Tourism Development
VEGA offers the cross-sectoral experience necessary for successful development and implementation of tourism development programs. While several of VEGA’s members specialize in tourism development, other 
members contribute essential experience in agriculture, trade & investment, youth & workforce development, micro-finance, economic policy, land reform, bio-diversity and environmental conservation, gender, volunteerism, links with diaspora, ICT, transport infrastructure, public utilities, health, safety/security, and service/product accreditation and standards.
Using the value chain approach, VEGA focuses on market–based solutions and facilitating Public-Private Alliances (PPAs) and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) -- thus impacting the entire system in a sustainable manner.
The VEGA 
approach to tourism development creates an environment that provides recurring benefits to local economies long after program completion. Approaching a project both systemically as well as cross-sectorally to engage and involve all stakeholders, tourism development is used as a vehicle for change to come from within, championed by local stakeholders, embracing and celebrating traditional ways of life and local culture. Working closely with host country ministries, associations, chambers, NGOs, and both large and small businesses, VEGA programs have included the following:
- Workforce Development
- Country Level Tourism Strategy Development and Policy Reform
- Destination Management Organization Development
- Biodiversity/Environmental Conservation
- Cultural Preservation
- Higher Education Curriculum Development
- ICT including Mapping Software, Virtual Maps, and Geo-Mapping
- SME Development
- Entrepreneurial Training & Skill Enhancement
- Training on Destination Governance, Event Management, and Tour Route Development & Guiding
- Export Promotion & Market Linkages
- Diaspora Linkages
Program Highlights
SAVE Travel Alliance (George Washington University, Counterpart International, National Geographic): SAVE member Counterpart International provides a leadership role for the Ethiopia Sustainable Tourism Alliance (ESTA), a consortium of international organizations and local partners forming public private partnerships to design and implement community-driven economic development strategies in coordination with the Government of Ethiopia. ESTA works to enhance biodiversity conservation, economic development and competitiveness through sustainable tourism products, services and other opportunities throughout destination regions of the country. Read more...
International Executive Service Corps (IESC), CDS, FSVC: IESC, CDS, and FSCV implemented the Bulgaria Trade Development (BTD) program under the Volunteer for Economic Growth Alliance consortium from 2004-2008. The program provided tourism experts who advised the local administration, service providers, tourism associations, and small and medium enterprises on how to bring local communities to work together and start a successful business in tourism and established the basic guidelines for good service training, bed and breakfast (B&B) certification and sustainable tourism. Read more…
CDC Development Solutions (CDS): In Nigeria, from 2006-2008, CDS implemented a USAID-funded participatory community development program, Jobs and Business Development Services Initiative (JOBS) to expand the capabilities of the Cross River State government to utilize the tourism industry as a driver for economic growth in the region and provide its communities with opportunities to benefit from the tourism industry. Read more…
Resources
