This week the news was, focused on the two incidents of vandalism and brawling in the streets.  These incidents do nothing to elevate the quality of a destination; if anything, it deters visitors from choosing such countries. 

In my last article I discussed the need for rethinking tourism using the integrated approach, involving the local authorities, the local businesses and the local community; now by moving ahead to the plan for redeveloping tourism and avoiding the mistakes and lack of professionalism in managing tourism from the authorities to the businesses and the community attitude, there must be a strong code of ethics that is monitored by various working groups at regional level. 

The idea of having tourism managers, tourism police and inspectors is not enough to take effective action against this sort of misbehaviour. Involving regional and local working groups made up of the three stakeholder groups mentioned above will provide immediate and positive action. In redeveloping tourism, the policy must be set for the management of localities, sites and the management of establishments; a policy must be agreed for attracting the quality tourist who wants to be here and appreciates the destination he or she chooses rather than the mindless hooligan who comes here to get drunk and cause trouble.

As usual, I do my bit by listing six stages we need to adopt to deliver a professional service and sense of hospitality.  I am convinced that no one from the present administration will take heed of what I suggest but it will serve as a sound foundation to a new and different government in the near future, I am sure:

1.      It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all public misbehaviour by visitors or locals is reported and that action is taken.  Do not depend on the police or authorities to say they will take action, make sure this happens.

2.      If we want to redevelop tourism then we all must do our duty and participate and working groups, seminars, conferences and meetings to voice our opinion.

3.      Tourism is a socio-cultural activity that depends on civic pride, awareness and behavior - it is not a socio-economic industry that benefits the money-grabbing businessperson.

4.      Redeveloping tourism means reconsidering the development of the activity through the years and , where appropriate, reintroducing those programmes and attractions that brought the visitor and host together , for example, the welcome at the airport , presenting visitors with flowers and a glass of local wine.

5.      Alternative tourism, such as Community-Based Tours, will bring the visitor and host closer together and increase the sense of hospitality and service.

6.      Finally, the operational and management working in tourism or establishments must project a local feeling of welcome, kindness and service not just undertake a job but a career in tourism. To do this, locals and foreigners must be aware of the local culture, language and behaviour and employers must offer a salary that promotes motivation not lethargy.

By following these six stages, we can ensure that these islands are managed professionally, sustainably and with the idea of developing a quality activity that attracts the visitor who wants to be here not the one who wants to be here.  Travel and Tourism to these islands today is about quantitative gains for the greedy and uncouth.  We need to put professionalism and hospitality back in the equation.