TExTour is a new project that will analyse and demonstrate new strategies for improving the socio-economic development of less known areas, but which have much cultural value. The overall aim is to conserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage while developing a tourism that is sustainable.
Many people are touting the vaccine as the saviour for our “new normal,” but this perspective is only reserved for those with privilege. The author suggests that if the tourism industry is serious about putting people first, then now is not the time to get on an airplane and take a trip. Instead, it is the time to support local businesses and to pressure local governments to financially support the tourism companies in our own communities.
As a result of overtourism, communities often choose to limit tourism at a destination. However, whilst many communities are concerned with ‘overtourism’, undertourism can be a bigger problem for many others. These communities dream of economic development, and with it jobs and opportunities. Either way, the host communities should be able to choose their vision of ideal tourism development.
The crises of 2020, particularly the pandemic and violence against Black Americans, have caused many travellers to rethink how and where to travel. The recent rollout of vaccines gives some hope that they may be able to enact their plans sometime in the next year or two – and shift towards more values-driven travel.
Adumu Safaris is a social impact safari company working in partnership with local communities to harness tourism’s potential to protect cultural and natural heritage. They successfully combine cultural immersion experiences with traditional safari itineraries, and have the ultimate aim of restoring thousands of hectares of Maasailand. Rebecca talks to husband and wife team David and Danielle to find out more.
