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require strong leaders, good cooperation, administrative support, resources and community
understanding of tourism, and a shared vision and communication. (Selin, Myers 1998; Blackmann
et al. 2004; Moscardo 2008).
The three study cases presented in this article are about places, of small-scale and peripheral, with
dominant hunting and fishing activities. The development of tourism activities took place due to a
combination of different factors including:
•
spontaneous forms, i.e. in South Greenland with the sheep farmers;
•
more structured, i.e. in West North Greenland;
•
responding to the need of finding alternatives, i.e. the attempts made by the communities of
the High North of Greenland.
Not all the places show the same degree of local dynamism and local cooperation. Sometimes it is a
person, or a group, who is able to foresee and risk a new initiative, e.g. creating a tourist product for
cruise ship tourists like in Ukkusissat. Generally, the attitude in regard to tourism development is
positive, but local communities in peripheral areas seldom have the business skills necessary to
engage successfully over the long term. The level of information among the local population
regarding tourism development options and support is quite limited as shown by the field work.
Also, financial and technical assistance as well as training on the different skills necessary when
starting with tourism activities were deemed necessary. Interviewees asked for more structured
courses and information. At present the involvement of the community in the process of
development and planning is almost incomplete when not absent.
It is important to identify the interested actors and establish parameters for the participation and
training of local residents in the tourism sector; identify linkages with the local (both, formal and
informal) economy that can stimulate multiplier effects; and find the existence of tourist products
and experiences that encourage a general approach to promote and enhance the development of
tourism in the community (Tommasini, 2011).
When planning for community development, a successful development has to be established in
cooperation with the local communities. Such development has to rely on:
•
Local initiative (local people developing the living conditions within their own region).
•
Local involvement (people who are actively and independently willing to participate in the
process).
•
Local partnership (cooperation based on the common aims of the local people).
Notes
Tourism, Human Capital & Regional Development in Three Communities in Greenland