By BRUCE DENNILL
ARTifacts: a series of articles highlighting the work of tourism destinations around the world that have a special focus on community and sustainability alongside hospitality. General Director Marcus Cotton talks about Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in Nepal.
When you build or begin managing a lodge or resort, what are the non-negotiables in terms of connecting with the community in the area?
We built the lodge in 1997/8. It was constructed by all-local labour, not by building contractors, within a year, using only manual labour – no diggers and so on. It’s community first – we are part of the community just as much as anyone living there and we must honour and respect community feelings and cohesion. That means no activities outside the property without community buy-in, and support for community-based and led social and development initiatives. Nepal is the graveyard of donor-led and managed projects with great intent and zero sustainability! Success is about cooperation, communication and more listening than talking! It’s about respecting local cultural norms and working with people, not across them.
At the same time, what are the non-negotiables – for you – in terms of practically setting up your operation to be sustainable?
Sustainability and regenerative tourism must come first. If we are told what hotels “must have” – ignoring legal compliance issues for the purposes of this answer – and that conflicts with our sustainability position, then our hotel “does not have”: simple. The environment, culture, community and sustainable commerce come first in all decisions and strategy. You might recognise the 4Cs of the Long Run, of which we are a member. There are always work-arounds when it comes avoiding harmful practices, be they just explaining the why of what we have or do not have, to alternate practices that don’t have the adverse impacts.
How do the above decisions affect the way you market your destination and the activities there?
We tell the story of what we do, how we do it and why we do it – not shouting ad hominem, but one-to-one with guest enquirers, international agents and tour operators.
What have you found to be the most effective channels or platforms in this regard?
Direct communications over any channel or platform. It is a personal story to be told personally. That said, we are members of various associations that share our ethos and so they provide an environment for us. These include The Long Run, Rare Destinations [India], Secret Retreats [Pan Asia], and more.
How do you define “hospitality”?
Surely it is treating people in a commercial environment just as you would visitors in your own home?
As a traveller or holidaymaker, what do you look for when booking a destination?
Respect for the local environment, culture and community and clear, concise responses without marketing waffle.
What do you consider to be the unique selling point of your establishment?
The staff, first and foremost – 80% have been there since opening in 1998 – and the setting within the community, looking to the high Himalaya.
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge is a member of The Conscious Travel Foundation.