ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF PROJECTS FOR RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENTFROM A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PERSPECTIVE

Bibiana Cala M.S. STM Global Consulting

Context Research Project Objective Case Study Research Methodology The Sustainability Matrix (new assessment tool) Sustainability Indicators Main Conclusions from the research project

COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA

Source: http://laportadahotel.com/

NIMAIMA & VERGARA

THE RESEARCH PROJECT Justification

Lack of systematization of experiences in rural tourism projects

Need of evaluation tools for sustainability in rural tourism projects

Objectives Analyze an experience from the perspective of

compliance and integration of the sustainable tourism principles

Propose an evaluation methodology based on the work with the community

METHODOLOGIES & APPROACH Case Study Methodology

Specific case within its real context Specific and general conclusions were

drawn

Research Tools Participant observation Structured and semi-structured interviews Participatory workshops

METHODOLOGIES & APPROACH Participatory workshops

Discussion groups Collective analysis of the social circumstances that

are the object of the study Collect information, analyze and plan

THE SUSTAINABILITY MATRIX Integrate project evaluation to assessing

sustainability Sustainability Dimensions vs. Project’s

evaluation Criteria Sustainability Dimensions • Economical • Environmental • Social • Cultural • Politico-Institutional

Project Categories for monitoring the strategy on projects (sustainable strategy)• Sustainable Tourism

Principles• Elements for the evaluation

of sustainability and strategy in social development projects

• Pertinent project management elements

• New criteria for sustainable tourism development (2016)

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM EVALUATION MATRIXEvaluation

Criteria

Sustainability Dimensions

Economical Environmental Social Cultural Political & Institutional

Demand for the products and servicesLevel of competitiveness

Replicability

Efficiency in the use of resourcesCommunity participation and self-managementConservation of resourcesTechnical-scientific sustainability

Relevance

Evaluation Criteria

Sustainability Dimensions

Economical Environmental Social Cultural

Politico-Institutiona

lDemand for the products and services

Consider the factors that affect the flow of tourists; for example: 1. Proximity and

ease of transport to demand centers

2. Quality of products and services offered

3. Tourism seasonality management…

4. Broad market trends and the need to understand specific segments

5. Marketing “content”

6. Access and security

Capitalize on the region's more attractive natural features and uncommon ecosystems in a sustainable way and promote them with visitors and local residents.

Generate associative processes (local and regional) that standardize the supply and channel the demand in an equitable way. Where appropriate, the project must promote “access for all”, including persons with disabilities and others who have specific access requirements.

Leverage the local and regional historical and cultural features to create unique experiences and products.

Sign in to /aligned with promotional campaigns and marketing initiatives at the municipal, regional, provincial and national level.

Technical-scientific sustainability

The project must have a solid and consistent conceptual background that justifies each of the activities and techniques proposed (minimize negative impacts and maximize positive ones).The project must take into account the risks and opportunities associated with the climate change adaptation.

Relevance Relevance is understood as the degree of compliance with the originally set goals – whether or not they are working as envisioned and contributing to address the problems in an optimal and sustainable manner.The project promotes education and awareness for sustainable development – for all stakeholders.

SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS Different studies and indicator banks Some indicators arose from the research

project – Info from workshops with business owners

The original list it’s been updated

MAIN CONCLUSIONS About the rural tourism project

Change of attitude: entrepreneurship y positive Improved self-perception for local small business

owners and community Better understanding of the importance of

sustainability Because of the poverty conditions, economic sustainability was

the main focus Largest shortcoming identified was political-

institutional support Improve coordination between national plans and local reality

About the research project and the evaluation tool (Matrix) Experience systematization and methodological

approach Matrix: useful tool (needs to be used in other projects) Next step: update indicators list

THANK YOU

BIBIANA CALA M.S. STM GLOBAL CONSULTING WWW.STMGLOBALCONSULTING.COM Bibiana.Cala@stmglobalconsulting.com+1 (403) 966-1549