Mitchell and Ashley state that the “bulk of pro-poor tourism literature has not aimed at measuring impact… [and] is indeed recognized as a weakness in the pro-poor tourism literature by its proponents” (2010:5). The research paper aims to quantify the impact of businesses implementing pro-poor strategies to determine the value to local communities as well as the tourism business. The research paper quantifies the direct impact of the business on communities, determines the value proposition for the businesses as well as compares the partnership structures between the operators and communities. The paper provides practical examples of how differing pro-poor strategies may or may not generate a tangible impact for both parties. It demonstrates that business ventures can be profitable for both the private sector and the community; however, such success requires substantial input from the private operator, as well as a long-term approach to the business. Rylance, A and Spenceley, A (2014) wrote three case studies on inclusive tourism businesses in southern Africa, funded by GIZ and Endeva. However, the results of the case studies have not been compared and contrasted to identify common themes, opportunities and challenges. It will also develop and contribute to approaches in the pro-poor tourism literature developed by Ashley, Mitchell, Goodwin, Spenceley et al. The results provide insights for:

1. Practitioners working between local communities and the tourism industry in southern Africa;
2. Tourism businesses interested in establishing joint partnerships with local communities in rural environments; and,
3. National governments aiming to implement pro-poor tourism strategies.