Tourism touches all aspects of a community, from the local government to its natural environment.  Before a community commits to developing tourism, it must first decide its goals and what contributions tourism development could bring to the community.  All communities have economic, social and environmental wants.  Many of these can be addressed by developing the local economy.  The following are some examples of the positive contributions that tourism development can make to communities:

• Brings in new money
• Supports small businesses and creates new jobs
• Diversifies the economic base
• Generates tax revenues
• Enhances the community’s image

Worksheet 1 will help you assess your community’s wants and tourism’s possibility for addressing them.  The worksheet lists examples in the three categories: economics, social/cultural, and physical environment.  The center column provides space for your own assessment of your community’s situation concerning these wants.  The right column suggests the role that tourism might play. 

Once you have completed this worksheet you will have a clearer understanding of your community’s wants and the ability of tourism development to address them.  Tourism is only one of many forms of economic development.  It may or may not be the best alternative for your community or it may be successful only if it is developed alongside other economic development efforts.  Each community’s unique situation must be considered before launching into tourism development action.