The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of social impact
assessment (SIA) to provide a practical method to assist in responsible
tourism development and facilitate the pragmatic approach hitherto
lacking. We considered this by conducting a trial study in Bulgaria to
investigate whether SIA could be effectively embedded into the existing
processes and operations of a local travel company (Odysseia-In).
Odysseia-In specialises in adventure and cultural tours in rural communities
in Bulgaria. Our research also sought to build the capacity of
Odysseia-In staff to own and use the SIA process so that they could better
understand and demonstrate what they are doing to be a responsible
travel company, and more actively manage their social impacts as part of their commitment to pioneering responsible tourism practice in
Bulgaria.