STAR, the Self-assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations, is an online self-assessment tool for use by local public authorities in rural destinations. Its aim is to support rural destinations in assessing and comparing their resources, policies, practices and development in accordance with UN Tourism guidelines, providing a self-assessment and gauge of their tourism development levels.
This self-assessment allows each destination to determine its strengths and weaknesses within the scope of tourism sector policies, strategies and interventions. The goal is to promote sustainable tourism development and thus contribute to the overall growth of rural communities.
The STAR tool is available for all rural destinations in UN Tourism member countries. Authorities interested in using this tool to assess their tourism development are given a guide containing recommendations for implementing a sustainable, inclusive, smart tourism model.
Based on the unique responses provided by each destination, STAR generates a set of customised recommendations that focus mainly on priority areas of action. Special attention is given to strategic planning, marketing, promotion, training and education, policy development, diversification of products and services, infrastructure, environmental and cultural preservation, collaboration with local actors, access to funding, data and measuring results, among other aspects.
STAR was created by the UN Tourism's Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which aims to promote the role of tourism in enhancing and preserving rural areas, along with their landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity, values and related local activities. The programme prioritises innovative and transformative approaches to developing tourism in rural destinations that contribute to the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social and environmental), in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
