Since we first developed the concept of pro-poor tourism in 1999 and identified practical strategies in 2001, a lot of people have become PPT enthusiasts. We hear much about how important it is and often about the strategies people are adopting to implement PPT.

But implementation is not the same as achievement. There is very little data demonstrating impacts on the poor, and it seems, little attempt to even gather the data and measure those impacts. PPT work may well be excellent, but we cannot just assume our impacts on poverty reduction; they need to be demonstrated by companies, governments, projects and NGOs.

We see this as a major challenge, and one that must be addressed by those ascribing to PPT. What do you think?