Archive for category: Tourism

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Community-Led Conservation in Hwange With Imvelo

ImveloToo often, safari tourism across Africa comes at the expense of local communities and environmental sustainability. In 1999, Imvelo Safari Lodges set out to offer a counter-model. Operating on community-owned land on the edges of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Imvelo has spent more than two decades showing that ecotourism can be both protective and empowering, supporting a symbiotic relationship between conservation, responsible tourism and rural livelihoods.

Communities and Conservation: A Necessary Connection

Conservation efforts have historically overlooked a critical reality: communities living beside national parks must be aligned with wildlife protection. When they are not, wildlife can become a liability rather than an asset.

In an interview with Hannah Tranter from the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI), a partner organization of Imvelo, she explained that “local support is fundamental—local people need to have the means to be able to live with wildlife, rather than against it. They need access to water, food, safety from wildlife, employment, education, health care… so if you want to conserve wildlife and habitats, you need to make sure the local people’s needs are also covered and satisfied.”

For families facing poverty, food insecurity and limited economic opportunity, the negatives of living alongside wildlife often outweigh the benefits. Animals may destroy crops that people rely on, and predators such as hyenas and cheetahs may kill livestock. This imbalance often fuels subsistence poaching, which is driven not by malice but by necessity when no alternative livelihoods exist.

This disconnect weakens conservation outcomes and erodes trust between local people and park authorities. Imvelo’s model is designed to counter this cycle. By ensuring that wildlife contributes directly to community well-being through employment, services and long-term development, Imvelo helps reduce the economic pressures that drive poaching and replaces them with shared incentives to protect wildlife.

Reintroducing White Rhinos to Community Land

Historically, Hwange National Park was home to a robust white rhino population. By the 1980s, there were more than 100 rhinos, but poaching in the 1990s led to their disappearance. In 2007, the last white rhino in the area was killed.

CRCI has now successfully brought white rhinos back to Hwange, placing them on communal lands rather than solely protected government parks—this time with local communities as custodians.

Local communities have designated grazing land specifically for rhino conservation, giving up usable land for long-term goals. Importantly, revenue from rhino-viewing tourism through Imvelo’s lodges flows directly back into communities—100% of the income generated from rhino-related tourism is returned.

In 2022, Thuza and Kusasa became the first white rhinos ever to roam community-owned land in Zimbabwe. Since then, a second sanctuary has been built for two more male white rhinos, Mlevu and Asenze.

While the second sanctuary marks major progress, challenges persist. “A larger area is harder to protect. We need to recruit and train more local community members as scouts, need to buy another vehicle, more uniforms, pay more salaries, more food, more equipment,” Tranter explained. “It’s a larger cost and a bigger poaching threat, but growing the area and rhino population is essential… we need to get a bigger population of rhinos—not just four male rhinos!”

Employment and the Cobras Wildlife Protection Unit

The initiative also employs a local wildlife protection unit known as the Cobras, a team of community-based scouts. Recruited from nearby villages, Cobras receive training in first aid, weapons handling, conservation law, radio communications, rhino monitoring and human-wildlife conflict resolution.

A stable salary is transformative—improving food security, supporting school fees and reducing economic pressures that might drive poaching. Beyond income, placing community members at the heart of wildlife protection fosters ownership and pride. As one Cobra scout said, guarding rhinos is about “protecting what we can best describe as our own future.”

Since the arrival of Mlevu and Asenze, CRCI is training 24 more scouts, including three women who will become cheetah scouts.

Supporting Education in Wildlife-Adjacent Communities

While employment is vital for poverty reduction, education is the foundation for long-term change. Young people living on the frontline of Hwange’s wildlife areas face barriers such as long travel distances, understaffed classrooms and limited resources. Imvelo’s education program responds directly to these challenges, supporting 14 local schools through infrastructure development, learning materials and staffing assistance.

Support has included constructing classroom blocks, building teachers’ cottages, drilling boreholes for safe water and supplying desks, textbooks and uniforms. In 2010, Imvelo built its first high school classroom block with donor help. By the next year, the school had expanded to include two double classroom blocks, an ablution block and three teachers’ cottages, serving 110 students. In 2023, Imvelo provided two new dormitories and an ablution block, allowing boarding students from remote villages to attend school consistently.

Tranter emphasized the importance of education: “Investing in education is a priority. But so is actual experience. It’s important to simultaneously educate students about conservation and wildlife protection as well as allow community members to feel and appreciate the benefits of wildlife and the potential for improved livelihoods that wildlife can bring.”

Improving Health Care Access

Access to reliable health care is essential for communities, especially those in remote wildlife areas. In 2017, Imvelo began constructing Ngamo Clinic with donor support, and by September 2022, it treated its first patient—an important milestone for surrounding villages.

Imvelo also runs the Smile and See Safari, launched in 2011, which brings volunteer dentists and eye specialists from Smile Is a Foundation to provide free care to rural villagers. Over the past decade, the initiative has treated more than 36,000 patients. Support from Imvelo guests and partners in Australia has further strengthened health care and education facilities in Sidinda, providing essential infrastructure and economic uplift.

A Community-Centered Conservation Model

By placing communities at the center of wildlife protection—through education, health care, employment and the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative—Imvelo has built a model that benefits both people and nature. In a region where exclusion once weakened conservation, Imvelo offers an example of a more equitable approach, one in which communities and ecosystems can thrive together for generations to come.

– Elysha Din

Elysha is based in Guildford, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Seasonal Poverty in Greece

Seasonal Poverty in GreeceEach year, Greece’s tourism season fuels the economy throughout the summer months. However, when the holiday crowds depart, the industry’s seasonal nature leaves workers vulnerable. Without stable income or job security, thousands face economic challenges once Greece’s resorts close for winter.

Amanda Williams, a tourist who visited Santorini in 2023, told The Borgen Project about a conversation she had with a waitress working at a local beach resort. The waitress described 16-hour shifts, six days a week, while her partner worked nights as a security guard at the same hotel. They barely saw each other or their two young children, yet she explained that they had no choice saying “I need to help my children.” The couple had to maintain this demanding routine so the money earned over summer could sustain them through the winter, when Santorini’s economy slows dramatically as resorts and restaurants temporarily close down. This is when seasonal poverty in Greece becomes most visible.

A Seasonal Economy

Tourism is Greece’s economic backbone, contributing between 28.5% and 34.3% of national GDP in 2023. On islands like Santorini and Mykonos, that dependence is even more extreme as the South Aegean region relies on tourism for an estimated 97.1% of its GDP.

According to official data, from October to November 2024, the number of international visitors arriving in Greece dropped by 62%. Most hotels, restaurants and tour operators shut their doors from November to March, forcing thousands of seasonal workers into unemployment.

Industry reports confirm that Greece’s tourist season runs from April through October, with the majority of arrivals concentrated between June and August. During those peak months, popular destinations like Santorini can see crowd densities estimated at 33 people per square meter. Yet, by winter, these same streets are empty, and the workers who once kept them alive face months without receiving any income or benefits, a defining feature of seasonal poverty in Greece.

The sharp divide between summer prosperity and winter hardship is visible in Greece’s poverty statistics. In 2024, 26.9% of Greece’s population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion, one of the highest rates in the European Union. Amongst children, the rate rises to 27.9%, meaning roughly one in four Greek children grow up in poverty.

This poverty is particularly severe on the islands, where import and transport costs inflate the cost of living. A survey found that 6.2% of Greek households reported skipping meals in the past year due to lack of money. When tourism stops, many families are left jobless and forced to rely entirely on their summer savings, stuck with rationing themselves and often running out long before spring returns.

Lower Wages Against Higher Costs

Seasonal employees in Greece typically earn the national minimum wage of €880 per month, compared with roughly €2,000 per month in the United Kingdom before tax. Although the cost of living in Greece is around 20% lower than in Britain, the wage gap means Greek workers face a significantly higher financial strain.

Greece’s tax system also deepens the disparity. Income is taxed 9% starting from the first euro earned, while in the U.K., workers pay no income tax until earning around £12,570 per year. With limited government support and no consistent child benefit programs, many Greek families depend entirely on what they earn during the tourist season.

Tourism’s rapid growth has also reshaped the housing market. Rising demand for short-term rentals has pushed up prices, making it harder for locals to find affordable homes. In Santorini, housing costs are increasing by 15%-25% in the past year alone.

Nikos Gouliomis, Secretary of ELME Corfu, has highlighted the growing financial strain on teachers as increasing rent prices on islands like Corfu now consume nearly “two thirds of a teacher’s salary.” Many are left with no choice but to sleep in their cars or on the beach while tourists occupy most available apartments and homes. This mirrors a broader national issue where housing prioritizes tourists over residents, displacing low-income workers and pushing essential community members such as our teachers, nurses and police, off the islands altogether.

A Seasonal Paradise

Greece is now ranked at third for the top holiday destinations in the world for Europeans, yet much of this prosperity bypasses the people who make tourism possible. For many, the end of the tourist season means the start of financial insecurity, reinforcing this cycle of seasonal poverty in Greece that affects families each year. Without steady income, social support or affordable housing, thousands of workers face winter in poverty while the resorts they serve remain desolate.

The Greek government has begun addressing some of these issues, introducing new regulations on short-term rental properties to prevent extreme housing inflation and launching initiatives like Social Consideration and Social Leasing to create 10,000 affordable housing units for low-income families. However, these efforts will need to go hand in hand with policies that expand unemployment support, introduce child benefits, and promote year-round employment, especially in regions dependent on tourism. Expanding winter tourism, investing in local industries, and improving worker protections could help stabilize income and reduce poverty among seasonal workers.

Emfasis is a nonprofit organization working to assist people experiencing extreme poverty and social exclusion across Greece. Starting in 2013, the organization maps unmet needs and delivers targeted assistance ranging from material support and counseling services to emergency humanitarian aid and capacity-building programs for long-term impact. Emfasis has documented rising economic precarity, including the fact that 83.9% of the population cannot cover an unexpected but essential expense of 410 euros. Through both immediate and preventive action, Emfasis aims to help individuals regain access to basic rights like housing, health and employment.

Looking Ahead

Greece’s islands continue to attract millions of tourists each year, but for many residents, financial stability remains out of reach once the tourist season ends. Organizations such as the Emfasis Foundation can help strengthen social protection systems and build a more sustainable future for Greece’s island communities, reducing seasonal poverty in Greece. 

– Daisy Winstone

Daisy is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Hidden Power of Food Tourism in Latin America

Food Tourism in Latin AmericaLatin America is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most vibrant culinary destinations, attracting tourists from across the globe to experience regional dishes and rich flavours. While tourism is widely recognized as vital to the economic stability of many countries, food tourism in Latin America is astonishing in its financial impact. In 2023 alone, this market generated an impressive $927.9 million and is expected to grow by nearly 20% by 2030.

The undeniable influence of tourism has prompted Latin American countries to leverage visitor spending for domestic growth and development strategically.

Indigenous Groups

Latin America preserves its centuries-old heritage through its food practices. Travelers eager to experience authentic Latin American cuisine, rooted in rituals, customs and traditions that date back more than 2,500 years, help Indigenous communities flourish. For instance, the Oaxaca restaurant in Mexico, located in a state that is home to 15 Indigenous groups, immerses tourists in food preparation and sharing rituals.

It also celebrates the natural cycles of food growth and teaches visitors about the spirituality behind harvests and produce grown on sacred land. Marketing this as an attractive venture for tourists reinforces Indigenous influence within the social fabric. It sustains livelihoods by creating higher demand for their unique products and farmland, often their primary source of income.

Through tourism, these communities can strengthen their position in society and preserve a sense of continuity that might otherwise fade away.

Local Sourcing

Latin American restaurants prioritize sourcing local ingredients and supplies, which play a crucial role in revitalizing their communities. For example, Restaurante Manu in Brazil exclusively sources from independent distributors within a 300-kilometer radius, crafting unique dishes inspired by the harvests of local farmers, fishers and dairy producers. Its use of regional ingredients, such as purple potatoes, quinoa and maize and partnerships with independent, often family-run distributors, strengthen community ties.

It also celebrates the region’s rich biodiversity and culinary traditions through a contemporary lens. This approach makes food tourism in Latin America a key driver of economic prosperity. It supports sustainable livelihoods for small-scale producers, attracts new contributors, strengthens domestic markets and fosters a fairer food chain.

As a result, this distributed profit breathes new life into local communities, reviving shuttered restaurants and stimulating agricultural production. By dining at authentic restaurants, tourists help ensure that the money, time and effort communities invest in putting food on their plates are reinvested into improving local residents’ and businesses’ quality of life.

Social Change

Latin America weaves culinary art with social change. Revenue generated from food tourism in Latin America is funneled into development programs, creating meaningful improvements for the local communities of high-traffic tourist destinations. The community-owned Parwa Restaurant in the Peruvian capital capitalizes on the steady stream of 1,500 travelers that pass through the valley.

It reinvests its profits into collective initiatives such as an internet-connected computer center and the installation of water tanks across 45 family homes. In partnership with the Planterra Project, Parwa Restaurant launched a scholarship program for youth in underprivileged areas, training them in culinary arts and business strategy to help shape brighter futures. The restaurant also uses tourism revenue to expand employment opportunities within the community, offering monthly salaries, health insurance and professional development for local residents. The security and comfort resulting from the benefits of food tourism are amplified tenfold.

In Summary

Eating locally while on holiday allows tourism revenue to support meaningful community projects and outcomes. Showcasing Latin American cuisine on the global stage sparks a chain reaction, renewing national pride in ancestral culinary traditions, stimulating rural markets and enabling long-term social improvements to thrive. In this way, food tourism in Latin America not only preserves the spirit of its heritage but also flourishes because of it, creating a cycle of cultural and economic vitality.

– Emily Wooster

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

Photo: Flickr

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Chichen Itza: Reducing Poverty in Mexico

Reducing Poverty in MexicoChichen Itza is a pre-Hispanic Mayan archaeological site in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It preserves the rich history of the Mayan civilization through its remarkable stone monuments and artistry, created by the Maya and Toltec tribes. Dating back to around 415–455 A.D., Chichen Itza is recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Beyond its historical value, it plays a crucial modern role in reducing poverty, driving economic growth and globalizing Mexico, particularly within the Yucatán region.

Economic Benefits and Poverty Reduction

Millions of tourists visit Chichen Itza annually, generating substantial income for local communities and Mexico’s national economy. In 2023, with the reopening of previously restricted areas for archaeological research, the site saw a 12% increase in visitors, totaling more than a million tourists. This influx supports Mexico’s post-pandemic recovery and strengthens the tourism industry.

The constant flow of visitors creates steady employment in hospitality, transportation, food services and local craft markets. These jobs provide sustainable income opportunities for families, helping reduce poverty and improve living standards in nearby communities. In addition to visiting the archaeological site, many tour operators now offer full-day excursions that include nearby destinations such as Valladolid, a colonial city in the Yucatán Peninsula.

These tours also feature visits to cenotes and natural sinkholes where visitors can swim and enjoy lunch prepared by local families. These tours promote small businesses, local restaurants and artisan markets, ensuring that tourism revenue is distributed more evenly across the region. Local guides who lead these trips share cultural knowledge and Mayan traditions, creating meaningful exchanges between visitors and residents while strengthening community identity and heritage.

Through these combined tourism experiences, Chichen Itza attracts international visitors and stimulates a regional economic ecosystem that uplifts surrounding towns and rural populations.

Cultural Preservation and Local Empowerment

Despite its benefits, Chichen Itza’s global popularity also presents challenges. Much of the site’s revenue flows to the federal government rather than Mayan communities. Additionally, some Indigenous residents have faced displacement due to tourism development. However, many have adapted by creating independent income sources, selling handmade crafts, guiding tours and educating visitors about their heritage.

Mayan artisans and entrepreneurs preserve their cultural legacy and promote national pride through these efforts. Visitors, in turn, gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s Indigenous history, fostering global respect and cultural appreciation. Integrating traditional Mayan cuisine, language and artistry into tourism experiences has also helped safeguard intangible heritage while creating new forms of economic empowerment.

Regional Development and Sustainability

The success of Chichen Itza has also inspired infrastructure projects like the Tren Maya, a new railway system designed to improve accessibility across the Yucatán Peninsula. This initiative aims to manage overcrowding, boost tourism and expand economic opportunities for nearby towns.

Importantly, the Tren Maya project emphasizes sustainability. Its eco-friendly design reduces carbon emissions and supports environmentally responsible tourism, aligning economic development with long-term environmental goals. It enhances regional mobility by connecting cities like Cancún, Tulum, Mérida and Valladolid. It increases visitor flow to the peninsula’s local businesses, artisans and cultural centers.

Conclusion

Chichen Itza’s continued global appeal demonstrates how cultural heritage and tourism can drive economic resilience. By generating jobs, supporting local entrepreneurship and inspiring sustainable development, this ancient site contributes directly to reducing poverty in Mexico. Through guided tours that extend to surrounding cities and cenotes, tourism revenue reaches even more communities, strengthening the Yucatán Peninsula’s economy and preserving its cultural heritage.

Chichen Itza stands as both a monument to the country’s past and a catalyst for its future prosperity.

– Miranda Yacynych

Miranda is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Georgia’s Wine and Tourism Are Helping Communities

Georgia’s Wine and TourismGeorgia, the birthplace of wine, has rightfully earned its title as “wine country.” The investment in wine-making has boosted the economy and helped many communities find their way out of rural poverty. Winemaking is deeply rooted in the country’s history and evidence shows that viticulture dates back 8,000 years in Georgia. Vineyards cover most of the country’s rolling hills, making the wine extremely popular worldwide.

The Georgian Grape Subsidy Program

A subsidy is financial assistance provided by the government to help keep prices stable and encourage economic participation among vulnerable producers. Specifically in Georgia, subsidy programs were made to stabilize farmers’ incomes, guarantee smooth harvests and ensure that even lower-quality grapes could be sold, especially those used for wine production. Subsidies have played an integral role in sustaining Georgia’s agricultural sector.

Between 2014 and 2024, nearly 45% of government agricultural spending went toward subsidy programs. These funds support the production of key crops such as wheat, hazelnuts, tangerines, apples and, most importantly, grapes. The Georgian grape subsidy program began in 2008 and, except for 2018 and 2019, has been implemented every year since.

The government has used both direct and indirect subsidies to support farmers. Direct subsidies provide cash payments to grape growers for each kilogram harvested. In contrast, indirect subsidies operate through state-owned companies that purchase grapes directly from farmers, especially when private buyers leave surplus crops on the market.

Although direct financial support declined sharply after 2017, the government continued its grape purchasing program to protect growers from market fluctuations and ensure no farmer was left behind.

Challenges in the Vineyards

Despite the progress, Georgia’s small-scale grape producers remain among the country’s most economically vulnerable people. Many still rely on outdated production methods, lack access to quality inputs and agricultural services and face limited competition opportunities in international markets. After the land reforms of the ’90s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, farmland in Georgia became scarce.

This left most vineyards too small to support efficient production. This has resulted in high costs and limited access to capital and markets. Because of these constraints, some wineries have started to grow their own grapes to secure consistent, high-quality supplies, leaving smallholders struggling to find buyers. These farmers face the added risk of unpredictable weather and fluctuating market prices, making planning or investing in new technology difficult.

Tourism

Georgia’s wine and tourism industry is helping communities by creating jobs for local community members. Georgia’s wine culture is especially unique and the production of wine in Georgia competes with other luxury brands in the market. Research has shown that tourists appreciate the experience of learning about the process of winegrowing as much as they enjoy tasting the wine. Wine-makers in Georgia hope this trend will continue.

A Path Forward

The story of how Georgia’s wine and tourism are helping communities remains one of resilience and renewal. The government’s sustained investment in agriculture and the international demand for Georgian wine have opened new economic opportunities in rural areas. As vineyards expand and production methods improve, Georgia’s winemaking tradition continues to do more than fill glasses; it helps fill livelihoods, turning an ancient craft into a modern tool for fighting poverty.

– Arielle Telfort

Arielle is based in Purchase, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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A Party against Poverty: Caribbean Carnivals Impact

Caribbean Carnivals ImpactThe impact of Caribbean carnivals across the region has helped the vibrant celebrations transcend into the realm of socio-economic development for locals. Every year, thousands of international tourists flock to the Caribbean for the atmosphere, sounds and cultural experiences that carnivals offer. For locals, equating carnival with community has shown how these celebrations can encourage collaboration, drive sustainability and bring prosperity to a region that consistently showcases creative talent.

While carnivals characteristically personify positivity and togetherness, the unstable tropical climate, combined with the repercussions of COVID-19 in the Caribbean, are two key reasons for slowed development in the region. By 2030, the United Nations (U.N.) projects that climate change will cause an additional 100 million people to suffer from conditions of extreme poverty. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes have increasingly plagued the fragile islands of the Caribbean, leaving life-changing damage to property and devastation in their midst.

The severe implications of the global pandemic have also highlighted how important carnival is to economic growth. Without commercial and tourist interest, the monetary rewards and employment opportunities created by carnival can no longer be assured. Now that COVID-related travel restrictions have been lifted, the economic recovery of these island nations has revolved around a larger annual celebration of carnival.

Cruising into Celebration

Conventionally arriving in the Caribbean by plane or boat, international tourists come to experience the iconic impact and cultural showcases that carnivals offer. Having arrived on sandy shores, tourists seek to indulge in local festivals, cuisine and events which revolve around carnival season. On the picturesque island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Vincy Mas carnival takes months to prepare, opening up job vacancies such as event organizers, costume curators and float designers. These paid responsibilities are examples of longer-term contract roles that are available for native islanders to get involved in. The tourist demand for extra lavishness, pomp and splendor continues to drive the capacity and standards of carnivals year on year. In Vincy Mas alone, the 2022 Miss SVG contest generated more than $100,000 in revenue.

Alongside an increase in employment opportunities for local residents, carnival spectators are not limited to international tourists. The celebrations also have a powerful ability to unite Caribbean communities. In Trinidad and Tobago, carnival has an institutional dimension. Unlike other festivals with religious or political affiliations, carnival unifies people through creative dance, performance and expression. By appealing to those historically marginalized, carnival plays an important role in promoting the interests of the Caribbean community.

The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) has overseen the development of carnival enterprises since the 1990s. As a result, the festival has attracted one of the largest crowds in the Caribbean and promotes values of collaboration, equality and togetherness. This sense of community identity reinforces the impact of Caribbean carnival on development initiatives.

Procession, Publicity and Promoting Development

The creative forms of communication and expression are broadcast to thousands of people annually. In Antigua and Barbuda, the Antiguan government chose to promote its 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a carnival float paraded through bustling streets. Using Caribbean carnival impact to grow public awareness for sustainable development initiatives enables governments to outline pathways toward ‘poverty alleviation’ and ‘well-being amongst others.’ The carnival float has a visual appeal that official documents or speeches do not.

Furthermore, official U.N. initiatives promoting development and climate awareness projects have recently adopted a carnival-style approach to relaying important messages. The 2025 Small Island Future Festival held in Barbados incorporated performances and showcases from more than 100 different creatives. An opening address by Mrs. Limya Eltayeb of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) encouraged the Caribbean to work as a collaborative network of island nations striving to achieve sustainable targets by 2030. The festival championed innovative measures, such as tackling the dangerous rise of Sargassum algae arriving on once pristine coastlines.

Looking Ahead

Caribbean carnivals continue to have an impact on the Caribbean economy. Festivals across the region draw large numbers of tourists and create job opportunities for local residents. Beyond tourism, carnival has also been used to raise awareness of inequality and poverty brought on by natural disasters and the pandemic. The celebrations unite Caribbean communities through dance, performance and music and local governments increasingly use carnival as a platform to promote sustainability and crisis management.

– Ash Fowkes-Gajan

Ash is based in London and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Tourism Alleviates Poverty in Croatia

Poverty in CroatiaFrom Split, to Hvar to Dubrovnik, whether it be for the beaches or the nightclubs, tourists are flocking to the small European nation on the Adriatic Sea in record numbers. In 2024, the Croatian National Tourist Board recorded nearly 21.3 million visitors, which was 4% more than the previous year. The rise in tourism also boosted transportation industries, with more than 4 million air passengers and about 76.5 million rented cars.

According to the Croatian National Bank, tourism generated about €13.19 billion in revenue in just the first nine months of 2024. Croatia’s Minister of Tourism Tonči Glavina said, “Particularly gratifying is the notable growth during the pre-season and post-season, confirming Croatia as a year-round destination.”

Tourism’s Role in the Economy

This increase in tourism in Croatia has made the industry an increasingly significant part of the Croatian economy. Overall, tourism represents about 26% of Croatia’s GDP, which is more than any other country in the European Union (EU). This coincides with a high number of jobs that tourism generates. Croatia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) estimated the industry, when it’s analyzed as a whole, has created around 150,000 jobs.

In 2024, the accommodation and food preparation and serving industry created about 115,000 jobs. The jobs created by tourism are important in Croatia, as poverty is a major issue in the country. In 2023, the CBS nearly 21% of the population is at risk of poverty. Additionally, women in Croatia face a poverty risk rate 10% higher than men.

Benefits for Small Businesses and Infrastructure

Small businesses in Croatia have also benefited from visitors. According to research, small businesses, whether they be sport, food preparation or boating-related, make up about 90% of Croatia’s tourism industry. As tourism in Croatia continues to grow in the country, small businesses prove to be both resource-efficient and innovative. Furthermore, research has found that there is a correlation between small businesses and the reduction of seasonal success in the tourism industry; this is significant since one of the biggest challenges with tourism anywhere is the fact that it can attract many visitors at one time of the year and few at other times.

Additionally, tourism in Croatia has led to new infrastructure in order to accommodate the increased number of guests. These include investments in renewable energy, such as wind and solar and in transportation, such as airports and roads. For example, under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, around €106 million was awarded in grants to multiple cities. The aim of the grants is to improve health and wellness facilities and clean energy. Since 2020, Croatia has invested around €200 million in improvements to marinas, airports and roads. In 2021, the Pelješac Bridge connected the city of Komarna with Brijesta after years of construction and €526 billion in investment, facilitating travel for both citizens and tourists.

Looking Ahead

Tourism in Croatia is fueling job creation, empowering small businesses and prompting infrastructure improvements that benefit citizens and visitors alike. As the industry continues to expand, tourism offers Croatia a pathway to reduce poverty, strengthen its economy and build long-term resilience, ensuring that growth is shared across communities.

– Seth Pintar

Seth is based in La Jolla, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tourism and Wealth Inequality in Costa Rica

Wealth Inequality in Costa RicaCosta Rica enjoys a reputation as one of Latin America’s success stories, largely thanks to its thriving tourism industry and political stability. Despite this, 5.9% of Costa Rica’s 5 million people live in extreme poverty and wealth inequality is increasing across the country. Though historically it has generated many advantages, tourism is now one of the most significant factors contributing to wealth inequality in Costa Rica. The World Bank’s recent aid provision for the country sets out a program of inclusive growth designed to tackle this issue.

Wealth Inequality in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small Central American nation with many impressive development indicators. It ranks 62nd (globally) on the Human Development Index and its people live longer on average than those in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Costa Rica’s welcoming image is shaped by the government’s decision to dissolve its military in 1948 and its reputation as a global leader in rewilding and ecotourism. It contrasts sharply with many of its Latin American neighbors, especially its troubled border nation, Nicaragua.

Yet, as well as those living in extreme poverty, 25% of Costa Ricans live below the poverty line. The country’s GINI Coefficient, a measure of wealth inequality, increased more than any other country between 2010 and 2021. This makes Costa Rica one of the most unequal countries in Latin America.

Wealth inequality in Costa Rica disproportionately affects those with African heritage, indigenous peoples, single mothers and Nicaraguan immigrants. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of Nicaraguan migrants living in poverty became 50% higher than that of any migrant group in Costa Rica, such that they are considered to live with a “structurally higher poverty rate.”

Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rican tourism has flourished since the ’90s, with popular sites such as the Monteverde cloud forest and Manuel Antonio National Park attracting millions of visitors yearly. Tourists from the U.S., Canada and Europe bring vast amounts of money into the country.

Around 8% of Costa Rica’s total GDP is attributed to tourism, making it one of the country’s largest economic sectors besides foreign investment. The industry employs about 550,000 people, more than 10% of the population and has lifted many out of poverty. Costa Rica also attracts large numbers of expatriates, many of whom stay longer to work remotely.

Impacts on Locals

Tourism in Costa Rica is presenting serious challenges. The emergence of the so-called “Gringo Market” highlights the sharp rise in food and rental prices in popular tourist areas. In these places, the cost of living reflects the purchasing power of tourists rather than residents. These prices overspill into the rest of the country, compounded by the sheer volume of Costa Rica’s land area on the tourist circuit.

Locals are often priced out of their homes and only 16% of the population can financially access the typical living costs of a short-term tourist, reflecting a stark divide. While many benefit from being employed in tourism, many lose out on the distorted living costs that tourism generates.

Visitor numbers declined in the last year, owing to the rising strength of the Costa Rican colon against the dollar and the consequently lower exchange rates afforded to visitors. This foreshadows a long-term tourism climate where only the wealthiest visitors can afford to come. As a result, food and rental inflation will continue, driving out middle-class tourists on whom Costa Rica’s tourism industry and thousands of affiliated jobs depend.

Wealth inequality in Costa Rica is exacerbated by many factors other than tourism. These include import taxes on basic foods, clothing and electronics and governmental bureaucracy slowing economic growth. Yet the overarching concern surrounding Costa Rica’s tourism dependence is that its government and businesses continue to prioritise the needs of tourists ahead of its people. Opposition to tourism in Costa Rica is feared by stakeholders who are cautious of discouraging foreign investors.

Taking Action: The World Bank

The World Bank supports several aid programs in Costa Rica, with a combined value of more than $1.6 million, mainly through U.S. funding. Its 2024 Country Partnership Framework (CPF), administered in cooperation with the Costa Rican government, focuses on pursuing inclusive economic growth to address the country’s rising wealth inequality.

Acknowledging the rising wealth inequality created by Costa Rica’s foreign investment and tourism-driven economy, the CPF has introduced several initiatives. These include diversifying the economy and strengthening the country’s social protection systems. These measures will directly benefit disadvantaged groups such as Nicaraguan migrants, indigenous peoples, single mothers and Afro-descendants.

By 2026, the scheme anticipates reducing Costa Rica’s poverty rate from 25% to 19.5% and its GINI coefficient from 0.509 to 0.493.

Conclusion

Tourism is vital yet challenging for Costa Rica, creating many job opportunities while also deepening wealth inequality. However, initiatives such as those supported by the World Bank offer a chance to address some of this dominant industry’s drawbacks and provide disadvantaged groups with a more inclusive economic outlook.

– Joseph Webb

Joseph is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tourism in Developing Nations: Which Countries Are Advancing?

Tourism in Developing NationsTourism has long been a vital source of income for many nations, supporting infrastructure, employment and development. Tourism provides a unique opportunity for developing nations facing poverty or economic instability to diversify income sources. As global travel rebounds following the pandemic, countries like Georgia, Mozambique, Kenya and Sudan stand at a crossroads, each with untapped potential and lessons from other nations where tourism has greatly benefited the economy.

Georgia: A Model of Strategic Diversification

Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia has emerged as a rising star in tourism by leveraging its rich cultural heritage, wine traditions and dramatic landscapes. Georgia’s Tourism Strategy 2015–2025 focuses on diversifying markets, improving service quality and creating niche experiences that appeal to high-value travelers.

The strategy has eight strategic objectives to promote tourism growth in the region. They include respecting, enhancing and protecting Georgia’s natural and cultural heritage. Also, to strengthen competitiveness, through the delivery of world-class visitor services to promote the region. Key initiatives:

  • Investment in infrastructure and hospitality training.
  • Strategic marketing to attract visitors from Russia, Turkey and the European Union.
  • Creation of unique and authentic visitor experiences of Georgian Culture.

Georgia’s success lies in its ability to package authenticity with accessibility, making it a country of economic potential to elevate its tourism profile.

Mozambique: Unlocking Coastal and Eco-Tourism Potential

Mozambique boasts more than 1,500 miles of pristine coastline, vibrant marine life and rich cultural diversity. Yet, despite welcoming around two million tourists annually, the country’s tourism sector contributes just 4% to its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024.

The Strategic Tourism Development Plan (STDP), approved in 2015, aims to change that by positioning Mozambique as a premier African destination. Core strategies of the plan include:

  • Developing eco-tourism and community-based lodges.
  • Reinforcing leisure tourism and further strengthening business tourism.
  • Enhancing infrastructure in conservation areas like Gorongosa and Quirimbas.
  • Promoting investment through incentives and public-private partnerships.

Mozambique’s challenge is balancing growth with sustainability. Focusing on low-impact, high-value tourism can protect its natural assets while boosting local economies, attracting tourists to enjoy the beautiful sights the country has to offer.

Kenya: From Safari Stronghold To Diversified Destination

Kenya has long been associated with safari tourism, attracting millions to its famous parks and reserves. However, the country’s National Tourism Strategy 2025–2030 aims to expand its appeal by investing in niche markets such as sports tourism, agri-tourism and cultural experiences.

This strategy aims to enhance the contribution of Kenya’s tourism sector to the economy through effective development, management and marketing in partnership with stakeholders. Highlights of Kenya’s National Tourism Strategy:

  • Targeting five million annual visitors by 2030.
  • 12% contribution of tourism to GDP.
  • Enhancing domestic tourism and regional connectivity.
  • Promoting sustainability and resilience through green financing and safety protocols.
  • Kenya’s strength lies in its brand reputation and biodiversity, but its future depends on regional innovation. Embracing transformation and continuous investment in the tourism sector can ensure that tourism benefits all parts of society.

Conclusion

Tourism is more than a leisurely pursuit; it’s a lifeline for transformation. Tourism becomes an engine of inclusion and innovation for developing nations confronting poverty and instability, not just lifting economies, but elevating voices. As travelers increasingly seek deeper, more immersive experiences, destinations like Georgia, Mozambique and Kenya hold the power to redefine what meaningful exploration truly means.

With long-term strategies and community-focused planning, these countries stand ready to turn landscapes into legacies and history into hope. Tourism growth here isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connection, empowerment and rewriting global narratives. And as the world watches, it may discover that the most compelling journeys enchant travelers and uplift the people who make those experiences possible.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Systems in the Galapagos Islands

Food Systems in the Galapagos Islands Galapagos—known for its incomparable biodiversity—thrives from its wildlife. Although more people depend on food imports, this causes a significant reliance on shipments. Food production has been slowing down since the 1970s. Farmers have experienced ongoing struggles with harvesting and sustaining agricultural lands.

Every day, approximately 1,100 food imports, consisting of related food, drink and basic equipment, travel 700 miles to arrive in the Galapagos city port, Puerto Ayora. Much of the population obtains imports such as crates of cereal and apples. The prices of food increased over the years due to the timely travel of shipments. Based on forecasts, food imports could increase by around 95% by 2037. 

Efforts to Regenerate Food Systems

Environmental conservation organizations like Global Nomadic are diving into regenerating food systems across the islands. The organization accepts individual internships for an in-person experience, helping promote food manufacturing. More than 10,000 people applied as interns and volunteers to participate in Global Nomadic’s initiatives. The organization also provides instructors to guide committed students in assisting with these projects. About 40 countries have achieved transformation under these initiatives.

The organization involves small, dedicated groups of farmers helping restore soil and protect ecosystems. Some of its present projects range from harvesting gardens, composting, testing fertilizer packaging and seed germination. Global Nomadic believes in restoring organic farming management to grow the ethnic food supply. This is crucial for the Galapagos Islands, which rely significantly on daily shipping. By educating others to cultivate locally fresh crops, the organization aims to enhance sustainable efforts.

Impact of Tourism on Farming in Galapagos

Farmers do not exactly welcome the idea of traditional agricultural farming with enthusiasm due to the number of tourists visiting the islands each year. The industry sold more tours than the amount of food produced. Many local farmers use chemically-based equipment to nurture crops, so they proposed transitioning to a wholesome food system.

Efforts to Promote Family Farming

Galapagos’ Corporate Office, based in Quito, Ecuador, has rolled out two programs to swiftly run food production in the regions. The Heifer Ecuador Organization developed the National Flagship Program to promote family farming to build systemic modifications to improve food systems in the Galapagos Islands. Furthermore, the program gives producers a chance at transforming economic and social progress.

The Flagship Program started in 2020 and has reached nearly 189,000 families living in rural and urban areas. Its 2030 goal is to help 16,000 rural households to diminish all rates of poverty. The organization believes in raising the income of all families to improve lives. In 2019, about 18 value chains were constructed, aiding 32 families. It also spurred 123 organizations and 55 alliances to form, galvanizing strong unity across all communities.

Looking Ahead

Many consider the Galapagos Islands to be a special paradise to visit. The most iconic wildlife discovered there are the green tortoises and blue-footed boobie birds. Despite the vivid diversity, food is scarce for many of the locals. However, ongoing initiatives aim to improve food systems in the Galapagos for the better. The islands continue to hope for a new, revolutionized era.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr