The management structure is non-hierarchial and focused on cooperation, open flow of information, and efficient use of the resources in the organization. It is guided by a plan that is carefully designed to consider the affected individuals and groups. It includes a common vision, a design for dealing with conflict, and a methodology to incorporate subjective feelings and values of both local people and tourists in evaluating destinations. Periodic evaluations of marketing milestones and revenue and expense projections are incorporated in development plans. In a study of the development of Belize, community tourist initiatives, management, planning, and facilitation expertise was provided by persons with a northern cultural orientation during the early stages.
Technical assistance is essential in launching sustainable tourism projects.
Sustainable tourism managers are not born, they are developed. Sustainable tourism encourages small hotels and bed and breakfasts, crafts people, and tourist service groups to organize a service network. Such a network supports entrepreneurs to gain local investment and critical information. This network promotes local culture and hospitality and supports economic integration and development of the host community. It provides local entrepreneurs and service providers an entry point and position in the highly competitive tourism marketplace for a comparatively small investment.