Tourism and Poverty Reduction Research Unit
For many of the world’s population, the growing integration of the global economy has provided the opportunity for substantial economic growth. The tourism industry is probably the most global, and increasingly important in less economically developed countries (LEDCs) - now accounting for around 40 per cent of total international arrivals globally.
However, although the industry is expanding rapidly, it remains unclear if and how tourism could contribute to poverty reduction.
The Tourism and Poverty Reduction Research Unit was established in response to this need for high quality research, consultancy and training.
Research themes
Our specific research themes include
- the political economy of tourism development
- pro-poor tourism strategies
- tourism, gender and poverty reduction
- the role of the private sector in poverty reduction
- the developmental impacts of tourism foreign direct investment in LEDCs
- tourism value-chain analysis
Who we work with
We have developed a cooperation network with partners globally - involving the private, public and third sector as well as international non-governmental organisations, development agencies, higher education institutes and research organisations. We aim to extend this in the future.
The majority of our work is carried out in Eastern and Southern Africa, but we have also undertaken research in Asia, the South Pacific and the Caribbean.
Current projects
Projects include
- Pro-Poor Tourism Education Partnership for Africa
- African-European Academic Alliance for Sustainable Tourism Development, Environmental Sustainability and Poverty Reduction (3A-STEP)
- Pro-Poor Tourism Research Capacity Building for East Africa
Courses and training
In addition to pure and applied research, we can provide tailor-made continuous professional development courses and welcome individuals interested in pursuing PhD study.
You might also be interested in a Masters in Tourism for International Development.
More information
Please contact Dr Dorothea Meyer at d.meyer@shu.ac.uk.
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Tourism plays an important role in reducing poverty
Dorothea Meyer with pupils in Pemba, Zanzibar
