Tourism Leakage also known as Economic Tourism Leakage is a topic of Sustainable Tourism.
Simply explained, Tourism Leakage is when income generated by tourism in one country goes to another country.
This happens in the Tour Sector when tourists book tours through businesses that are not locally owned. For example, foreign owned businesses Sponsor Ads in search engines and social media that target popular tourists destinations. These businesses capture tourists, book the tourist with a local Tour Operator, and take a 15% to 20% commission off the top, as much or more than half the profit.
There are countries where this leakage is very significant. For example, according to the U.N.’s Ocean Atlas, “A study looking at tourism ‘leakage’ in Thailand estimated that 70% of all money spent by tourists ended up leaving Thailand (via foreign owned tour operators, airlines, hotels, etc.)”
We are not advocating the end of foreign investment and/or involvement. Outside investment can be a good thing and more tourists are better than less. VisitCusco.org is a platform to reduce the Economic Tourism Leakage and retain it locally in and around Cusco.
Please search this site for Places To Visit, Things To Do, Tours, Treks, and Retreats. Build and Download your Wish List. Use this site to Find and Book with locally owned Retreat Centers and Tour/Trek Operators. Your tourist dollars, spent here and kept here, will improve the lives of many.
Please, as you travel, remain aware of Tourism Leakage and do your part to reduce the leakage and support the locals.
If you believe in what we are doing then please consider a small one-time donation.