-scale hotels and cruise ship employment. However, tourism development and its impact on local communities has been a topic of relevant debate in recent years. With ongoing discussion about the long-term viability of tourism activities in destinations, and its impacts on its residents, it is crucial to acknowledge how increased concerns from local communities is driving a shift towards more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Understanding who is involved in decision-making when it comes to tourism planning, what are the benefits and shortcomings of developing tourism activities for local communities, and how tourism can positively impact communities, gives us insights on how to move towards adopting a more sustainable approach to tourism and community development.

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