Background

The World Bank, USAID, and others have noted that economic growth for many of the developing countries requires support for companies operating in industries in areas of high growth potential.  One of these industries is tourism targeted at the budget minded citizens of a nation. This program is aimed at identifying the special potential provided by tourism aimed at the domestic market within a country and the ways it can help retain scarce funds within the country, but can also make available quality services for its citizens. Practical approaches to spread tourism's benefits in poor communities are presented and discussed, and recommendations are made for the different stakeholders involved. 

How can a CEI program help?

Many of the leaders in the tourism industry of developing countries have little awareness of services and facilities available outside their own country.  As a result, they are unaware of the full range of services that can be provided to its citizens.  This program will expose these industry leaders to industry practices in various sections of the United States and provide them with new ideas that can be used to provide these services.  One of the results will be an increase in the number of jobs provided for those working in the industry.  Visits to recreation facilities, holiday areas, service providers, and others will indicate what services entrepreneurs may be able to provide to the local tourism and holiday market. 

Topics to be covered

  • Industry overview

  • Identifying potential attractions

  • Development and operation of holiday areas such as ski facilities, camping, boating, fishing, hunting and others

  • Industry standards

  • Education programs

  • Accommodations

  • Travel arrangements and the use of the internet

  • Historic sites

  • Natural wonders

  • Financial costs and returns

What will the mission see?

The mission will travel extensively to visit organizations and holiday destinations.  Visits will be to:

  • Lodging and restaurant requirements

  • State and local tourism promotion and advertising organizations using print, video, internet

  • Sites for outdoor activities

  • Sites of historic and natural interest

  • Chambers of commerce

  • Visitor centers and souvenir shops

  • Hotel and restaurant training schools

  • Entertainment centers

  • Aquatic and specialty sports areas

  • Staff training facilities

  • Group travel operators

The actual sites will depend to some degree on the specific possibilities within the developing country. 

Expected Benefits

New ideas will be learned and the participants will be able to see the standards of service and accommodations that are expected by travelers.  They will also be able to learn from organizations that promote the tourism industry and will be able to develop their own ideas which they will be able to implement at home. 

Benefits of a CEI mission

Participants will be able to help develop their own individual plans and ideas that will help them take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them in their own country.  They will be able to see many “best practices” and be able to select for implementation the ones that are most applicable to their organization or area of responsibility

 

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