B.9.    The activities of the company do not jeopardize the provision of basic services, such as water, energy, or sanitation, to neighboring communities.

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Tourism businesses can alter, disrupt or strain community infrastructure and basic services, adversely impacting local users and communities. In some cases, service providers, such as utility suppliers may favor businesses over local populations. Regular communication with local communities to ensure that normal business operations and enhance the socioeconomic and environmental character of the destination and do not reduce services available to the community or increase their cost is important.

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Potential Indicators

•    Changes in rates of energy/water/waste/disposal costs

•    Number of incidents/reports of outages, reduced service or quality
     of product for the local community as compared to company

•    Changes in energy/water/waste disposal costs as a % of
     community income

•    Availability of water, waste, and energy to the local community
     has been reduced as the result of the business’ activities (yes/no)