![\"Reflections](\"https:\/\/travindy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Bonding-for-community-based-tourism-success.jpg\")
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I<\/span>n his second \u201cGood Tourism\u201d Insight, community-based and sustainable tourism consultant Peter Richards reflects on the most important thing he has learned during his career so far, and how to make it so.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n While working at the crossroads of tourism and community development for more than 20 years, one gradually accumulates personal lessons learned; yes, mainly from making mistakes. The most profound lesson I have learned is the need to\u00a0consciously approach working with community members as colleagues rather than as beneficiaries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are of course significant differences between professional consultants and \u2018local community colleagues\u2019 working in small, remote villages; including vast gaps in power, privilege and access to resources. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the closer we can move towards a relationship of colleagueship, and away from the (at least) residual arrogance and entitlement of \u2018donor\u2019 and \u2018beneficiary\u2019 relationships, the more successful our work and working relationships will\u00a0be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n I am not attacking the idea of international aid. For all of its shortcomings, I have huge respect for the principle of sharing goodwill, money, and expertise between countries. However, I am advocating for a conscious re-conceptualisation of ourselves when we work in the field. Simply, when we approach local community members as our colleagues, we are orientating ourselves towards mutual respect. And we are explicitly acknowledging that we have much to learn from each\u00a0other.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n