Community development

NZTRI’s Tourism and Community Development Research Programme Area aims to assist local destinations in their efforts to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with the rapid globalisation of the travel and tourism industry. Our experienced team of researchers and practitioners work in partnership with residents, community groups, local leaders, government agencies, and private business interests to evaluate the present state of affairs of tourism, and using this information, support local stakeholders in developing sustainable tourism strategies. Our approach acknowledges that the implementation and outcomes of community-based tourism are different, just as communities are different.

Areas of Interest Include:

• Strategic tourism planning

• Research and policy development

• Product development and marketing

• Business planning

• Heritage protection

• Visitor management/impact assessment

• Use of Internet Communication Technologies (ICTs) and GIS

• Community outreach – awareness and education

Examples of Our Work:

• Marine Aquaculture and Seafood Trail, New Zealand

• Northeast Iceland Strategic Plan – State of Affairs

• Strategic Tourism Planning, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada/Northeast Iceland

• Community Preparedness for the Cruise Ship Industry, Eastern Canada/Greenland

• Nature-based Tourism Small Business Network, Canada/Europe

• Nahanni National Park Reserve Interpretation Assessment, Canada

• Tourism Innovation and Northern Governance, Norway