Fact sheet on Poverty Reduction Through Tourism

Hotels, Catering and Tourism (HCT) is one of the fastest growing economic sectors. It is highly labour intensive and is a valuable source of employment and income for those with limited access to the labour market. HCT has significant economic and employment potential for rural areas, both directly through jobs in the sector, and indirectly through supportive sourcing industries because tourist locations require a wide range of services, such as infrastructure, power and water utilities, airports and roads, to facilitate the provision of hotel and restaurant services, which benefits local communities. Comprehensive policies to promote sustainability and local employment are required to support rural development.