Building community through socially responsible tourism: a collaborative success in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Ecology and ethics: socially responsible developers can create positive socioeconomic and ecological impact in communities where economic development stems from sustainable tourism. Economy: tourism promotes globalization and rapid change, which creates challenges for communities, especially those in emerging nations. In communities that experience unequal access to education, healthcare, and unequal distribution of wealth; the cycle of poverty is perpetuated. Education: universities have a responsibility to prepare citizen scholars to live and work in a globalized world through educational experiences that foster social responsibility and civic engagement in addition to content expertise and critical thinking. This paper outlines the strategies and successes of corporate and university collaboration in an eco-friendly oceanfront resort, second home enclave, airport, and biodiversity research center in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. In this arena, socially responsible tourism has enhanced community infrastructure and economy, while preserving cultural heritage and ecology. This study demonstrates how socially responsible tourism can increase access to technology, transportation, education and social services. It also addresses the role that universities can have in providing resources for training, education, research and development to foster community participation in socially responsible tourism. Additionally, it models the active university role in ecological stewardship for the development and operation of environmentally friendly tourism venues.