Tourism benefits the poor through employment opportunities. Tourism offers labour-intensive and small- scale opportunities compared with other non-agricultural activities, employing semi-skilled and casual workers, small and medium-sized enterprises, a high proportion of women, and providing an opportunity for self-employment. Tourism also provides opportunities in remote areas and in places with a high value on natural resources and culture, all of which tend to favor the poor. Local young leaders raised in poor living environments have been given little access to education and opportunities to engage in business. Countries in the Mekong region are working together to promote the subregion as a single destination for international visitors and encourage communities to enhance the environmental, social, and economic benefits of tourism. Read more...
