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How can travel & tourÂism conÂtribÂute to a fairer world?
For this âGTâ Insight Bites, your corÂresÂpondÂent put the quesÂtion above to a range of travel & tourÂism stakeÂholdÂers, and invited writÂten responses of up to 300 words.
My thanks to all 15 respondents.
Their answers appear in the order in which I received them ⊠because itâs fair. đ
PreÂviÂous âGTâ Insight Bites:
At its best, tourism offers opportunities for all
Greg Bakunzi, Founder, Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development & Red Rocks Rwanda
The hosÂpitÂalÂity, travel, leisÂure, and recreÂation secÂtors are togethÂer very large, interÂconÂnecÂted, and reliÂant on each othÂer. Their most importÂant ecoÂnomÂic feaÂture is that they conÂtribÂute to three high-priÂorÂity goals, such as genÂerÂaÂtion of income, employÂment, and forÂeign exchange earnings.
The tourÂism industry leads to the creÂation of attracÂtions, resÂtaurÂants, enterÂtainÂment, and betÂter serÂvices in a comÂmunity. It has a posÂitÂive impact on othÂer indusÂtries too, such as agriÂculÂture, transÂport, and manÂuÂfacÂturÂing, not forÂgetÂting the potenÂtial posÂitÂive effects on the locÂal community.
This industry yields sigÂniÂficÂant ecoÂnomÂic and social beneÂfits around the world, and posÂsesses the power to change peopleâs lives for the betÂter by drivÂing ecoÂnomÂic growth and develÂopÂment, reduÂcing poverty through the proÂviÂsion of liveÂliÂhoods, and fosÂterÂing tolÂerÂance and peace through interÂculÂturÂal exchange and understanding.
TourÂism clearly conÂtribÂutes to the ecoÂnomÂic and social develÂopÂment of a nation, by drivÂing ecoÂnomÂic growth, creÂatÂing jobs and wealth, and fosÂterÂing trade and encourÂaging investÂment. And as it is built on a foundÂaÂtion of perÂson-to-perÂson engageÂment and cooperÂaÂtion, that fosters highÂer-level dipÂloÂmatÂic relaÂtions, and can conÂtribÂute to a more tolÂerÂant geoÂpolÂitÂicÂal cliÂmate and regionÂal integration.
For indiÂviduÂals who travel, the horiÂzon-expandÂing experÂiÂence of an exotÂic desÂtinÂaÂtion exposes them to culÂtures, cusÂtoms, and experÂiÂences that increase their tolÂerÂance and underÂstandÂing. That can be beneÂfiÂcial for hosts too.
At its best, tourÂism offers every indiÂviduÂal the opporÂtunÂity to take up jobs, acquire busiÂness and lanÂguage skills, and realÂise entreÂprenÂeurÂiÂal and othÂer proÂfesÂsionÂal opporÂtunÂitÂies, resÂultÂing in human capÂitÂal develÂopÂment, and upward social mobility.
Travel, tourism, hospitality can be fair
Saverio Francesco Bertolucci, Administrative Assistant, Alcambarcelona, Spain
Even though the travel & tourism/hospitality secÂtors are included in the same industry, their conÂtriÂbuÂtion to a fairer world is difÂferÂent and must be divided.
My preÂviÂous research â in Island StudÂies JournÂal and JournÂal of ResponsÂible TourÂism ManÂageÂment â clearly shows that tourÂism can be an asset for comÂmunity develÂopÂment, ecoÂnomÂic prosperÂity, and social well-being if backed by responsÂible rules that focus on inclusÂiveÂness, transÂparÂency, and efficiency.
Due to nevÂerendÂing tourÂism develÂopÂment, many desÂtinÂaÂtions sufÂfer from mass tourÂism, which is causÂing locÂal antÂagÂonÂism and backÂlash. In this situÂation, allowÂing most stakeÂholdÂersâ voices to be heard will yield a betÂter underÂstandÂing of the situation.
StakeÂholdÂers sitÂting togethÂer and talkÂing about their issues can be the basis for setÂting fair and pracÂticÂal comÂmon ground rules and effectÂive legisÂlatÂive compromises.
ConÂcernÂing travel, movÂing from one place to anothÂer is a daily action in the life of every human. In the curÂrent experÂiÂenÂtial tourÂism ecoÂnomy, indiÂviduÂals love to travel to get out of their comÂfort zones and visÂit new desÂtinÂaÂtions inhabÂited by people with difÂferÂent culÂtures and traditions.
Travel and fairÂness can be synÂonymÂous if travel is underÂstood to be a means towards recipÂrocÂal respect between host and guest. MutuÂal respect and sucÂcessÂful cohabÂitÂaÂtion â howÂever temÂporÂary â between parties can only hapÂpen if desÂtinÂaÂtions tarÂget, attract, and welÂcome the right customers.
Tourism is all about dealing with human beings
Susan Eardly, Founder, Serene Vacations, Sri Lanka
PasÂsionÂate travÂelÂlers will conÂtinÂue travelling.
Are serÂvice proÂviders ready to offer great serÂvice based on a fairer, more human approach to all their stakeholders?
While desÂtinÂaÂtions and tourÂism stakeÂholdÂers strive to regain lost ecoÂnomÂic posÂiÂtions in the afterÂmath of the COVÂID-induced recesÂsion, itâs importÂant for them to focus on a susÂtainÂabÂilÂity that is based on the basic valÂues of travel & tourÂism: RespectÂing people, nature, and difÂferÂent cultures.
TourÂism is all about dealÂing with human beings.
I believe that travel & tourÂism is more about the interests and creÂativÂity of travÂelÂlers than it is about the investÂments and revÂenÂues of serÂvice proÂviders. Thus travÂelÂlers can conÂtribÂute to fairÂness by respectÂing every culÂture they encounter, and helpÂing to ensure that envirÂonÂments are protected.
A colÂlabÂorÂatÂive approach towards a fairer world is vital.
To sumÂmarÂise, I would say that:
- Travel & tourÂism should respect people and proÂtect culÂture and nature.
- Travel & tourÂism will conÂtinÂue to face strong chalÂlenges such as cliÂmate change, new techÂnoÂloÂgies, ecoÂnomÂic downÂturns, and politÂicÂal and social issues, which will require a colÂlabÂorÂatÂive approach to overcome.
- DesÂtinÂaÂtions needs inclusÂive, susÂtainÂable, and resiÂliÂent govÂernance models.
- A more humanÂised approach to travel & tourÂism is essential.
Centralise different values over economic growth
Stasja Koot, Assistant Professor, Wageningen University, the Netherlands; Senior Research Fellow, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
The quesÂtion is based on the premise that tourÂism can make such a conÂtriÂbuÂtion, and although that someÂtimes hapÂpens, this premise needs scruÂtiny first.
Without denyÂing some jobs creÂated for a small numÂber of âlocÂalâ people, it is importÂant to acknowÂledge that this does not autoÂmatÂicÂally make travel & tourÂism âfairerâ.
Jobs creÂate salarÂies that people work for, filling in labour demands that the industry needs.
Moreover, most people workÂing in globÂal tourÂism are low-wage labourÂers, often under bad circumstances.
NonÂetheÂless, such jobs are often presenÂted as âbeneÂfitsâ by the industry. But, just like many philÂanÂthropÂic iniÂtiÂatÂives that the industry supÂports, these jobs do not conÂvinÂcingly address strucÂturÂal inequalities.
Moreover, based on my own work in NamÂiÂbia, South Africa, and IndoneÂsia I find it importÂant to stress that (eco)tourism needs much land, which is then unavailÂable for othÂer types of liveÂliÂhoods, while the jobs creÂated only employ a few.
HisÂtorÂicÂally, many such tracts of land that are now used for tourÂism were used for othÂer liveÂliÂhoods, and conÂtemÂporÂary jobs in tourÂism are embedÂded in neo-colonialism.
And there are ecoÂloÂgicÂal issues:
TourÂism, includÂing aviÂation, is highly conÂsumptive, thereby conÂtribÂutÂing to cliÂmate change, globÂal biodÂiversity loss, and pollution.
TourÂism increases ecoÂnomÂic growth, but capÂitÂalÂises on the limÂited availÂabÂilÂity of natÂurÂal resources. So to visÂit an âecoÂlodgeâ in South Africa when comÂing from Europe, for instance, is not âfairâ, as those already livÂing in the marÂgins of sociÂety are hardÂest hit by these ecoÂloÂgicÂal problems.
Travel & tourÂism is part of â and pushes forÂward â a much larÂger globÂal sysÂtem and ideoÂlogy that centÂralÂises conÂtinuÂous ecoÂnomÂic growth.
If we really want to make this industry fairer, othÂer valÂues need priÂorÂity, in parÂticÂuÂlar long-term socio-ecoÂnomÂic justice and envirÂonÂmentÂal susÂtainÂabÂilÂity at a globÂal scale.
We need to enact fairness principles
K Michael Haywood, Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph, Canada
The BerÂlin DeclarÂaÂtion revealed that a fairer world might emerge if, colÂlectÂively, we set our sights on âtransÂformÂing tourismâ.
In supÂport of the 2030 Agenda for SusÂtainÂable DevelÂopÂment many options to achieve this have emerged, includÂing comÂmunity-based tourÂism and degrowth, both of which have genÂerÂated interest and critique.
EveryÂone is conÂflicÂted as to how best to balÂance tourismâs wide range of beneÂfits, costs, and conÂsequences in difÂferÂent conÂtexts, comÂmunitÂies, and countries.
But, with whatâs conÂsidered fair and reasÂonÂable for one repÂresÂentÂing an anaÂthema to the othÂer, what are we to do?
Weâre well aware that the core ethÂicÂal value of fairÂness comes with morÂal obligÂaÂtions, usuÂally assoÂciÂated with the exerÂcise of power, that bestow beneÂfits or impose burdens.
In our variÂous capaÂcitÂies and roles, almost everyÂone has the power to give or withÂhold beneÂfits â jobs, money, praise, supÂport â and to impose burÂdens â excluÂsion, disÂapÂprovÂal, criÂtiÂcism, destruction.
Because we render judgeÂments that affect lives, we should be comÂpelled to take responsÂibÂilÂity, not just place the burÂden for change and transÂformÂaÂtion on others.
How might this play out?
In addiÂtion to my preÂviÂous comÂmentÂary and sugÂgesÂtions, conÂsider the importÂance of ensurÂing comÂmunitÂies-as-desÂtinÂaÂtions articÂuÂlate a meanÂingÂful purÂpose for tourism.
We would do well if we encourÂage ourselves and decision-makers to hone soft skills, purÂsue culÂturÂal fluÂency, and develÂop what psyÂchoÂloÂgists call âtheÂory of mindâ; the capaÂcity to infer how othÂers are thinkÂing and feelÂing, not only through narÂratÂive thought but through the develÂopÂment of conÂtexÂtuÂal intelÂliÂgence.
In more forthÂright terms, we need to enact fairÂness prinÂciples that utilÂise the âveil of ignorÂanceâ to test fairÂness; fairÂness that is conÂcerned with all our behaÂviours, decisions, and actions â proÂcesses and conÂsequences â to ensure that they are morÂally right, honÂourÂable, and equitable.
Even âmass tourismâ can contribute to a fairer world
Jim Butcher, Reader, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
I donât think anyÂone assoÂciÂated tourÂism with conÂtribÂutÂing to a fairer world up until the 1980s, when ethÂicÂal conÂsumpÂtion became a part of the politÂicÂal scene.
PriÂor to that, holÂiÂdays were holÂiÂdays, periÂod.
In 1987 KripÂpenÂdorf wrote The HolÂiÂday Makers. This well-known book marked out the start of the growth of âethÂicÂal tourismâ.
Then, from the 1990s, new ethÂicÂal tourÂism niches purÂporÂted to offer the chance to do good whilst havÂing fun.
Who could object to that?
EcoÂtourÂism turned from a vacaÂtion for nature lovÂers into a markÂer of a virÂtuÂous lifeÂstyle. VolunÂteer tourÂism tried to perÂsuade us that holÂiÂdays and savÂing the poor were of a piece.
BringÂing fairÂness through ethÂicÂal tourÂism niches is often the perÂformÂatÂive politÂics of the wealthy, with the poor as extras.
For me, a truly fairer world would be one in which the beneÂfits of modÂern sociÂety â includÂing tourÂism of all types â were more widely available.
The ethÂicÂal tourÂism niches that trade on âfairÂnessâ are often assoÂciÂated with a romantic conÂcepÂtion of the comÂmunity, the vilÂlage, and locÂal cusÂtoms; to be preÂserved in the face of a threat from modÂernÂity.
I am absoÂlutely symÂpathÂetÂic to people who feel tourÂism impinges upon importÂant aspects of their life and culÂture, and is in that sense âunfairâ. Weâve seen instances of that recently, from the MaaÂsai Mara to Machu Pichu and MalÂlorca.
But the bigÂger, negÂlected issue is that the choices of those comÂmunitÂies, and the indiÂviduÂals withÂin, them are conÂstrained by a lack of wealth.
The biggest unfairÂnesses in our sociÂety stem from a deniÂal of wealth, not from a surÂfeit of modÂern develÂopÂment. In that sense mass tourÂism and its growth could be said to conÂtribÂute to a fairer world.
Kindness and respect matters
Karen Simmonds, Founder, Travel Matters & Make Travel Matter, UK
Travel & tourÂism enables us to meet new people and experÂiÂence their culÂture and land.
When we travel, we are reminded that we are visÂitÂors cared for by hosts in the comÂmunitÂies we visit.
If we all gave more thought and conÂsidÂerÂaÂtion when we travel, people and the planÂet would be in a betÂter place.
DemonÂstratÂing kindÂness and treatÂing people with respect surely has a posÂitÂive impact on fairness.
We exist togethÂer.
The GuidÂing PrinÂciples of the Future of TourÂism CoaliÂtion provide a clear morÂal and busiÂness imperÂatÂive for buildÂing a fairer tourÂism industry while proÂtectÂing the places and people on which it depends.
At Travel MatÂters we believe that oneâs travel experÂiÂence should be reflecÂted in self-growth as a human being, parÂticÂuÂlarly in relaÂtion to oneÂself and others.
Through our Make Travel MatÂter camÂpaign we eduÂcate travÂelÂlers on how their behaÂviour can conÂtribÂute to a betÂter way of travÂelÂling, enabling more conÂscious decisions.
We want travÂelÂlers to be more proÂactÂive in relaÂtion to proÂtectÂing the envirÂonÂment and the comÂmunitÂies they encounter along the way.
Our wish is to make peopleâs travels really matÂter, and we want their travel experÂiÂences to be comÂplete with learnÂing from the involveÂment of host communities.
Scotland hopes for a âhappier and fairer place for everyoneâ
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive, VisitScotland, UK
The world has changed since the outÂbreak of COVID-19. SeisÂmic shifts have been inesÂcapÂable for the tourÂism industry.
In ScotÂland, as in many counÂtries, the damÂaging impact of the panÂdemÂic has been keenly felt. But it gave us time to reflect.
Recent research by VisÂitScotÂland has found a great deal of agreeÂment amongst the resÂidÂent popÂuÂlaÂtion on the importÂance of tackÂling issues such as cliÂmate change, and some willÂingÂness when it comes to chanÂging future travel behaviours.
For years sucÂcess has been measÂured in visÂitÂor numÂbers. CriÂtiÂcism has come quickly if the numÂbers go down, but now is the time to look at how we can encourÂage people to slow down, stay longer, and ensure that tourÂism in ScotÂland can be enjoyed by all.
In 2021, VisÂitScotÂland launched the ScotÂSpirÂit HolÂiÂday VouchÂer Scheme to help low-income famÂilÂies and unpaid carers, who might not be able to take a short holÂiÂday, take time out to enjoy the best of Scotland.
Itâs importÂant that we work to supÂport those busiÂnesses that hold up the industry, from airÂlines to cafes, hotels to farm parks. A careÂful balÂance must be estabÂlished between the ecoÂnomÂics of restartÂing busiÂnesses and creÂatÂing jobs and ensurÂing that comÂmunitÂies donât feel that their vital resources are being threatened.
The realÂity of responsÂible tourÂism is in encourÂaging visÂitÂors to spread throughÂout the counÂtry and year. This will mean an enhanced experÂiÂence for visÂitÂors, a betÂter time for comÂmunitÂies, betÂter seaÂsonÂal and regionÂal outÂcomes, and an all-round hapÂpiÂer and fairer place for everyone.
We know that tourÂism is a force for good. It creÂates jobs, susÂtains comÂmunitÂies, conÂtribÂutes sigÂniÂficÂantly to the ecoÂnomy, and improves our well-being. As the industry recovÂers, we hope it can do so in a more inclusÂive and mindÂful manner.
Travel & tourism can contribute to fairness âon every levelâ. But âŠ
John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation, Minor Hotels (Anantara & AVANI)
How can travel & tourÂism conÂtribÂute to a fairer world? Done right? On every level!
The most obviÂous is wealth redistribution.
Wealth can flow from those who have enough to afford the luxÂury of movÂing themÂselves temÂporÂarÂily to anothÂer place to see someÂthing new, or to relax in a pristine envirÂonÂment, to those who perÂhaps donât and whose abilÂity to afford the funÂdaÂmentÂals of life can be improved.
A proÂporÂtion of every dolÂlar spent in and on a tourÂism desÂtinÂaÂtion will filÂter through to the locÂal comÂmunity; the trick is to find desÂtinÂaÂtions, busiÂnesses, and govÂernÂment tax regimes that ensure that proÂporÂtion is as large as possible.
Less dirÂectly, the act of travel, of seeÂing new things and meetÂing new people, helps foster underÂstandÂing between culÂtures, a willÂingÂness to know and see the âothÂerâ, and to underÂstand difÂferÂent perÂspectÂives on life.
Once you underÂstand people you are more likely to want to help them in whatever small way when you can. Stronger conÂnecÂtions â and motivÂaÂtions to help â are formed with people you have met, places you have been.
Of course, if done badly, travel & tourÂism can lead to greatÂer unfairness.
ComÂmunitÂies can be drivÂen unfairly from their land, people can be smuggled and forced to work for a non-livÂing wage, food prices might increase, or rare resources may be givÂen to travÂelÂlers for the profit of the few rather than those who need it.
The potenÂtial for unfairÂness is why it is importÂant not to travel in blinkers.
Look around you. Donât supÂport things that feel unfair.
ImportÂantly, look for GlobÂal SusÂtainÂable TourÂism CounÂcil cerÂtiÂficÂaÂtion for accomÂmodÂaÂtion, travel operÂatÂors, and destinations.
And book dirÂect with comÂmunitÂies if you can.
Life isnât fair and neither is travel & tourism
Melanie Kay Smith, Associate Professor / Programme Leader, Budapest Metropolitan University, Hungary
As chilÂdren, how many times did we hear the words âlife isnât fairâ?
The same is unforÂtuÂnately true of tourÂism. It is still largely a privÂilege of the well-off and, with rising fuel and livÂing costs, it is likely to stay that way.
Post-COVÂID, eduÂcated middle classes everyÂwhere are torÂturÂing themÂselves with the decision of when, if, and how to travel. They are hesÂitÂatÂing before bookÂing flights and (quite rightly) conÂsidÂerÂing issues of envirÂonÂmentÂal sustainability.
Are we being fair to the planÂet when we place undue burÂden on its resources? DesÂpite rising awareÂness of conÂserÂvaÂtion needs and wildÂlife proÂtecÂtion in some desÂtinÂaÂtions, no-one could argue that the posÂitÂive envirÂonÂmentÂal impacts of tourÂism outÂweigh the negatives!
HowÂever, it is importÂant to rememÂber that the fairÂness of travel & tourÂism also relates to supÂportÂing the ecoÂnomÂies of desÂtinÂaÂtion and comÂmunitÂies, espeÂcially those that were preÂviÂously dependÂent on tourism.
If, for example, Europeans stop takÂing long haul flights, what will this mean for develÂopÂing counÂtries in Asia or Africa?
Are we being fair to those desÂtinÂaÂtions when we favour our own relÂatÂively well-developed nationÂal ecoÂnomÂies with our staycÂaÂtions, excurÂsions, and domestÂic travels?
FairÂness also means ensurÂing that travel is posÂsible for the greatest numÂber of people in sociÂety. But is tourÂism a luxÂury or a necesÂsity? Is it a basic human right?
The answer to this is not altoÂgethÂer clear in an era of post-overÂtourÂism where it is only too obviÂous that over-conÂsumpÂtion of any kind is unsustainable.
Ideally, govÂernÂment funds should be made availÂable for social tourÂism to allow less well-off memÂbers of sociÂety to travel too. But this brings us back to whethÂer tourÂism is a necesÂsity or a right and determÂinÂing who should pay.
It seems that we are all payÂing the price for the privÂilege of the few.
Tourism can contribute to a more âequitableâ world
Richard A Shepard, Trustee & CEO, Sustainable Rural Development International, UK
Iâd like to change the quesÂtion. It should not be a âfairerâ world, but a more âequitÂableâ one. Itâs too long to delve into the disÂtincÂtion, but there is one. Most conÂflate the two.
In essence âfairÂnessâ means treatÂing everyÂone the same while âequityâ requires a more nuanced approach that takes into conÂsidÂerÂaÂtion mulÂtiple factors.
If stuÂdents, for example, were treated fairly, then all stuÂdents would be afforded the same strucÂtured eduÂcaÂtion. But no, we treat them equitÂably. StuÂdents with speÂcial needs are provided difÂferÂent opportunities.
HavÂing reframed the quesÂtion, the short answer is âyes, butâ.
TourÂism can conÂtribÂute to a more equitÂable world, so long as locÂal ecoÂnomÂic needs, envirÂonÂment, and social strucÂtures are taken into consideration.
It means that tourÂism needs to be taken to a more granÂuÂlar level, from the ground up, to look at locÂal needs and capacity.
That is the whole point, I think, of susÂtainÂable tourÂism because conÂcrete actions can be taken to make tourÂism more equitÂable locÂally, rarely nationally.
DesÂtinÂaÂtions can determÂine what is best for themÂselves. In the majorÂity of cases they can only do that with the guidÂance, assistÂance, and locÂal buy-in of all stakeÂholdÂers in the tourÂism value chain.
Changes made locÂally can impact nationÂal policies if impleÂmenÂted graduÂally and conÂsistÂently. Grand stateÂments of policy from nationÂal govÂernÂments â or for that matÂter in giant conÂferÂences â usuÂally delivÂer no conÂcrete results.
LocÂal endeavÂours can also ensure that the majorÂity of travÂelÂler expenditÂure stays in the desÂtinÂaÂtion where it will beneÂfit the people who provide the services.
In our experÂiÂence, when locÂal people are allowed to organÂise, plan, and improve their liveÂliÂhoods, the locÂal envirÂonÂment and culÂture is also betÂter protected.
TourÂism can conÂtribÂute to equity by recogÂnising locÂal needs and actÂing accordÂingly, while influÂenÂcing nationÂal policies and goals.
âUbuntuâ may help tourism in southern Africa become fairer
Shamiso Nyajeka, Masters student, Dalarna University, Sweden
With milÂlions of travÂelÂlers movÂing across the globe, creÂatÂing bilÂlions in export revÂenÂues each year, the travel & tourÂism industry is well posiÂtioned to play mulÂtiple roles in transÂferÂring wealth from richÂer sociÂetÂies to poorer ones, steerÂing the world towards a more equal society.
As simple as this may sound, it is marred by sevÂerÂal comÂplexÂitÂies. For instance, while Europe accounts for nearly 40% of interÂnaÂtionÂal tourÂism receipts, Africa, a region with a subÂstanÂtial proÂporÂtion of the worldâs poor, only genÂerÂates 3%.
This shows the gravÂity of inequalÂity on a globÂal scale.
HowÂever, for tourÂism to make a meanÂingÂful conÂtriÂbuÂtion to a fairer world, the focus should not only be on the disÂparÂitÂies among regions but also withÂin countries.
From a southÂern AfricÂan perÂspectÂive, govÂernance has been a major barÂriÂer to realÂising tourismâs potenÂtial to reduce inequalÂitÂies withÂin countries.
CorÂrupÂtion and politÂicÂal power struggles often skew the beneÂfits of tourÂism towards the few elites at the expense of the community.
In the absence of good govÂernance, tourismâs conÂtriÂbuÂtion to reduÂcing inequalÂitÂies remains a disÂtant dream.
DesÂpite some adopÂtion of pro-poor, comÂmunity-based, and susÂtainÂable tourÂism pracÂtices there is still a glarÂing inequalÂity gap in our region.
It is perÂhaps an ideal time to conÂsider embraÂcing Ubuntu, an ideoÂlogy that has susÂtained southÂern AfricÂan sociÂetÂies for generations.
Without takÂing anyÂthing away from existÂing approaches, Ubuntu is natÂurÂally more relatÂable to the inhabÂitÂants of southÂern Africa.
Ubuntu valÂues are centred on âhumanÂnessâ: Serving the comÂmunity; a responsÂibÂilÂity to and for each othÂer; and priÂorÂitÂising human develÂopÂment, comÂpasÂsion, and empathy.
EmbraÂcing these homegrown valÂues in tourÂism govÂernance may not be the panÂacea to develÂopÂment in our region, but could help us creÂate a conÂduÂcive frameÂwork for the sectorâs conÂtriÂbuÂtion to a fairer society.
People and planet over profit
Edwin Magio, Teaching & Research Assistant, Moi University, Kenya; Commonwealth Scholar, Leeds Beckett University, UK
Travel & tourÂism has an impact on the world and thereÂfore must be designed and manÂaged in a way that beneÂfits everyone.
Here I provide three insights into how travel & tourÂism can conÂtribÂute to a betÂter world for all:
ShiftÂing the industry towards greatÂer equity
DesÂpite efforts to advance susÂtainÂable tourÂism, fairÂness for disÂadÂvantÂaged locÂal groups, includÂing the poor, ethÂnic minorÂitÂies, and indiÂgenÂous peoples, has been slow to emerge.
For example, only a small fracÂtion of tourÂism spendÂing goes to the MaaÂsai comÂmunity here in Kenya.
Travel & tourÂism stakeÂholdÂers must integÂrate equity into their interÂvenÂtions by meanÂingÂfully includÂing comÂmunitÂies, espeÂcially indiÂgenÂous and disÂadÂvantÂaged groups, in decision makÂing and ensurÂing that beneÂfits are shared equitably.
AddressÂing human rights issues
The tourÂism industry has a repuÂtaÂtion for poor workÂing conÂdiÂtions charÂacÂterÂised by low wages and seaÂsonÂalÂity. ThereÂfore, conÂsidÂerÂable efforts should be made to ensure the rights of workers.
StakeÂholdÂers must ensure that those workÂing in the travel & tourÂism secÂtor are adequately comÂpensated, treated approÂpriÂately, and givÂen proÂmoÂtion opportunities.
In addiÂtion, reforms are needed to preÂvent disÂcrimÂinÂaÂtion, and to proÂmote the health and well-being of people who are parÂticÂuÂlarly vulÂnerÂable, such as chilÂdren, women, indiÂgenÂous peoples, ethÂnic minorÂitÂies, and people with disabilities.
ConÂsidÂerÂing people and planÂet over profit
We have witÂnessed how ecoÂnomÂic returns and presÂsures to meet visÂitÂor needs can overÂride the genuÂine aspirÂaÂtions of locÂals and conÂcerns for the natÂurÂal environment.
If we want to creÂate long-term susÂtainÂabÂilÂity for the world â and a fairer world â we must priÂorÂitÂise the interests of comÂmunitÂies and the envirÂonÂment over profits.
There are othÂer ways to get tourÂism on track to conÂtribÂute to a fairer world. HowÂever, in my opinÂion, these three are best placed to make the greatest strides.
Fairness important in every meeting, plan, and policy
Nico Eden, Founder, Eden Consulting
A way in which the travel & tourÂism industry can conÂtribÂute to a fairer world is by revÂenÂue-sharÂing through locÂal comÂmitÂtees focussed on comÂmunity development.
This strucÂture drives socio-ecoÂnomÂic and envirÂonÂmentÂal iniÂtiÂatÂives, as both conÂserÂvaÂtion and comÂmunity walk hand-in-hand.
It is also essenÂtial to work with and listen to locÂal comÂmunitÂies on how to develÂop susÂtainÂable pracÂtices, and share methÂods and techÂniques together.
And, where posÂsible, it is importÂant to work with locÂal supÂpliÂers that share simÂilÂar valÂues and who are able to demonÂstrate how and what they are doing conÂtribÂutes to a âfairer worldâ.
EmpowerÂing employÂees with resources and encourÂaging them to take action withÂin their respectÂive comÂmunitÂies can creÂate longevÂity for susÂtainÂable action.
In short, focus on âPeople, PurÂpose, and Profitâ.
SharÂing iniÂtiÂatÂives with travÂelÂlers through purÂpose-drivÂen guest experÂiÂences invites them to be part of the posÂitÂive impact narÂratÂive and rewards them with inspiration.
None of us would have preÂdicted the turÂbuÂlence the industry experÂiÂenced over the last few years. Crisis manÂageÂment has been at the foreÂfront of operations.
HowÂever, durÂing that time there has been an evolÂuÂtion in the travel & tourÂism industry and the mindÂset of our guests. We have seen a great uptick in conÂsumer interest and spendÂing on purÂpose-drivÂen tourÂism, and a growÂing demand for experÂiÂences that have comÂmunity and conÂserÂvaÂtion valÂues at all levels.
A fairer world should be an importÂant conÂsidÂerÂaÂtion in every busiÂness plan, every board meetÂing, and every policy manÂdate across all secÂtors and industries.
And investÂing in a green future for all of us is not only a good busiÂness decision but is also good for the planÂet, as Jeremy Rifkin tells us in his book A Green New Deal.
Itâs âlike dreaming the impossible dreamâ
Bert van Walbeek, consultant, author, and lecturer, UK
Before answerÂing that quesÂtion, anothÂer quesÂtion: âWhat is fair?â
AccordÂing to the Oxford LanÂguage DicÂtionÂary it means: âTreatÂing people equally without favorÂitÂism or discrimination.â
Fair describes someÂthing as being free of bias or injustice. Fair also describes someÂthing as being done accordÂing to the rules, or as neither good nor bad.
RegretÂtably, these days we live in a world full of bias, injustice, and evil conÂflicts worldÂwide that disÂrespect all rules.
Above all, inequalÂity disÂproÂporÂtionÂately affects the vast majorÂity of people livÂing on our planet.
The worldâs popÂuÂlaÂtion in 2019 (the last ânorÂmalâ tourÂism year) was 7.7 bilÂlion and the WTTC reporÂted 1.5 bilÂlion interÂnaÂtionÂal visÂitÂor arrivals. This means that at least 6.2 bilÂlion inhabÂitÂants of this world did not have the opporÂtunÂity to travel internationally.
SeniÂor govÂernÂment and busiÂness execÂutÂives tell each othÂer at conÂferÂences that travel & tourÂism is one of the most importÂant ecoÂnomÂic secÂtors worldwide.
But there is a huge price to pay. TourÂism reinÂforces social inequalÂity, leads to envirÂonÂmentÂal probÂlems, and strains locÂal culÂtures due to the demonÂstraÂtion effect.
LookÂing for answers to the quesÂtion reminds me of a chanÂson called âParole, Paroleâ.
âEncore des mots, touÂjours des mots, les mĂȘmes motsâ
(âStill words, always words, the same wordsâ)
The only way travel & tourÂism evenÂtuÂally might conÂtribÂute to a fairer world is by eduÂcatÂing the next generation(s) and trainÂing the present stakeÂholdÂers, includÂing conÂsumers, on topÂics such as:
- Respect for forÂeign cultures;
- EcoÂloÂgicÂal compatibility;
- InvolveÂment of the locÂal popÂuÂlaÂtion; and
- Human rights.
ThereÂfore, as long as âconÂtribÂutÂing to a fairer worldâ is used as a sleepÂing aid for our self-serving conÂscience in this world full of bias and injustice, the quesÂtion raised is, sadly but realÂistÂicÂally, like dreamÂing the impossible dream.
It is not about how, but a matÂter of when.
What do you think?
What do you think? Share your own thoughts in a comÂment below. Or write a deepÂer âGTâ Insight. The âGood TourÂismâ Blog welÂcomes diversity of opinÂion and perÂspectÂive about travel & tourÂism, because travel & tourÂism is everyoneâs business.
FeaÂtured image (top of post): Fair fun for some. There are diverse perÂspectÂives on how travel & tourÂism can conÂtribÂute to a fairer world. Photo of Coney Island through a chain link fence by sebasÂtien cordÂat (CC0) via Unsplash.