Good news in travel & tourism April-May 2023
This “Good news in travel & tourism” wraps up two months of “Good Tourism” & “GT” Travel news, insights, and experiences.
Share it as you would a bucket of popcorn … or would you!?
It’s “GT”. And go!
- “Good Tourism” Insights
about Language skills | Venice overreaction? | Content marketing | Indigenous peoples | Scottish ski access | Venice ‘smart’? | Sustainability certification - “Good Tourism” Insight Bites
about Cruise ships | Hospitality careers | previous - Your comments
about Democratising leisure - Good news from friends
about Climate change | Travel for the Millions | Rwandan agritourism | Rwandan women and youth | Rwandan culture and traditions | Rwandan community development | tidbits - Friends indeed
“Good Tourism” doesn’t judge. “GT” publishes.
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.
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:
- From established opinion leaders in academia and industry, to young people with the gumption to express themselves;
- From elite global organisations, to the most modest of micro businesses (like “GT”);
- From the world’s ‘WEIRD’ (western, educated, industrialised, rich, and democratic) nations to the ‘LDCs’ (least developed countries) in the “Global South”;
- (From those who adore acronyms and categories, to those who despise them ;-))
- From the centre and from the margins.
Just as “Good Tourism” never defines ‘good tourism’, “GT” will never judge anyone who would, in good faith, share their insights, ideas, expertise, experience, and wisdom.
No, “GT” doesn’t judge. “GT” publishes.
Join the “GT” network. Contact “GT” »
“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:
Language skills in tourism: Why the Anglosphere needs to appreciate them
(Published April 5, 2023)
The importance of languages is universal. However, in native English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, language education has been neglected. This has implications for the inbound travel, tourism, and hospitality industries and their workers, according to Karen Thomas and Jim Butcher.
Mass tourism in Venice: Are city officials overreacting?
(Published April 11, 2023)
Tourists should be welcomed and celebrated but in Venice they are facing rejection and even criminalisation, according to long-time Veneto resident Dominic Standish. Are city officials overreacting to legitimate concerns about mass tourism in Venice? And how might they manage tourism better?
Why travel & tourism content marketing? Efficient and effective if target-oriented
(Published April 19, 2023)
Travel & tourism content marketing may be an undervalued and poorly used element in the strategic marketing mix; particularly among destinations that want to increase the ‘quality’ and ‘yield’ of their visitors, and private-sector stakeholders who claim they don’t have the time or resources for it. Zohreh Khosravi and David Gillbanks scratch the surface of what’s possible with target-oriented content marketing.
Where is the line between cultural explorer and voyeur? The ‘Batwa Experience’
(Published April 25, 2023)
Where is the line between cultural exploration and exploitative voyeurism while travelling among indigenous peoples? Gavin Anderson explores the danger and promise of travel & tourism’s involvement with indigenous people through the lens of his recent work with the Batwa of southwest Uganda.
Off-piste: Lack of public access to Scottish ski resorts reinforces divides
(Published May 9, 2023)
Scotland’s ski resorts offer breathtaking scenery and exhilarating outdoor experiences. However, they are difficult to access for many Scots. Alastair Naughton, a concerned citizen and avid skier, believes that VisitScotland should advocate for investment in accessible, affordable, and low-emission public transport infrastructure.
Regaining control: Venice takes ‘smart’ measures to manage mass tourism
(Published May 16, 2023)
It is widely acknowledged that Venice needs to do something to manage mass tourism. The question is: ‘What?’ Will deploying technologies that measure visitor flows help Venice develop more effective strategies to manage them? Anna Richardot investigates what Venice is doing to regain some control.
Why sustainability certification is a process or journey, not a destination
(Published May 23, 2023)
Organisations can reap benefits while pursuing sustainability certification, which can extend far beyond the acquisition of the certificate itself, according to Kevin Phun.
“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 are the most recent:
Cruise ships: Blessing or blight?
(Published May 2, 2023)
Are cruise ships a blessing or a blight? Why?
- Saverio F Bertolucci — A blight for residents. A blessing for travellers.
- Zohreh Khosravi — ‘Cruising has nothing in common with sustainable tourism’
- Greg Bakunzi — Value, fun, socialisation, and economic benefits
- Susan Eardly — Can a blight be turned into a blessing?
- Herb Hiller — ‘We can’t afford to remain ignorant about what we must protect’
- Steve Noakes — The good, the bad, and the ugly
- Jim Butcher — ‘Faux radical critique’ and ‘condescension’ undeserved
- Dominic Standish — Cruising has been unfairly demonised but can be improved
- Richard A Shepard — ‘Cruise ships are not going away, but they should’
What AI ‘thinks’:
- ChatGPT — The debate is ‘multifaceted’
- Bard [Experiment] — It’s a personal decision
More importantly:
‘The hospitality industry offers a great career.’ Really?
(Published May 30, 2023)
A family member in the last year of high school is asking you for advice on careers. Would you suggest a career in hospitality? Why? Why not?
- Saverio F Bertolucci — ‘Motivating, challenging, and stressful’
- Greg Bakunzi — For those ‘passionate about people and travel’
- Zohreh Khosravi — ‘Be ready for challenging, sweet, and erratic days’
- Willem Niemeijer — ‘Opportunities for personal and professional growth’
- Melanie Smith — ‘There will always be work in hospitality’
- Rieki Crins — ‘A hotel can be a cradle for development’
- Herb Hiller — ‘Certainly not hospitality as traditionally taught’
- Andrew Chan — A career in hospitality? ‘100%!’
- Shamiso Nyajeka — Challenges, risks, and great rewards
- Dominic Standish — Depending on where you live, hospitality is now attractive
- Edwin Magio — ‘Absolutely’, if …
- Anna Richardot — Hospitality is ‘incredibly eclectic’
- Jonathon Day — ‘Join us. We need you’
- Ha Phan — We ‘supported each other and had a lot of fun’
- K Michael Haywood — From a start in hospitality ‘I have had an amazing career’
- Frédéric Dimanche — Not for those seeking ‘comfortable’ jobs
- Samantha Lauver-Marion — Learn by doing: Try on your dreams
What AI ‘thinks’:
- ChatGPT — ‘Carefully weigh the pros and cons’
- Bard [Experiment] — Word count fail … with a twist
More importantly:
Previous “GT” Insight Bites
- Tourist vs traveller: What’s the difference?
- The heads of finance, operations, and PR walk into their boss’s office …
- Yes, Tourism Minister
- What are tourism’s biggest challenges & threats over the next five years?
- ‘Tourism is built on the backbone of white supremacy’. What do you think?
- Really, what’s the difference? ‘Sustainable tourism’ vs ‘regenerative tourism’
- Want a career in tourism? Important things you should know
- Diverse perspectives on travel & tourism and a fairer world
- Diverse perspectives on economic degrowth and tourism
- Diverse perspectives on visitor dispersion
Your comments
Democratising leisure
“This is a great piece and important issue,” writes Jim Butcher in a comment on Alastair Naughton’s “GT” Insight “Off-piste: Lack of public access to Scottish ski resorts reinforces divides”.
“As a half Scot with family around Glasgow I know that accessing these resorts is difficult without a car. Outdoor leisure in our common natural heritage should be accessible to working class Glaswegians without a car, or anyone who prefers not to use one. It would also widen the talent pool for competitive skiing […] Democratising leisure, especially in the great outdoors, is a worthy goal.”
Good news from friends
Good news in travel & tourism from the wonderful organisations that make “GT” possible. Here is some of what happened recently in the “Good Tourism” network:
TPCC gathering scientific knowledge on tourism and climate change in time for COP28
(Published April 18, 2023)
In the lead up to Earth Day (April 22), the Tourism Panel of Climate Change (TPCC) announced on The “Good Tourism” Blog that “a stocktake of tourism-related climate science, indicators of sector climate risk, and progress on climate action” would be its key deliverable in 2023. Read more about who, how, when, and why.
What is ‘Tourism’s Horizon: Travel for the Millions’?
(Published May 23, 2023)
Consider these quotes …
“These are the days of the millions [who can] o’erleap the bounds of their own narrow circle, rub off rust and prejudice by contact with others, and expand their sails and invigorate their bodies by an exploration of some of nature’s finest scenes.” _ Thomas Cook
“[T]here are in fact no masses, but only ways of seeing people as masses.” _ Raymond Williams
… then read this “GT” Partner message written by Dr Jim Butcher: ‘What is ‘Tourism’s Horizon: Travel for the Millions’?’
An exemplar of nature-based and community-based agritourism in Rwanda
(Published April 21, 2023)
Destination Rwanda offers so much more than mountain gorillas. “GT” Partner Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development is justifiably proud of its work at the Red Rocks Cultural Campsite; creating numerous and diverse opportunities for locals and visitors alike to learn and benefit from each other. This post highlights the agritourism elements of the Red Rocks experience.
Empower Rwandan women and youth. Support Red Rocks Cultural Campsite.
(Published April 27, 2023)
Red Rocks is keen to inform travel agents and tour operators of the unique and meaningful experiences it creates. Red Rocks reveals how it empowers Rwandan women and youth through arts and crafts while providing an authentic cultural experience.
Appreciate Rwandan culture and traditions at Red Rocks Cultural Campsite
(Published May 3, 2023)
“As a travel agent or tour operator, you are always on the lookout for unique and authentic experiences to recommend,” writes Red Rocks. “If you are looking for a wholesome and culturally-rich African experience for your clients, then Red Rocks Cultural Campsite […] is an excellent option …”
Red Rocks’ journey towards sustainable community development in Rwanda
(Published May 17, 2023)
“GT” Partner Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development is seeking collaborators to help advance its community-based tourism and economic development initiatives in Rwanda and beyond. The African non-governmental organisation aims to boost community members’ social standing and economic livelihoods through skills development and job opportunities.
Partner news tidbits
News tidbits from “GT” Partners that appeared in recent editions of the “GT” newsletter.
There are important “GT” Partner events coming up:
- “GT” Partners will be involved in the Surrey 2023 Conference at the University of Surrey, UK, July 5 – 7. Geoffrey Lipman of SUNx Malta will be a panellist on day two. Meet CABI Tourism Cases’ Claire Parfitt and Jesslyn Thay at the CABI booth. CABI is an event sponsor.
- 11th Red Rocks Cultural Festival, Twataramye, Rwanda, August 25 — September 1
- World Tourism Association for Culture & Heritage (WTACH) Global Leaders Summit, Valencia, Spain, September 24 – 25
- EXO Foundation Sustainability Awards to be announced in September
Want to list your event and share your news, ideas, insights, and inspiration? Consider “GT” Partnership. It doesn’t cost the Earth.
The importance of good partnerships
To help you navigate dire straits, take the temperature in an uncertain climate, and keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it’s wise to seek out partners who make you their priority.
“GT” is a good partner. Verify that with a “GT” Partner and then look at partnership opportunities. There’s a package for everyone — big or small; public or private; commercial or not-for-profit — because travel & tourism is everyone’s business.
All “GT” Partners enjoy outstanding value, including the opportunity to contribute news to the “GT” newsletter and these wraps.
Friends indeed
“Friends indeed” are worthy travel & tourism industry fundraisers and charitable causes that are associated with or suggested by “GT” Partners and friends. Please help them if you can. Share the page with your networks. And link to it from your website.
Stay healthy, smile, have a good time … And when you travel, remember:
It’s not ‘no’. It’s ‘know’.
Gotta go? Then go!
If you’ve time, go slow
If you don’t, try low
Do what you know is good
And know there is more to know
Featured image (top of post): Share good news in travel & tourism as you would a bucket of popcorn. Image by Hung Diesel (CC0) via Pixabay.
Donations, diversity, disclosure
To help your correspondent keep his energy-efficient lights on, please consider a private one-off gift or ongoing donation. THANK YOU to those who have!
You are a tourism stakeholder — yes, YOU! — so what’s your view? Do you disagree with anything you have read on “GT”? Join the conversation. Comment below or share your “Good Tourism” Insights. Diversity of thought is welcome on The “Good Tourism” Blog. And your original content supports an independent publisher.
Partner with “GT”. You know you want to. Here are some testimonials.
Note: It is “GT’s” policy to fully disclose Partner or sponsored content. If an item associated with a “GT” Partner is not disclosed as such, then it either met the “GT” Insight guidelines (including “not a sales pitch”) or it was a simple oversight.
