The 5 Essential Skills Positive Impact Tourism Operators Need To Succeed

The world of positive impact tourism is an exciting and fulfilling space to work in. But it can also be challenging at times and at first it will probably take longer than you think (doesn't everything?!).

I’m often asked by people who are interested in starting to identify their niche in positive impact: “What would I need to be really good at this?”.

My answer is always the same. Make a simple plan...and then ACT! Reflect on how it went, then go again.

But of course, there's more to it than that.

There are certain skills and personal attributes that will serve you well as you embark down this road. The good news is - you probably already have them! If you're in business, you most likely rely on these skills a lot.

But, for the sake of clarity, let's take a look at the skills and attributes that will help you succeed as a positive impact tourism operator and why.

The Top 5 Skills To Master 

1. Contextual Awareness

   It's a skill to first step back and see the big picture. This means being aware of the nature and scale of the challenge (climate change, extinctions, pollution, social disadvantage, cultural marginalisation, etc) and acknowledging tourism's role in both perpetuating and solving these problems. It also means being informed about past and current issues the community you operate in is facing. Knowing a bit about the social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges in your local area will help you channel your action in the most effective way. Finally, being contextually aware means setting an intention to be part of the solution in a way that's relevant to your situation.

2. Creativity

   It helps to be resourceful because things won't always go to plan. But, also, the licence to be imaginative in coming up with ways for how you might create positive impact in your unique circumstance is one of the best things about operating in the positive impact space (in my opinion!). Coming up with creative solutions is how you carve out your point of difference and it's a skill I know you have. Have fun with it!

3. Collaboration

   Not much happens in isolation, so partnering is an important skill to build, as it's one of the cornerstones of positive impact action. Partnering with other businesses, the community sector, change agents, government and/or not-for-profit organisations takes organisation and open-mindedness (not to mention patience!).

   A side note - if you are a non-Indigenous business partnering with a First Nations community, the best advice I can give is "shut up and listen"! This is true most of the time, but especially when working in a cross-cultural context. Not only is listening essential so you can gather the information you need to move forward, but you may also be working with a group that has been silenced in the past. As they find their voice and start to express their views, respect the privileged position you are in and listen.

4. Communication

   Unsurprisingly, this is an important one to cultivate. Sharing your story and achievements as a positive impact tourism operator is good for business, amplifies the work of those you’re partnering with, AND inspires others to act. This means both speaking and writing with influence for different audiences.

5.  Courage

   It takes bravery and leadership to act, to take a stance with your stakeholders (customers, staff, board, investors), to acknowledge your own shortcomings on the journey and to follow through on your commitments. People will respect the courage you show by acting, regardless of the outcome.

 By now you know that one of my favourite things is seeing the ideas and energy that arise when people set out to create impact in the work they do, by working together. That’s why I started The Travel Better Project, to enable and inspire a positive impact approach to tourism, starting in Tasmania. 

What Next?

Are you a tourism operator that wants to start (or continue) your journey in positive impact? Or just want to learn more for the time being? Here's what you can do:

• Pre-order your copy of the "Positive Impact Tourism: Toolkit and Guidebook for Operators" coming out in early 2024
• Join the waitlist for a new Positive Impact Tourism Bootcamp course we're launching in 2024
• Sign up to our newsletter
• Follow us on socials (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)