Palau Responsible Tourism Policy Framework 2017 - 2021.

The Responsible Tourism Policy Framework is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Policy Framework is 5 years between 2017 and 2021. The overall purpose of the Policy Framework is to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism in Palau by giving priority to tourism development and management, managing visitor economy, attracting targeted high-value markets, branding Palau in the global tourism sector, optimizing economic contribution to local economy, and by promoting public participation.
Food security will be ensured through the development in agriculture and fisheries sectors in line with the environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources.
Community awareness will be raised and their participation in responsible tourism planning and decision-making processes will be promoted.
Tourism development, management and marketing will be coordinated between public and private sector organizations to meet social, economic, environmental and cultural needs. Data collection and management will be developed and access to information will be improved to raise public awareness. Visitor economy will be managed responsibly to prevent negative impact on environment, cultural heritage and communities in accordance with the social and environmental impact assessments. In addition to that, efforts will be given to attract diverse, high-value and low-impact consumers with improved marketing activities and thereby to become a tourism brand with high-quality products and services. Tourism industry will be developed by establishing standards of quality, authenticity, health, safety and security. Furthermore small, medium and micro community enterprises will be supported by strengthening linkages with other sectors of the economy. In order to reduce reliance on imports, the production and selling of seafood will be regulated with a special emphasis on the protection of marine environment.
A National Tourism Coordination Board will be established to be responsible for the implementation of the Responsible Tourism Policy Framework and Action Plan. The Bureau of Tourism shall implement and coordinate the policies, projects and programs endorsed by the National Tourism Coordination Board in cooperation with other relevant institutions. Moreover the Bureau of Tourism shall monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Policy Framework. The responsible tourism development will be supported financially for the effective implementation of the Policy Framework.