Guide to measuring resident benefits
The presence and activities of visitors have an impact on a destination. Community benefit refers to the part of that impact that has a positive effect on residents – for example through employment opportunities or local facilities. But how can you measure those benefits in a way that fits your destination? This guide helps you choose a measurement method suited to your local context. In doing so, you can develop policies that contribute to a livable and attractive environment, for residents and visitors alike.
Why measure resident benefits?
Tourism affects residents — sometimes positively, for example through economic opportunities or the preservation of cultural heritage, and sometimes negatively, such as through crowding or rising prices. By properly measuring resident benefits, you gain insight into what is happening locally and where opportunities or challenges lie. This helps to substantiate decisions and develop policies that fit both the local context and residents’ living environment.
A Guide to Measuring Resident Benefits
The Guide to Measuring Resident Benefits has been developed for policymakers looking for an appropriate measurement approach. The publication describes various methods, outlines when each method is suitable, and offers inspiring tested examples. In this way, municipalities, provinces, and other policy organizations can make well-founded choices that align with their objectives and capabilities.
Steering towards positive impact
Community benefit is not the same as public support or engagement, but it can contribute to them. When residents experience positive effects from tourism, they are more likely to be open to tourism developments in their area. NBTC believes that sustainable destination development starts from the perspective of residents. With this guide, we aim to support policymakers in strengthening dialogue with residents and in steering more effectively toward social value. Together, we can build a future-proof hospitality domain.
Collaborations
This publication is a collaboration between NBTC and CELTH. In recent years, sector partners, research institutions, and policymakers have worked together in the Community Benefits Front-Runner Group to better define and measure community benefits. This collaboration previously led to a practical working model with best practices and tips.
Mapping the perceived impact of tourism
In line with CELTH’s Conscious Destinations Research Agenda, further research was carried out over the past year into methods for mapping the perceived impact of tourism. This took place in three phases: a literature review, expert interviews, and a field test in the municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland. The combination of these phases produced valuable insights into the concept of community benefits, the selection of measurement methods, and their practical application. All these insights are brought together in this publication.
Want to know more?
Guide to measuring resident benefits
Curious to see all the measurement methods and examples? Explore the insights and choose a measurement method that best suits your situation.
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