Community Based Tourism
Finding the Euilibrium in the COMCEC Context
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However, in order for lenders to provide such an encouraging fiscal assistance platform for
locals, the projects (proposals, feasibility studies, business plans) need to be thoroughly
researched, prepared and professionally presented to financial institutions. Besides, good
record-keeping is critical as it demonstrates good management practices by investors,
owners, potential borrowers, and creates a good impression in the minds of lenders.
A more market-driven approach could be to go public for the CBT funds, which could
generate a high visibility, word-of-mouth and long term success, depending on the success
potential of the CBT product.
2.3.6. Identifying Monitoring and Control Criteria and Mechanisms
Depending on the goals and objectives identified at the situation analysis phase, some
criteria for control and monitoring with appropriate measures and mechanisms need to be
identified before investing in and implementing plans. There are some criteria already
established for measurement of sustainability in each issue area (environmental, socio-
cultural, economic, etc.) by different organizations. Those criteria can be adapted to the
specific characteristics of a CBT site. Table 7 provides some of those criteria to measure
some of the business issue areas developed by Netherlands Development Organization
(SNV).
Table 7. Some criteria to measure business issue areas
ISSUES POTENTIAL INDICATORS
Average expenditure/length of stay = average spend per visitor by type
VISITOR Occupancy rates of licensed accommodation per month
FLOWS Total number of tourist arrivals (mean, monthly, peak periods)
Change in number of guest nights at commercial accommodation
TOURIST Level of satisfaction of visitors
SATISFACTION Percentage of returning visitors
Perception of value for money
MARKETING
IMPACT
% arrivals from largest market
Amount spent on marketing per visitor
Change in number of hits to promotional website
Businesses offering tourism services as % of all businesses
BUSINESS Value of new foreign/resident applications for hotel development per year