Fostering responsible tourism business practices through collaborative capacity-building

![CDATA[This chapter reviews two collaborative research and development projects in Australia, both focused on improved sustainability outcomes by small businesses. Each was funded by the NSW State Government, and built on established partnerships between university researchers and a local government body (Manly Council, New South Wales), and the researchers and a tourism industry association (Caravan & Camping Industry Association NSW). A theoretical model of engagement and state government policy on sustainable development underpins the approach used to analyze the case studies. Both the local government area and the caravan and camping industry have benefited from a number of financial incentives. Industry champions have been highly influential, while an extension model of capacity building and training has also contributed to the successful strategies. The common barriers to adoption of environmental management systems by industry operators who chose not to participate have been concerns about time, expertise, cost and bureaucracy. These case studies demonstrate the importance of collaborative partnerships; of context-specific strategies and approaches; and of adaptive management models to include the evaluation of both success and failure of process.]]