Archive for category: Tourism

, ,

How A Local’s Action is Reducing Poverty in Lao Cai, Vietnam

Reducing Poverty in Lao Cai
Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia that has been rapidly reducing the poverty rate for the last few decades. This progress followed trade liberalization and wider economic reforms beginning in the 1990s. Although the country has greatly flourished in the past decades, several regions still face high poverty rates. One example is the Lao Cai province.

Background on the Lao Cai Province

Lao Cai Province faces a higher poverty rate than the country of Vietnam. Official 2024 figures put Lao Cai’s household poverty rate at 11.24%, compared with 1.93% nationally. One of the factors for the high rate is the landscape. Lao Cai is a predominantly mountainous region. This poses a huge problem because the province chiefly relies on agriculture to bring in revenue. Additionally, the mountainous region makes traveling to different areas difficult, resulting in less accessibility to trade and revenue.

The population also plays a part in the high poverty rate. The region’s population is composed of several ethnic minorities: H’mong, Tay, Dao, Nung and Giay. These minority groups make up 71% of Lao Cai’s inhabitants. Alongside living in a mountainous region that limits accessibility to other surrounding provinces, these ethnic groups face higher chances of poverty because of a lack of tourism industry knowledge, language barriers and business support services. Many people in these ethnic minorities are taught their native tongue, which means they face challenges comprehending in educational settings where the language spoken is standard Vietnamese. In recent years, actions have been taken to provide more opportunities for the people living in the province.

Local Action to Improve Connectivity

Some individuals living in Lao Cai province have taken the matter of reducing poverty in the region into their own hands. One of these people is Giang A Thu. Thu is a H’mong leader who resides in the Giang Pang village. His actions in bringing positive change to his village include talking with different families living in the village and listening to their concerns. By building these relationships, Thu creates a personal connection with the villagers and provides guidance on how to bring improvement to Giang Pang. Thu’s family willingly gave up some of their land to help improve accessibility to schools and markets. He also encouraged villagers to donate some of their land and collect material to improve infrastructure. Additionally, Thu has provided guidance to the villagers on how to expand their livestock and worked with local organizations to ensure improvements to the villagers’ lives become reality. According to VietnamNet, Giang Pang’s poverty rate fell from 24% in 2021 to 12% in 2025 as local infrastructure and livelihood initiatives expanded.

Looking Ahead

Involving locals in Lao Cai in reducing the poverty rate bridges the gap for minority groups, providing the resources needed to successfully bring new opportunities and accessibility into their lives.

– Dorothea A Pudwill

Dorothea is based in West Springfield, Massachusetts and focuses on Business and New Markets, and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

How Dracula Land Romania Could Boost Tourism and Employment

Dracula Land Romania
A €1 billion theme park planned near Bucharest could create thousands of jobs and expand Romania’s tourism industry as the country continues to face high levels of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Here is more information about the Dracula Land project.

Dracula Land Project

Dragoș Dobrescu, founder of Dracula Land, describes the project as more than a real estate development, calling it a “project of national vision” and a potential landmark for Romania.

Dracula Land is a proposed entertainment and tourism complex planned near Bucharest. According to the project’s developers, construction is will begin in September 2026, with an opening targeted for 2027.

The planned development would cover a 160-hectare site and include a theme park spanning more than 780,000 square meters, with six themed areas and more than 40 attractions. The wider project also plans to include hotels, an aqua park, a luxury outlet, a 22,500-seat arena and a technology hub.

The project is undergoing development as a private investment exceeding €1 billion, according to project representatives.

Romania’s Progress Against Poverty and Social Exclusion

Romania has made progress in reducing the share of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in recent years, but significant challenges remain.

In 2025, 27.4% of Romania’s population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion, compared with 20.9% across the European Union. Romania recorded the third-highest rate in the EU, behind Bulgaria and Greece.

The rate has declined from 32.0% in 2023 to 27.9% in 2024 and 27.4% in 2025. The indicator measures people affected by at least one of three conditions: monetary poverty, severe material and social deprivation or living in a household with very low work intensity.

Potential Employment and Tourism Activity

The proposed development could generate economic activity through tourism, hospitality, retail and entertainment.

According to Dracula Land’s developers, the project should create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs across tourism, technology and services. These estimates depend on the project being completed and operating as planned.

The wider development plans to include hotels, restaurants, retail, entertainment and event facilities, which could generate demand for workers across several sectors.

The developers also project around three million visitors annually during the first phase and an economic impact of approximately €5 billion over the following decade. These figures represent projected outcomes rather than established results.

Tourism could therefore become a channel through which the development contributes to Romania’s wider economy if the project achieves its visitor and investment projections.

Technology and Economic Opportunities

Technology is another major component of the proposed development.

According to project plans, Dracula Land’s business and technology hub is expected to provide space for more than 1,000 workstations for startups working in areas including gaming, artificial intelligence and digital industries. The project also proposes a digital version of the destination built using Unreal Engine 5.

These plans could broaden the types of employment associated with the development beyond traditional tourism roles such as hospitality and entertainment. However, the scale of these opportunities will depend on the project’s eventual implementation and operation.

Looking Ahead

Dracula Land remains a proposed private development, and its projected economic benefits have not yet been established. Construction is currently planned for September 2026, with an opening targeted for 2027, but these dates remain subject to the development process.

If completed and operated at the levels that its developers project, the project could generate employment and tourism activity across several sectors. However, there is currently no evidence that these projected jobs would directly benefit people experiencing poverty or reduce Romania’s rate of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

The development therefore represents a potential source of employment, tourism and investment, while its wider economic and social impact will depend on whether the project reaches its projected scale.

– Hana Abdulati

Hana is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets, Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Reducing Overtourism in the Canary Islands

Overtourism in the Canary IslandsIn the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of northern Africa, lie the Canary Islands, an autonomous region of Spain. With a population of 2.2 million people, the Canaries are most famous for their renowned beaches, rich history and culture, year-round mild weather and distinctive cuisine. Due to all this, it is a popular vacation destination for many tourists who wish to see all the wonders of the Canaries.

Tourism in the Canaries

Tourism is a large part of the islands’ economy, similar to many other European regions. It has the potential to benefit the country and islands. Yet, it can also be the root of more issues, especially regarding the local residents and the poverty they face. Fortunately, there is a way to reduce mass tourism in the islands.

In moderation, tourism can be beneficial for the country and its people, as it gives them more recognition from the outside world. It allows more people to learn about their islands and culture, as well as providing new job openings, such as hotel employment, airline work, travel agencies and tour guides. It is not inherently a negative practice; however, too much of it can quickly become an issue, which is what is happening in the Canary Islands.

The number of tourists has greatly increased over the past few years; the islands drew a record 18.4 million visitors in 2025, or roughly 1.5 million a month. This is particularly an issue for the Canary locals, whose quality of life is negatively affected. When so many foreign visitors arrive, it strains the islands’ resources. Hotels and tourist-related companies strive to accommodate tourists, but this quickly causes problems for residents.

Housing Costs

Overtourism in the Canary Islands leads to overcrowding that makes it difficult for locals to move around and go about their daily routines. It raises house prices, as properties are increasingly used to house tourists—a notable example being Airbnb, as people buy property specifically to rent it to visitors—which leaves locals with housing costs they cannot afford. In May 2026, average home prices rose 19.3% compared with the same month in 2025—the largest increase anywhere in Spain—and prices are now 24.8% higher than at the peak of Spain’s 2007 property boom, according to valuation company Tinsa. Overtourism can also raise the price of food and other goods, as businesses cater to tourists, and locals end up paying more too. Mass tourism further strains the islands’ environment, as waste accumulates and resources are stretched.

All of these issues leave many residents facing worsening financial hardship as they struggle to afford a basic quality of life. In May 2025, Canary Islands locals held large protests against overtourism, arguing that it was the root cause of many of the islands’ issues and demanding that the government take action.

How to Change It

The government has created a voluntary contribution program as an alternative to a mandatory tourist tax. It allows visitors and travel companies to donate money online to fund the islands’ sustainability and community projects. Known as the Canary Islands Tourism Regeneration and Nature Restoration Fund (RegNext), the scheme operates across the islands, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

RegNext’s main goal is to channel those voluntary contributions into habitat restoration, species recovery, landscape improvement, new green jobs and support for local communities and social projects. Tourism already provides jobs for 280,534 people in the Canaries, and RegNext aims to fund additional green jobs to further reduce unemployment. The initiative is also collaborating with major travel companies—including easyJet holidays, TUI and Jet2—to develop regenerative tourism.

This recent development allows any willing visitor to contribute and help improve the islands and, by extension, help their people thrive. The Canary Islands are a beautiful destination, but overtourism has become a large issue for both the islands and their people, worsening residents’ quality of life. RegNext is intended to help ease that strain and the financial pressures Canary locals face, so that residents can live without the burden of overtourism and their communities can benefit from the program, improving their quality of life.

– Michalistsa Kontogianni

Michalitsa is based in Washington, DC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Community-Based Tourism in Kyrgyzstan Is Building Rural Income

Community-Based Tourism in KyrgyzstanIn the mountain villages of Kyrgyzstan, herding has long been the only source of steady income, but a network of local guides and homestays is opening a new path. Community-based tourism (CBT) in Kyrgyzstan now spans 17 member communities across the country, turning trekking routes through some of Central Asia’s highest terrain into a shared source of household income, rather than a resource controlled by a handful of large operators.

The stakes behind that shift are significant. Kyrgyzstan’s national poverty rate stood at 25.7% in 2024, a decrease of 4.1 percentage points from the year before, yet roughly 1.87 million people remained in poverty, and nearly 62% of them lived in rural areas, according to the National Statistical Committee. For herding families in the mountain regions, where livestock has historically been the only dependable income, that concentration of poverty in the countryside is exactly the gap community-based tourism sets out to close, turning trekking routes and spare rooms into a second household income tied to the same land families already depend on.

From One Village to a National Network

The first community-based tourism group formed in the village of Kochkor in May 2000, with support from Helvetas, the Swiss Association for International Cooperation. The groups formalized the network on Jan. 3, 2003, as the Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association. Branded internationally as Hospitality Kyrgyzstan and headquartered in Bishkek, the association now unites 17 destination communities spread across the country’s mountain regions, each operating with substantial local autonomy under a shared set of standards.

That growth has translated into measurable gains for member households. A 2009 study by Watanabe and colleagues found that CBT groups had generated 412 jobs by 2008, a meaningful supplement for families who previously relied on herding alone.

How the Model Spreads the Income Around

The structure behind community-based tourism in Kyrgyzstan works to keep income from concentrating with a small number of well-placed operators. Local residents rather than outside investors own and staff the homestays. Member communities book guides, drivers and craftspeople from the same villages alongside them. Member communities coordinate pricing and rotate bookings so that demand spreads across participating households instead of funneling toward the same handful of families. In the Chon-Kemin valley, the Shumkor Association applies a similar community-run model to visitor stays. The Baibosun Community-Managed Micro Reserve in Ton district takes a related approach, pairing tourism income with conservation work; the Ilbirs and Camp Alatoo foundations support both efforts.

Riding a National Tourism Boom

The growth of community-based tourism in Kyrgyzstan is unfolding alongside a broader surge in visitors to the country. Roughly 10 million tourists visited Kyrgyzstan in 2025, contributing more than $1 billion to the economy, and the State Agency for Tourism Development is forecasting close to 12 million arrivals in 2026, up from an annual flow of just 2 million to 3 million visitors before 2020. Tourism now accounts for more than 5% of gross domestic product, with the National Statistical Committee estimating the sector’s direct value added at 3.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, and the government has set a target of raising that share to 7.5%.

What Still Stands in the Way

That national growth cuts both ways for the community-based model. Rising visitor numbers mean more potential income for member villages, but they also raise the risk that demand concentrates in a few already well-known destinations rather than spreading to newer or more remote member communities still building a reputation. Keeping bookings distributed across the network, rather than letting a handful of standout villages absorb most of the growth, is likely to determine how much of Kyrgyzstan’s tourism boom actually reaches the herding families the model aims to support. Even so, the trajectory of the past two decades is difficult to dismiss. What began as a single homestay initiative in one mountain village has grown into a nationwide network that gives rural families a second livelihood tied directly to Kyrgyzstan’s landscape, without requiring them to leave it behind.

– Saakshi Bhat

Saakshi is based in San Marcos, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia

, ,

Bafa Resort Reducing Poverty in Sierra Leone

Poverty in sierra leoneThough Sierra Leone is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, this West African country also faces persistent poverty. Inflation, minimal career opportunities and unequal access to resources and education contribute to almost two-thirds of citizens living below the poverty line. Repeated media coverage of tragedies in Sierra Leone, such as civil war, natural disasters and disease outbreaks, often deters tourists from visiting and supporting local businesses. However, tourism may have the potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s economy. Here is how places like Bafa Resort can create new financial opportunities for Sierra Leone.

Poverty in Sierra Leone

As of 2024, about 65% of Sierra Leoneans, more than 5.5 million people, were living below the national poverty line. Poverty is especially prevalent in rural areas, where the poverty rate is roughly three times higher than in most urban areas. One of the many factors that contribute to the prevalence of poverty is the lack of stable job opportunities, particularly in rural areas. In 2022, about 289,000 adults were unemployed in Sierra Leone. Most people rely on inconsistent, low-paying jobs to survive, with 91.7% of working adults holding informal jobs.

Youth ages 15 to 24 and women are especially at risk of being unemployed or underemployed. Approximately 15.6% of adult women and 35% of youth in the workforce are underutilized. Low-income families often lack the funds to send their children to school, forcing youth to accept low-paying jobs and about 30% of girls to marry before age 18. Even when children can go to school, many schools do not have sufficient school supplies, qualified teachers or decent classrooms to effectively teach students.

About Bafa Resort

Bafa Resort is an eco-resort in the Banana Islands of Sierra Leone. Guests can enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients and partake in activities such as fishing, free diving, hiking and kayaking. Bafa Resort also offers several camping packages to suit guests’ preferences and budgets, ranging from guests pitching their own tents to relaxing in one of several “glamping tents” overlooking the ocean.

Bafa Resort has made intentional efforts to support islanders and local businesses. By buying locally sourced foods, Bafa Resort supports more than a dozen Sierra Leonean businesses while providing guests with fresh, quality meals. The community also receives “development fees” on behalf of resort guests to help support local industries and higher education. Additionally, locals are given priority for employment opportunities, especially women and youth.

One local who has benefited from working at Bafa Resort is kitchen manager and team leader Kona Keitell, affectionately known as “Aunty Kona” or “Aunty K.” Despite only having a Grade 2 level education, Keitell ensures that daily operations in the kitchen and the rest of the resort run smoothly. In 2018, Keitell was the first Bafa employee to benefit from the resort’s three-month paid maternity leave after welcoming her baby, Augusta. With the responsibility and skills she has learned through Bafa Resort, Keitell hopes to one day open her own restaurant.

Looking Forward

According to tour guide Peter Momoh Bassie, tourism is crucial in fostering economic growth in Sierra Leone. Places like Bafa Resort not only provide jobs and the chance to escape poverty for locals, but also advertise the nation as a tourist hotspot where visitors can relax, explore and enjoy the natural beauty. By changing global perceptions and supporting local businesses, tourism offers Sierra Leoneans a second chance at life.

– Lily Alexander

Lily is based in Surrey, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

,

Backpacker Tourism: The Crux for Alleviating Poverty in Laos

Poverty in laosTucked away in Southeast Asia lies Laos, one of the poorest nations in the region. Its landlocked borders have historically caused it to be overlooked. However, Laos is rebranding itself as a tourist destination. Within its borders are unique landscapes: blue lagoons, cascading waterfalls, and bucolic villages set against mountains and rice paddies. These natural assets are attracting more tourists to this verdant gem.

Like the unexploded ordnance buried deep within the land, the scars of poverty and economic underdevelopment linger in Laos. Economic recovery has gained traction in the last two decades. The World Bank recorded a decrease in the national poverty rate from 27.6% to 18.3% between 2007 and 2018. That trend continues despite a sharp decrease in tourism due to COVID-19. Foreign investment, primarily from neighboring China, has prompted large infrastructural developments, increasing connectivity. Economically, progress is evident. However, the government sees tourism as the most promising sector: an untapped resource helping to alleviate poverty nationwide.

Current Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket is leading the development of Laos’ tourism growth. “Tourism,” she asserts, “is a sector prioritized by the Party and State to stimulate economic growth.” Her plan is to “stimulate economic growth by harnessing the nation’s rich tourism potential,” and this has been actioned via a set of 10-year plans focused on regions in Laos harboring the richest promise.

Vang Vieng: The Tourism Blueprint for Laos

The first of these 10-year plans is set in the backpacker capital Vang Vieng. Nestled in the Vientiane Province, Vang Vieng has been crucial for producing one of the lowest poverty headcounts in Laos. Its strategic location between two renowned destinations, Luang Prabang and Vientiane, has allowed tourism to prosper; recent infrastructural developments compound upon this, improving access by road and rail.

Vang Vieng-based publican Gary O’Donoghue has owned his Irish-Laos bar for 18 years and has witnessed tourism-driven developments in the area. Speaking to The Borgen Project, O’Donoghue noted that “during the early stages, most backpackers came specifically to go tubing,” back when “it really was a party town.” Vang Vieng has utilized its reputation as a party hub for backpacking tourists, now attracting foreign visitors for its expansive options for outdoor activities. From tubing and hiking to paragliding and hot air balloons, Vang Vieng offers a plethora of activities.

Under the Master Plan, Vang Vieng has moved toward diversifying its tourism. The government noted that historically, the region showed an “over-reliance on the cheaper-end, lower-spending Western backpacker markets” which has been the predominant demographic of visitors. However, through adherence to ASEAN tourism standards, lifting industry safety standards, the region expects to see that demographic diversify. O’Donoghue’s insights reflect on “the new infrastructure” which has “encouraged people of all ages to come here.” Hard infrastructure developments like the high-speed rail and express road, he comments, have “been a massive game changer,” along with the recent development of “several high-end hotels.”

Government records in Vang Vieng reflect positive growth under the Master Plan. By 2033, Laos PDR forecasts up to 741,535 annual visitors, producing approximately $75 million in direct expenditure. Such numbers would see tourism contribute to over 40% of GDP and could generate 4,500 direct jobs. Significant opportunities would not only be limited to the higher-paid service sector but would indirectly develop the agricultural, manufacturing, and construction sectors. O’Donoghue stresses how vital international tourism is for the local community. During COVID-19, he notes, “the entire community was desperate for tourism to come back. Tourism creates a lot of jobs, and without it this area would struggle badly.” Impacts trickle down, not only creating jobs but promoting better and more sustainable urban planning in the town, increases in education opportunities, and local participation in administration. Tourism has bolstered both opportunity and quality of life for local people.

Following Suit: The Spread of Tourism

Tourism has proved crucial to alleviating poverty here. Elsewhere in Laos, the poverty headcount remains high. Almost a quarter of the population of Luang Prabang province remain in poverty. Champassak province to the south has an upper limit of 18.8% of its population in poverty. Both governmental and local initiatives to alleviate poverty in these regions center on tourism.

Mirroring the Master Plan for Vang Vieng, Viyaket has proposed a Master Plan focused on the Don-Det and Don Khon Area between 2026-2036. The region, situated in the southern province of Champassak, is home to the uniquely beautiful “Four Thousand Island” area. Tourism development focuses on the area’s nature-based attractions and local way of life, with hard infrastructure being implemented mindfully to mitigate negative impacts of development along the Mekong River. The government has outlined zoning plans and development guidelines to manage tourism influxes sustainably. The plan indicates that the government is attempting to spread similar benefits to those reaped by Vang Vieng to alleviate poverty elsewhere in Laos.

Despite no official government-led plans being implemented in Luang Prabang’s northern communities, areas such as Nong Khiaw are driving a tourism boom independently. Locally run schemes such as Yensabai Organic Farm are capitalizing on the region’s agricultural industry, promoting “agritourism.” Tourists are invited to stay at the farm, working the land alongside Laos locals. Five percent of the profits are donated to the local community.

Travel blogs such as Indie Traveller are advertising Nong Khiaw as an off-the-beaten-path destination that is home to unique and authentic opportunities. Just outside of UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw offers a hotspot of ecotourism in Northern Laos. From Pha Daeng Peak and Som Nang Viewpoint to Pho Tok Caves and the hundred waterfall tour, Nong Khiaw is driving a decentralized economic boom in one of Laos’ most rural and underdeveloped regions.

Southeast Asia’s Rising Star

Laos has already seen tourism increase by an astounding 21% between 2023 and 2024. This is before the implementation of the government’s Master Plans. In 2026, experts recorded that high transport and accommodation costs in Southeast Asia are the most significant limiter to increasing tourism. With Laos’ reputation for affordability, especially compared to tourist hotspots Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is set to become a bucket list destination. This anticipated boom in tourism is set to alleviate poverty nationwide.

– Millie Lavington-Owen

Millie is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Mountain Gorilla Conservation and Poverty Reduction

Mountain Gorilla Conservation and Poverty ReductionIn Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conservation policies centered on mountain gorillas are linking wildlife protection with poverty reduction by funding local development, creating jobs and reducing reliance on poaching.

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) live only in the forests of the Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a global population of just more than 1,000 individuals, the species remains vulnerable to poaching, habitat pressure and disease. However, research shows that poverty and lack of economic opportunity often increase reliance on illegal hunting, making conservation efforts that provide alternative income sources critical to both protecting gorillas and supporting local communities.

Rwanda

Rwanda has adopted one of the most direct approaches to mountain gorilla conservation in connection with economic development. Gorilla trekking permits cost approximately $1,500 per visitor in 2017, generating significant revenue from international tourism. Through its formal revenue sharing policy, the Rwanda Development Board allocates 10% all of national park tourism income to communities living near protected areas; this furthers funding toward schools, health centers and local infrastructure projects.

Tourism now generates more than $600 million annually for Rwanda and supports employment across sectors ranging from hospitality to transportation.

By ensuring that local communities receive direct economic benefits from conservation, Rwanda has created incentives to protect mountain gorillas rather than exploit them.

Uganda

Uganda has focused on combining regulated tourism with community involvement around mountain gorilla habitats. Gorilla tourism is centred in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where controlled trekking permits generate income and help fund conservation efforts. Conservation organizations working in the region focus on community engagement and opportunities, recognizing that poverty and limited employment can contribute to reliance on illegal hunting.

As mountain gorilla conservation efforts have expanded, jobs such as guides, porters, trackers and park staff have provided local residents with stable sources of income tied directly to the continued protection of gorillas. This approach helps reduce pressure on wildlife while creating economic opportunities in surrounding communities.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mountain gorilla conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face unique challenges due to ongoing conflict and instability. Despite these conditions, mountain gorillas continue to receive protection through conservation programs in areas such as Virunga National Park.

Rangers remove traps, monitor wildlife populations and work to prevent poaching, often under dangerous circumstances.

These programs create employment opportunities for local residents and support conservation outcomes in regions where economic opportunities are limited. Conservation remains an important source of both environmental protection and local economic activity.

While the approaches used by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo differ, each reflects the same underlying principle: conservation is often most effective when local communities benefit from it. Through tourism revenue, job creation and investment, mountain gorilla conservation programs help address some of the economic pressures that can contribute to poaching. As a result, efforts to protect one of the world’s most endangered primates are also creating opportunities to reduce poverty and support long-term development in the communities that live alongside them.

– Kale Overton

Kale is based in Ames, IA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Economic Benefits of Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia

Lush Indonesian landscape with tourists exploring, highlighting sustainable tourism's economic benefits. Sustainable tourism in IndonesiaIn communities across Indonesia, tourism provides more than a source of income; it creates opportunities for economic mobility, entrepreneurship and long-term growth. Tourism creates more than jobs — it creates pathways out of poverty. Across destinations such as Bali, Lombok and Java, sustainable tourism helps local workers, entrepreneurs and families earn income, start businesses and improve their quality of life. As visitor numbers increase and development projects expand, the economic benefits of sustainable tourism in Indonesia continue to create opportunities for communities that depend on tourism-related industries.

Poverty and the Promise of Tourism

Although Indonesia has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past two decades, many rural communities still face economic hardship. According to the World Bank, Indonesia’s national poverty rate fell from approximately 24% in 1999 to below 9% in recent years, lifting millions of people out of poverty. However, families in rural areas often continue to rely on seasonal work, agriculture and informal employment that provide unstable incomes and limited opportunities for advancement.

Poverty can restrict access to education, health care and transportation, making it difficult for families to improve their economic situation. Sustainable tourism helps address these challenges by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and attracting investment to underserved regions. By connecting travelers with local guides, drivers, restaurants, accommodations and artisans, tourism generates income that remains within communities and supports long-term economic growth.

Recovery After the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of tourism-dependent communities when international travel came to a sudden halt. Indonesia recorded a 75% decline in international tourist arrivals in 2020 compared to 2019, disrupting livelihoods for millions of workers who depended on tourism-related industries. Many drivers, guides, hospitality workers and small business owners experienced significant income losses as visitor spending disappeared almost overnight. In response, Indonesia partnered with international organizations to rebuild the tourism sector through sustainable development initiatives that prioritized local communities, environmental protection and economic resilience.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) supported community-based tourism programs that encouraged cultural preservation while helping local residents benefit directly from tourism revenue. As tourism recovered, workers gained access to new opportunities through infrastructure improvements, workforce training and digital business development programs. Indonesia’s average monthly wage now exceeds 3.5 million rupiah ($196), while minimum wages have increased by more than 30% since 2020, reflecting broader economic recovery efforts. These initiatives focus on creating long-term opportunities rather than short-term recovery.

The United Nations and Sustainable Tourism

The United Nations (U.N.) has also recognized tourism’s role in supporting economic recovery and sustainable development. According to U.N. News, tourism generates employment opportunities, supports local entrepreneurship and creates pathways for women and young people to participate in economic growth. These benefits become especially important in developing regions where employment opportunities may be limited. By investing in sustainable tourism practices, communities can strengthen local economies while preserving cultural and environmental resources for future generations.

A Local Entrepreneur’s Story

Barna, owner of Rizkynata Bali Tours and Transfers, has experienced these opportunities firsthand. Before the pandemic, he built a successful career in Bali’s tourism industry and watched visitor spending on support drivers, guides, restaurants, hotels and small business owners throughout the region. According to Barna, tourism creates opportunities for families to earn stable incomes, invest in their futures and improve their overall quality of life. He has seen local entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create jobs as tourism demand increases.

When international travel slowed during the pandemic, Barna returned to his hometown in Java and helped his brother manage the family farm. Many tourism workers made similar decisions and temporarily found work in agriculture, construction and retail. Although these industries helped families earn income during difficult periods, they often provided fewer opportunities for growth than tourism-related work. As visitor numbers recovered, many workers returned to tourism and rebuilt their businesses. Barna’s experience demonstrates the importance of creating resilient local economies that can adapt to economic disruptions.

Infrastructure and Investment

Today, communities across Indonesia continue to benefit from investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure. In destinations such as Lake Toba and Lombok, tourism development projects upgraded roads that connect villages, tourism sites, airports and ferry terminals, making travel faster and more reliable for residents and visitors. The projects also expanded access to clean water, improved wastewater management systems and upgraded public sanitation facilities, helping protect local ecosystems while improving public health. According to the World Bank, these investments supported approximately 1.15 million jobs, helped more than 20,000 tourism businesses establish an online presence and provided skills certification to more than 84,000 tourism professionals. By improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities, these initiatives help communities attract investment, support local businesses and strengthen long-term economic growth.

Digital Tools for Small Business Growth

Digital technology has expanded access to economic opportunities for entrepreneurs across Indonesia. Barna uses Facebook and TikTok to connect with travelers and market his services to international visitors. He believes digital platforms allow small businesses to compete more effectively while reaching customers they might never meet through traditional advertising. His long-term goal is to create a transportation network that connects travelers with local drivers across Bali and Java, creating additional income opportunities for workers throughout Indonesia.

Rather than increasing prices during slower seasons, Barna focuses on providing reliable service, affordable rates and positive customer experiences. He believes strong customer relationships, repeat visitors and positive reviews create sustainable business growth. His approach reflects the values behind the economic benefits of sustainable tourism in Indonesia, where local entrepreneurs rely on trust, quality service and community support to build successful businesses that contribute to local economic development.

Looking Ahead

Barna remains optimistic about the future. He plans to diversify his income through agriculture and additional business ventures while continuing to expand his tourism company. He hopes future generations of his family will benefit from the opportunities tourism has provided him. His story demonstrates how sustainable tourism can reduce economic vulnerability, strengthen local economies and create pathways toward financial stability. As Indonesia continues investing in tourism development, entrepreneurs like Barna show how innovation, resilience and community partnerships can drive lasting economic progress and help communities move closer to sustainable prosperity

– Kianna Hines

Kianna is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Barna

,

How Eco-Tourism Is Supporting Poverty Eradication in Albania

Poverty Eradication in AlbaniaWhile Albania has made significant economic progress in recent decades, poverty remains a challenge in many rural communities. Across the country, however, innovative development initiatives like eco- tourism are creating new opportunities for economic growth and poverty eradication in Albania.

Although Albania’s economy has steadily expanded over the past two decades, many rural residents still struggle with unemployment, limited infrastructure and unequal access to education and public services. According to Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, people living outside major urban centers often face reduced economic opportunities and limited access to jobs, housing and education. Older people and members of minority groups are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion.

These challenges have made tourism an increasingly important source of economic opportunity. Albania’s tourism industry now plays a major role in supporting employment, particularly in rural regions where other industries remain underdeveloped. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector supported approximately 269,000 jobs in Albania in 2023, accounting for nearly one in five jobs nationwide. As Albania’s tourism industry expands, many leaders see sustainable tourism as a promising strategy for poverty eradication in Albania.

Tourism in Albania

Known for its rugged mountains, protected national parks and Adriatic coastline, Albania is quickly gaining international attention as an emerging Mediterranean destination — offering a quieter alternative to the region’s often crowded seaside hotspots. Albania ranked fourth globally in 2023 for the largest percentage increase in international tourist arrivals, recording growth of 56% since 2019. To protect these ecosystems and the economic opportunities they provide, Albania is looking towards eco-tourism.

The World Bank states that the Albanian government is currently prioritizing “sustainable growth with a special focus on tourism” as part of its broader economic development strategy. In recent years, international organizations and government agencies have invested heavily in sustainable tourism initiatives designed to strengthen local economies while protecting environmental and cultural resources.

Job creation in Albania’s Heritage Communities

In southern Albania, eco-tourism and heritage tourism are helping transform communities that once faced economic decline and population loss. According to the World Bank, “for years communities across Southern Albania experienced sluggish growth and an exodus of residents, especially youths, seeking opportunity elsewhere.” However, investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure and cultural preservation projects have helped towns such as Berat, Gjirokastër, Përmet and Sarandë are now experiencing significant economic growth. 

Through initiatives like the Integrated Urban and Tourism Development Project (PIUTD), the World Bank helped restore and improve access to historic sites including Gjirokastër Castle, the Sarandë promenade and the Qafa e Pazarit bazaar. Workers rehabilitated nearly 200,000 square meters of public space through projects that repaired cobblestone streets, expanded hiking trails and improved lighting, sidewalks and visitor centers. These investments helped fuel a tourism boom across southern Albania, where tourist arrivals in Berat nearly quadrupled between 2019 and 2024, while arrivals in Gjirokastër increased sixfold.

Family-Run Guesthouses

Unlike large-scale resort tourism, locally owned businesses heavily drive Albania’s eco-tourism industry. The rapid growth of tourism has created new economic opportunities for local residents. Families have converted historic homes into guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts, while entrepreneurs have launched cultural tours, hiking excursions and outdoor recreation businesses. Importantly, the World Bank states that this growth remains inclusive: “over half of the thousands of the new jobs created are held by individuals who are often excluded from the labor market, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”

Moreover, tourism growth has expanded Albania’s tourism season beyond the summer months, creating more stable year-round income for local businesses. This has also encouraged some Albanians who previously emigrated to return home and invest in tourism enterprises, contributing to long-term community revitalization and further supporting poverty eradication in Albania.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

Rapid tourism growth also brings environmental pressures, including risks to natural landscapes and biodiversity loss. In response, the Albanian government established a combined Ministry of Tourism and Environment in 2017 to better align economic development with environmental protection, ensuring that tourism expansion does not come at the expense of natural ecosystems.

Building on this approach, Albania expanded its protected areas in 2022 to cover 21.4% of the country’s territory, up from 17.5%. This expansion included the creation of the Albanian Alps National Park. Encompassing dramatic mountain scenery and valleys, the park is designed to strengthen biodiversity conservation while also supporting sustainable rural development and eco-tourism in surrounding communities.

The Albanian Alps attract thousands of international hikers each year, and encourage local communities to invest in environmentally conscious tourism services. Many guesthouses and agritourism businesses in these regions use locally sourced food, traditional architecture and small-scale accommodations that minimize environmental impact while supporting local agriculture and family-run enterprises.

Looking Ahead

As Albania’s tourism industry continues to grow, eco-tourism is emerging as one of the country’s most promising strategies for poverty eradication in Albania. From family-run guesthouses in the Albanian Alps to heritage restoration projects in historic southern cities, sustainable tourism initiatives are creating jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening rural economies. While challenges related to poverty and regional inequality remain, Albania’s investment in sustainable tourism demonstrates how community-based development can create new economic opportunities for some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

– Lucy Alexander

Lucy is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

From Party Town to Ecotourism: Reducing Poverty in Vang Vieng

Poverty in Vang ViengA small and often overlooked country in Southeast Asia, Laos remains popular among backpackers and intrepid travellers seeking an alternative to highly developed tourist destinations. Nestled against the striking backdrop of the Karst mountains and vast expanse of paddy fields, Vang Vieng has long benefitted from tourist interest. However, it is only in recent years that the rural town has departed from its hedonistic party history to a model centred on ecotourism, with growing implications for local livelihoods and the reduction of poverty in Vang Vieng.

Background

Situated in central Laos, is providing an idyllic escape for respite between the cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, with World Bank statistics suggesting that 15% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2024. Vang Vieng itself is located in the relatively wealthy Vientiane Province. Its poverty severity index of 0.5-1 indicates relatively low levels of extreme poverty; the low poverty rate is extremely significant considering its status as a rural town in a country that experiences regional economic disparities. The reduction of Poverty in Vang Vieng can partially be attributed to its sustained commitment to tourism and the economic opportunities for local people that the sector provides.

Tourism and Poverty Reduction

In Laos, tourism has become increasingly important to the economic welfare of the country, with 4.1 million tourists visiting in 2024, representing an increase of 21% from 2023. This rise in foreign interest has had a direct financial impact, bringing in $1 billion to channel back into the economy. These developments in tourism have had a tangible impact on the country’s GDP; in 2024 Laos recorded a GDP growth of 4.1%. According to the Laotian Times, tourism in Vang Vieng specifically created a revenue of $57.4 million in 2024 and the target for 2025 stood at $78.6 million. This sustained growth highlights the sector’s expanding role in generating income and strengthening economic resilience in communities like Vang Vieng.

Tourism’s Dark Past in Vang Vieng:

Tourism in Vang Vieng however, has had neither a linear or pleasant historical progression. Famed for its party reputation, backpackers in the 1990s flocked to the area to enjoy its lax approach to regulating drugs and unrestrained nightlife. Thirty years ago, a visit to Vang Vieng would have entailed a blur of mushroom laced nights and intoxicated days. This lifestyle undeniably harmed local environments and livelihoods, with the prolific drug culture compounding the impact of poverty in Vang Vieng.

A hedonistic party culture is by no means the darkest chapter of Vang Vieng’s past. The evolution of tourism in the area has been punctuated by a series of fatal tragedies. In 2011, 27 tourists died while tubing down the Nam Song river, a popular activity characterised by riverside bars and high levels of alcohol consumption. This event resulted in authorities officially banning the activity, although one can still participate in tubing with some companies in Vang Vieng even today.

The summer of 2024 saw Vang Vieng once again become the site of a serious incident, in which six tourists died in Nana’s Backpacker Hostel after consuming methanol-contaminated alcohol reportedly provided by staff. Lao authorities responded by closing down the hostel. It has since been reopened under a different name, illustrating once again a schism between official regulation and the reality of enforcing such measures.

Developments in EcoTourism: Transformation of Vang Vieng

Today, the region has largely reclaimed its turbulent past and has become home to a flourishing ecotourism industry that has been vital to the reduction of poverty in Vang Vieng. Despite the continued presence of certain high-risk recreational activities, tourists are now increasingly engaged in more regulated forms of leisure, such as hiking in Tha Hon Kham and visiting the Blue Lagoons.

Companies like Wonderful Tours Laos offer dedicated Eco-tours that allow travellers to enjoy the countryside safely and sustainably. Additionally, there has been a huge influx of eco-friendly hotels in the town, such as The Elephant Crossing Hotel. These hotels focus on sustainability, environmental protection, and creating community-driven job opportunities.

The transition to ecotourism has important socio-economic implications, particularly in terms of poverty reduction. According to the Vang Vieng District Authorities, the rate of poverty in 2017 in the area was just 2.03%.  Recent developments have generated employment, diversified income sources and increased local participation in the tourism sector.

For the Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng, a commitment to local Community and culture is central to its ethos. Indeed, the hotel prioritises the employment of Vang Vieng residents, ensuring that revenue generated through tourism goes to the local economy and supports local livelihoods.

Conclusion

A problematic and controversial past undeniably marks the history of tourism in Vang Vieng. Once sought out for its party scene and nightlife, the town has since undergone a significant transformation into a hub of ecotourism that has proved vital for local development and poverty reduction. Its metamorphosis serves as a model for other tourist destinations to keep sustainability and community central to their economic structures.

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr