Inclusion of Local Community Farmers Into the Supply Chains of Luxury Wildlife Tourism Destinations
摘要
Wildlife tourism destinations inherently demand fresh produce for memorable culinary experiences for guests and staff. Procuring local fresh produce from nearby communities can stimulate local economic development. This chapter examines a recent study on the challenges a luxury tourism destination faces when integrating local communities into its fresh produce supply chain. The study aims to assess the inclusion of local community farmers in last-mile logistics for &Beyond and its lodges: Klein’s Camp in Serengeti, Mnemba Island in Zanzibar, and Forest Lodge in Phinda Private Game Reserve. A multiple-method case study research design was employed, primarily exploratory and descriptive. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, observations, and questionnaires completed by &Beyond employees and other luxury tourism destinations. Content analysis was used for data interpretation. Findings indicate that most community farmers are family-run, and a positive association with a luxury wildlife tourism destination can inspire more families to become community farmers. Supporting community farmers generates income for them and bolsters the local economy. The study recommends that luxury wildlife tourism destinations identify potential fresh produce farmers within local communities. Once the fresh produce farmers are identified, the luxury wildlife tourism destination can inform the fresh produce farmers about the quantities of fresh produce they require.