Good news in travel & tourism July-August 2022
“Good news in travel & tourism” wraps up two months of “Good Tourism” & “GT” Travel news, insights, and experiences.
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- “Good Tourism” Insights
- “Good Tourism” Insight Bites
- “Good Tourism” Insight Interview
- Good news from friends
Global | Africa | Asia - Friends indeed
“GT” Insights: Informed perspectives on the industry
The “Good Tourism” Blog publishes informed opinions on the issues facing the travel & tourism industry, everyone’s business. “GT” Insights are diverse perspectives written by, for, and about our sector. Here are the most recent:
To grow, or not to grow? A modern hero’s soliloquy
To pursue a strategy of tourism industry growth or degrowth is a destination-by-destination question, argues Ivana Damnjanović in her second “Good Tourism” Insight: “To grow, or not to grow? A modern hero’s soliloquy”
Travel & tourism degrowth to what end? Relationships that matter
‘Tourism degrowth’ is viewed suspiciously by some as a conspiracy to tear down capitalism and vastly reduce travel. According to Tazim Jamal, however, tourism degrowth is much more about fostering healing and nurturing relationships with people and our planet. And she thinks that we should transcend labels and divisions. “Travel & tourism degrowth to what end? Relationships that matter”
Buddhist travel & tourism trails offer post-pandemic potential in Mekong
Noting that themed travel & tourism niches have been a growing trend for at least two decades, veteran publisher Jaffee Yee has identified the potential for the Mekong-region nations of Southeast Asia to tap their rich Buddhist heritage to attract and disperse a large regional and global market. “Buddhist travel & tourism trails offer post-pandemic potential in Mekong”
Belgian B&B implements sustainable circular solutions: A case study
A bed & breakfast in Nieuwpoort, Belgium has leveraged the support of a European Union-funded project to implement viable ‘circular’ solutions. According to authors Angelo Sciacca, Lucien von Schomberg, and Eline Brutyn, the B&B’s owners have set a good example for other travel & tourism entrepreneurs to follow. “Belgian B&B implements sustainable circular solutions: A case study”
“GT” Insight Bites: Diverse perspectives on important topics
A “GT” Insight Bites post is a collection of short written responses to an identical set of propositions and/or questions that The “Good Tourism” Blog puts to a diverse range of travel & tourism stakeholders. Here is the most recent:
“GT” Insight Bites: Diverse perspectives on travel & tourism and a fairer world
How can travel & tourism contribute to a fairer world? Your correspondent put this question to a range of travel & tourism stakeholders, and invited written responses of up to 300 words. Click/touch a name to go to their answer:
- Greg Bakunzi — At its best, tourism offers opportunities for all
- Saverio Francesco Bertolucci — Travel, tourism, hospitality can be fair
- Susan Eardly — Tourism is all about dealing with human beings
- Stasja Koot — Centralise different values over economic growth
- Michael Haywood — We need to enact fairness principles
- Jim Butcher — Even ‘mass tourism’ can contribute to a fairer world
- Karen Simmonds — Kindness and respect matter
- Malcolm Roughead — Scotland hopes for a ‘happier and fairer place’
- John Roberts — Travel & tourism can contribute ‘on every level’. But …
- Melanie Kay Smith — Life isn’t fair and neither is travel & tourism
- Richard A Shepard — Tourism can contribute to a more ‘equitable’ world
- Shamiso Nyajeka — ‘Ubuntu’ may help southern African tourism become fairer
- Edwin Magio — People and planet over profit
- Nico Eden — Fairness important in every meeting, plan, and policy
- Bert van Walbeek — It’s ‘like dreaming the impossible dream’
- What do you think?
Previous “GT” Insight Bites:
- Diverse perspectives on economic degrowth and tourism
- Diverse perspectives on visitor dispersion
“GT” Insight Interviews: Direct quotes in context
A “GT” Insight Interview is presented in a simple Q&A format. In the spirit of “GT”, where ‘gotcha’ journalism is not a thing, the interviewer ensures that the interviewee’s considered answers to the questions are faithfully represented in full and in their proper context. Here is the most recent:
Invisible changemaker: A pioneer of community-based tourism in Ethiopia
In the first of her ‘Invisible Changemaker’ interviews, Elisa Spampinato chats with Mark Chapman, a pioneer of community-based tourism in Ethiopia, in “Invisible changemaker: A pioneer of community-based tourism in Ethiopia”.
“Good Tourism” is where free thought travels
Did you ever want to write a thoughtful piece about the state of the tourism industry; how we got here; how we can make it better (or avoid the worst)?
Has a lack of confidence in your writing held you back? Well, please don’t let it.
Your correspondent is here to help you publish your “GT” Insight, just as I’ve helped professors translate their Acadamese into plain English; just as I’ve helped those for whom English is their second (or more) language.
If you submit a draft that complies with the simple “GT” Insight guidelines, I will personally copy edit your work and ensure that you are happy with it before I click ‘Publish’.
It’s part of “GT’s” mission to offer a platform for truly diverse perspectives.
“GT” Travel Experiences: Informed inspiration for travellers
The “Good Tourism” Blog’s young sibling The “GT” Travel Blog publishes informed inspiration and top tips for travellers from tourism insiders. Here are the most recent “GT” Travel Experiences:
Where wine was born and the local cheeses are prized: Alaverdi, Georgia
“The monks at this monastery have had time to perfect their wines. They’ve been fermenting grapes from the surrounding vineyards since the 11th century. But that’s relatively recent. Georgians have been making wine for 8 millennia. […] To say that this is a tradition is an understatement.” _ Richard Shepard, founder & trustee of Sustainable Rural Development International, in “Where wine was born and the local cheeses are prized: Alaverdi, Georgia”.
From New Delhi to Leh on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road
“The road, which the British Raj built in 1850, is still considered ‘off the beaten track’ by travellers, despite the magnificent views it offers and the wonderful places it passes through. This prospect was very appealing to me. So, for the first time in my life, I booked a group tour …” _ Dr Rieki Crins, founder of the Learning Exchange Foundation and the Bongde Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, in “From New Delhi to Leh on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road”.
Good news from friends
Good news in travel & tourism from the wonderful organisations that make “GT” possible. Here is some of what happened this month in the “Good Tourism” network:
Global good news from friends
Open letter to UNWTO, UNEP, UNFCCC, and Glasgow tourism climate action signatories
Published by “GT” on August 12, 2022, an open letter from SUNx Malta to the heads of UNWTO, UNEP, UNFCCC, and the signatories of the Glasgow Declaration: Climate Action in Tourism: “SUNx Malta is one of the charter signatories to the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism, and we fully support the goals […] It is in this spirit of collaboration [that] we are offering to provide the CFT Registry as a neutral vehicle for companies and communities to list their climate and sustainability action plans, as well as to record progress over time. This will also allow full transparency for travellers and residents. There is no charge …” Continue reading at “Open letter to UNWTO, UNEP, UNFCCC, and Glasgow tourism climate action signatories”.
How to create a tourism trail: Understanding the benefits and the challenges
Published August 22, 2022: “Ever wondered what goes into creating a tourism trail? [Consider] a new online short course created by the Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore (CRTS) […] The tourism trails course is the latest in CRTS’ series of short online courses designed for aspiring responsible tourism practitioners [to] establish a foundation of knowledge, and a framework for thinking about various aspects of a responsible travel & tourism industry. They are always fresh …” Continue reading at “How to create a tourism trail: Understanding the benefits and the challenges”.
CABI Tourism Cases upgrades its digital presence
CABI Tourism Cases has moved to a new platform, the ‘CABI Digital Library’. Here you can search all CABI’s tourism-related content, read their blogs, news, and more. Users can create saved searches and be alerted to new content. There is also a ‘contribute’ section with a number of ‘call for cases’.
Enrolments for SUNx’ Climate Friendly Travel Diploma open
“Applications for the world’s first online course on Climate Friendly Travel are now OPEN,” exclaimed SUNx Malta on their socials. “[A]cquire new skills and qualifications to prepare for tomorrow’s tourism industry.” SUNx works with the Institute of Tourism Studies Malta to conduct the course. More information.
CRTS offers free online short course on tourism ethics
“Tourism can potentially bring positive impacts to local places and people, but can also create harm and inconveniences,” according to the Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore (CRTS). CRTS’ free online short course (available to anyone in the world with an internet connection) will cover “many different interesting impacts [and] ethical dilemmas”.
‘We need a moonshot for true-zero aviation’
Geoffrey Lipman (SUNx co-founder) and Christoph Wolff (former World Economic Forum executive committee member) have written about “why and how the aviation sector must help secure Climate Justice & Sustainability for the World’s poorest ‘Base of the Pyramid’ States, as they move to Zero GHG 2050″. The story is also linked from the July edition of SUNx’ eXist newsletter.
SUNx Malta, ETC collaboration yields action
The European Travel Commission (representing 33 national tourism organisations) recently signed a Sustainable Development Goal #17 agreement with SUNx Malta. The collaboration has produced “three concrete actions to advance Climate Friendly Travel in Europe”.
ASSET‑H&C acknowledges World Humanitarian Day
On World Humanitarian Day, Friday, August 19, ASSET‑H&C posted to Facebook: “[W]e are proud to support humanitarian efforts by connecting hospitality and catering schools that provide training for vulnerable youth and enable them to become the agencies of their own lives.”
Good news from friends in Africa
Rwanda’s neighbours to learn conservation, sustainable development practices
Published August 17, 2022: “Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development will launch the ‘Virunga Transboundary Initiative’ in 2022. The Initiative will share its conservation and sustainable development concepts with neighbouring countries following their success in Rwanda. The Virunga Transboundary Initiative will include communities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that share the Virunga massif with those in Rwanda.” Continue reading at “Rwanda’s neighbours to learn conservation, sustainable development practices”.
10th annual Rwandan cultural festival coincides with gorilla naming ceremony
Published August 15, 2022: “The 10th Red Rocks Cultural Festival comes to Musanze district, Rwanda, August 26-September 2, 2022, coinciding with the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony on the slopes of Virunga Mountain. Red Rocks Cultural Center [is hosting] the event at its premises in Nyakinama village, Musanze district, Rwanda with additional celebrations in nearby Mukungwa town and Kinigi, Virunga Mountain. Entrance is without charge. Accommodation and food are available at cost.” Continue reading at “10th annual Rwandan cultural festival to coincide with gorilla naming ceremony”.
Red Rocks assists socioeconomic development in Virunga massif
Red Rocks Rwanda’s ecotourism programs continue to provide nature-positive employment to Virunga locals, mostly youth and women, which has led to their economic and social development. Rather than rely on wishful thinking, Red Rocks ensures these outcomes by partnering with other ventures, NGOs, and volunteers to pursue the diverse programs of Red Rocks Initiatives.
Red Rocks arts for conservation
The Red Rocks art gallery was set up to promote the cultural heritage of the people living around it; encourage the community to tell the Rwandan story through arts, crafts, music, dance, and dramatic performance; and train and nurture talent. Locals can tap into these opportunities and earn a living from their work, much of which has a conservation theme. Red Rocks Rwanda. Red Rocks Initiatives.
Good news from friends in Asia
Award-winning Anurak ecotourism experience reopens in southern Thailand
Published July 26, 2022: “Anurak Community Lodge, an award-winning ecotourism experience in southern Thailand, has fully reopened following two years of COVID-related uncertainty. The 19-unit nature retreat, which won the PATA Grand Award for Sustainability in 2020, and is Travelife Gold certified [reopened] with room enhancements, a refreshed food and beverage menu – including southern ‘jungle’ dinners – and new guest activities, such as hiking the Anurak Trail, cycling, and guest participation in the ecolodge’s ‘Rainforest Rising’ reforestation project.” Continue reading at “Award-winning Anurak ecotourism experience reopens in southern Thailand”.
Khiri, PATA on how tourism can be a ‘force for good’
In episode 6 of Khiri Travel’s Khiri Pulse podcast, founder & CEO Willem Niemeijer talks with PATA’s Graham Harper about how tourism can be a force for good in Southeast Asia.
Laos’ sustainable star: Tad Yeuang Waterfall
Tad Yeuang Waterfall in southern Laos won the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award (ASTA) in January 2022 for the “safe and sustainable” market that was developed there. We Are Lao reports that since Laos’ reopening to tourism 2.5 months ago, the falls have been attracting foreign visitors who can also buy local produce and crafts as well as sample Bolaven Plateau coffee from community vendors.
Your stay at Cardamom Tented Camp keeps the forest standing
“When you stay at Cambodia’s amazing Cardamom Tented Camp, everyone wins. You get an amazing jungle experience, and the camp gets to support local rangers in their wildlife conservation efforts.” Khiri Travel Cambodia offers two great packages to experience this once in a lifetime engagement with nature.
Meet the animals of Khao Sok at Anurak Community Lodge
“The Khlong Saeng-Khao Sok Forest Complex includes Khlong Saeng, Khlong Yan, Khlong Naka, Khuan Mai Yai and Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuaries. Almost 50 mammal species have been recorded within this area.” Meet the animals of Khao Sok at Anurak Community Lodge.
ASSET‑H&C members exchange know-how with French NGO
One of ASSET‑H&C’s foci is to build the capacity of members’ staff. In a pedagogical exchange program, PSE (Pour un Sourire d’Enfant), KOTO, Bayon Pastry School Coffee Shop, Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School, and EHT Paul Dubrule will organise workshops in Southeast Asia and then join observation sessions and workshops in France with Apprentis d’Auteuil.
A Lao tourism niche wakes up and smells coffee
“Strong, full-bodied Bolaven Plateau coffee has been making its way into cappuccinos, lattes, frappes, and ice coffees around the world in recent years, and now global tourists are coming to experience the ‘Spring of Lao Coffee’ in Champasak.” We Are Lao.
Luxury Camp @ Green Jungle Park Opens in Luang Prabang
“The Lao Green Group has opened Luxury Camp @ Green Jungle Park to add an accommodation element to the 25-hectare natural adventure playground located about 15 km (45 minutes) from Luang Prabang Town,” reports We Are Lao.
While your correspondent took a break in July, We Are Lao continued pumping out intriguing updates about Laos:
- “Meet Luang Prabang’s Pottery Masters at Ban Chan”
- “Hiking & Camping at the Best Viewpoint in Laos: Pha Daeng Peak”
- “No Crowds Here … Vat Phou UNESCO Temple Complex in Southern Laos”
- “Double Tap: Tad Fane Waterfalls Reopen in Southern Laos”
‘DNA training’ expert on tour to meet ASSET‑H&C members
During June and July, a pedagogy expert held meetings with ASSET‑H&C members in Vietnam. More about DNA training.
Love elephants?
Work for Wild Life has relayed the news of “long-term volunteer/intern opportunities in Laos” in roles such as elephant enrichment and socialisation, conservation, veterinary care, and NGO communications.
The opportunities are at the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC). ECC founder Sébastien Duffillot wrote a “GT” Insight about ECC’s COVID experience in “You can’t furlough an elephant: How Laos’ ECC is surviving the COVID crisis”.
The importance of good partnerships
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Friends indeed
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Stay healthy, smile, have a good month ahead … And when you travel, remember:
It’s not ‘no’. It’s ‘know’.
Featured image (top of post): Urwagwa (Rwandan banana wine / banana beer). Image by Herve (CC0) via Unsplash.
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