by Nancy Molina
There is no other industry in the world like the travel and tourism industry.
I know this is a bold statement, but I mean it. No other industry is able to connect people and places as profoundly like the travel and tourism industry can; that is regardless of background, gender, race, culture, etc.
I have been working in the industry for the past 15 years, travel to many countries and lead groups in many others, in my experience, I can truly say that the travel and tourism industry can impact our world in a very positive way.
Unfortunately, the travel industry is often perceived as a soft industry unable to generate the sufficient income for nations to thrive. However, the reality is that 1 in 10 jobs in the world are generated by the travel and tourism industry, employing some of the most vulnerable members of society: women and youth.
There are negative consequences of travel of course, as with any other industry, such as gas emissions, over-tourism, neglected communities, children/women exploitation, sex tourism and animal exploitation amongst others. These challenge us to think and act smarter. Now more than ever before, we have access to all the information before making a decision. We can make better informed decisions in travel: where to go, what activities to participate on, which operators to use, etc.
We have the potential to embrace a way of tourism that is more sustainable, more responsible and more ethical – but what does it all mean? Perhaps, time for all of us, as tourism partners, to get more serious and practical about: fair wealth distribution, the boost of local economies, equal opportunity/access to jobs, social and environmental responsibility.
To achieve this, we should evaluate our plans to travel bearing the following thoughts in mind:
WHERE?
There are areas all around us in each of our countries that could benefit from travel. Areas that are impacted due to their remoteness are a good place to start. Think less people, more authentic experiences, more community impact. If we support local communities and local business, respectfully learning about the places we go and people we meet, we can create a positive impact while we have the time our lives.
Visiting national parks and other conservancy areas are a great way to contribute to conservation as they have specific fees that are dedicated to this fund.
HOW?
Search for places off the beaten path, like-minded business and service providers, re-directing your travel money into places that invest in sustainable tourism and implement sustainable practices.
WHY?
As I mentioned above, we have the opportunity to travel better and change the way in which we spend and consume. As a result travel and tourism can become more sustainable, renewable and with positive lasting impacts in the communities and areas we travel to but also in the way we relate to them.
Finally, recognising the potential of tourism as a factor for positive impact in the world and in our countries is really important.
Understanding and recognising the impact we all have when we travel is a great starting point, as it brings accountability for our actions and sets us on a new path when we make decisions for our next destination.
Safe travels!
