Ways to involve local people in shaping tourism policy and decisions:

• Organise workshops, seminars and conferences
• Form committees or working groups
• Training
• Interviews and questionnaires for the general public or specific interest groups
• Advisory boards
• Public hearings
• Establishment of a regular ‘forum’ or ‘network’ with representatives of the civil society

Some general rules for public participation:

• Inform and educate people about why they should get involved
• Try to make all information clear and jargon-free
• Set clear boundaries and terms of reference with clear expectations of all participants
• Set up a good communication system with a named contact person
• Start early enough to allow maximum participation - it will probably take longer than you think
• Have a range of people involved and not just one representative
• Use widespread advertising to encourage people to come forward, don’t just call on the people who have been involved before
• Think about transport arrangements, timing and venue for meeting - will they be equally accessible to all
• Everyone with an interest needs to be represented right from the start
• Equal status for all participants is essential