Exports and Consumer Conscience: Trade and Tourism Synergies!

Abstract

Export Development and Diversification is a major economic development issue in all developing and developed economies over the last 50 years. It is however interesting to know that the tools required to direct the policy initiatives has not received the much needed attention in many economies especially at the local levels. Capacity building and development among all stakeholders is the best approach to bring the successes of trade and not dialogue among experts alone. Whereas Trade in simple terms relates basically to the 'movement of goods and services' whilst Tourism is the 'movement of persons', these two trends provide very interesting synergies and underlying features that could both be developed to create a major impact towards successful export growth and economic development in developing nations. This paper investigates how often these two powers (trade and tourism) work hand in hand but are often ignored or forgotten and not developed to mutually promote and expand one another. The paper then links the findings to the case of 'Consumer Conscience' and how the environment and ethical behaviors are influencing exports in general. In summary therefore, the paper seeks to indulge trade experts, consultants and advisors and policy makers to now appreciate and apply tourism policy and practice in intensifying export development and diversification pursuits.