How important is sustainable tourism to developing Africa?

[thesecretcompass]

I saw first hand the impact that a small lodge in a very remote rural community could have. From health awareness to distribution of mosquito nets to creating jobs and their follow on mini economies. I found it a fine example of how tourism should work though these models can always be improved.

Any thoughts!

[GuillaumeS]

Sustainable tourism is very important for both the tourism market and the local communities. Many camps that I work with have programs to support the local communities through various tools: education, employment being the most important ones.

Some camps do rely on the communities as they provide the necessary workforce and are "tourist attractions" themselves. Both parties take advantages by working together. The camps provide the education and the jobs, the locals provide the workforce. It is a win-win situation and helps some poor families to make a living, get education and become an important part of the economy.