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.
The pandemic offers the unique opportunity to reflect on the reality behind our exotic vacations and break the cycle of exploitation. Central to this would be an overhauling of labour systems, the introduction of labour and cultural sovereignty and measures to protect host communities from the results of a “vaccine apartheid”.
TOTA is an award-winning tourism association based in British Columbia, Canada, and a founding signatory of the Future of Tourism Coalition. In this interview with their vice president, we find out how they’re building upon the pillars of sustainable tourism to not only preserve and protect, but to create positive impacts and inspire meaningful change. Ellen also shares her top tips for destinations just embarking on their journey to become more sustainable.
