As World Tourism Day approaches on September 27th, it’s important to recognise the growing global impact of tourism in our interconnected world. This integration has created significant opportunities, one of the most important being the active involvement of local communities in managing and owning their tourism experiences. This helps preserve the community and its cultural heritage, empowering them to participate in and benefit from tourism opportunities. Furthermore, it fosters better understanding and tolerance between different cultures and religions worldwide, promoting intercultural exchange and contributing to peace between countries. It can also increase tolerance, inclusion, compassion, care, education, and mutual respect.
Recognising and preserving cultural and natural heritage is essential for enabling tourism to effectively alleviate tensions and foster peaceful coexistence within and among communities nationally and globally. Additionally, tourism plays a pivotal role in promoting economic interdependence between neighbouring regions, thereby encouraging collaboration and peaceful progress. Furthermore, engaging in tourism expands individuals’ perspectives and understanding of diverse cultures and global environmental issues.
Community-based tourism is critical when local communities are directly involved in the industry. The tourism sector has the potential to offer vital training, including investment in education, knowledge exchange, and skills development for individuals engaged in the sector. Tailored training can enhance the workforce’s capabilities and ensure that tourism activities align with sustainable, political, and ethical practices and principles.
Comprehensive training and education programs for the local community require significant resource allocation from the government or the tourism industry to develop sustainable infrastructure. If carefully and ethically planned and led, these programs can help the transition towards environmentally and community-friendly practices. The government and tourist industries can encourage initiatives that involve implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions and utilise renewable energy.
Sustainable tourism, which minimises environmental impact and respects local cultures, can offer tourists a deeper and more authentic understanding of a community’s culture, heritage, religion, and natural resources. By engaging with local communities and embracing their way of life, tourists can gain profound insight into the destination’s traditions, values, and customs. This immersive approach enhances visitors’ travel experience and contributes to preserving local traditions and the community’s economic well-being.
From an ethical standpoint, active participation from both hosts and guests is crucial in the tourism experience to establish and maintain positive and mutually beneficial relationships. This involvement ensures that tourism development respects and integrates local traditions and ways of life, leading to sustainable and responsible industry growth.
By prioritising community-based sustainable tourism practices and inclusive of ethical, environmental, and religious considerations, the tourism industry has the potential to positively contribute to local and global communities. Emphasising sustainable tourism benefits the environment and fosters cultural exchange and understanding. By integrating these principles, the tourism industry can play a pivotal role in addressing the world’s pressing needs today.