Tourism and poverty reduction strategies in the integrated framework for least developed countries

This study sheds light on how least developed countries (LDCs) can maximize pro-poor gains from tourism. It analyses LDCs’ tourism development aspirations as set out in the Diagnostic Trade Integration Studies (DTIS) that were completed under the Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries (IF). The DTIS encompass a comprehensive review of LDCs’ trade constraints, trade potential and the priority actions required to meet trade development needs in the overall context of national development and poverty reduction programmes. The DTIS represent a unique source of information on LDCs because they combine robust macroeconomic and sectoral analysis with stakeholder consultations and a participatory validation processes. Thirty-five DTIS were conducted between 2001 and 2009. Of these, 30 (86 percent) include a specific section dedicated to tourism with prioritized recommendations in an action matrix.