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• THE BIG IDEA

Why travel should be considered an essential human activity

Travel is not rational, but it’s in our genes. Here’s why you should start planning a trip now.

In 1961, legendary National Geographic photographer Volkmar Wentzel captured two women gazing at the surf off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. This and all the other images in this story come from the National Geographic image collection.

I’ve been putting my passport to good use lately. I use it as a coaster and to level wobbly table legs. It makes an excellent cat toy.

Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

In this aerial view from 1967, wall-to-wall seaside sunbathers relax under umbrellas or on beach towels in Ocean City, Maryland .

A 1967 fall festival in Guadalajara, Mexico , starred traditionally costumed musicians and dancers.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Related: Vintage photos of the glamour of travel

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

Landscape architects work in their Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , studio in 1955.

A tourist photographs a towering century plant in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1956.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

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Impact Tourism Handbook

Impact tourism handbook: best practices in giving time, talent, & treasure.

Edited by Samantha Bray and Ellen Rugh of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)

One of CREST’s longest running programs, impact tourism is defined by CREST as tourism that makes strategic contributions of time, talent, and treasure to social and environmental projects in destinations. This includes tourism businesses, travelers, and organizations in partnerships with host communities.

As an update to CREST’s seminal 2011 Traveler’s Philanthropy Handbook , our 2020 Impact Tourism Handbook takes a deeper look at the thoughtful and innovative ways that impact tourism is materializing around the world.

In releasing it in a free, digital format on our website, CREST seeks to make it widely available to all stakeholders interested in developing or supporting responsible impact tourism programs.

Growing from experiments by small ecolodges in remote regions, impact tourism today encompasses corporate-wide and destination-wide programs, voluntourism, donor travel, and more. At a time when sustained development assistance from international agencies, governments, and NGOs is increasingly hard to come by, this method of funding has potential to play a critical role in the well-being of communities.

Impact tourism is not about impulse giving or collecting loose change for charities without further touch-points. Rather, it is about generating, in an organized and strategic manner, tourism company and visitor support for local community projects through true partnerships. It is also about integrating impact tourism into the core experience of responsible travel to ensure healthy communities are the basis for a healthy tourism sector. This Impact Tourism Handbook shares inspiring and practical case studies from businesses, NGOs, and destinations at the forefront of this relatively new form of community development funding.

Fully recognizing that “doing good” does not always mean “doing right,” we have sought to be transparent with challenges and lessons learned. We hope this Impact Tourism Handbook will encourage you as a destination manager, business or nonprofit representative, or traveler to consider how you may better leverage partnerships and resources to make a positive difference.

Below, you will find five topical essays and 22 case studies that offer a deep dive into how, in partnership with local communities, responsible tourism businesses, travelers, and organizations are making these strategic contributions of time, talent, and treasure to social and environmental projects in destinations. They are organized in five chapters: Independently-owned Accommodations & Tour Operators ; Destination-wide Impact Tourism ; Donor Travel ; Corporate Sustainability & Social Impact ; and Voluntourism.

This Impact Tourism Handbook is dedicated to Dr. Martha Honey, CREST Co-Founder and Director Emeritus, the conscience of the tourism industry and thought leader who taught us that better ways are possible.

We are infinitely grateful to our sponsors who have made this Handbook possible through their financial support: Elevate Destinations ; Hilton ; Holbrook Travel ; and Overseas Adventure Travel .

Introduction

• “From Travelers’ Philanthropy to Impact Tourism: The Evolution of Travel With Purpose” by Samantha Bray, Managing Director of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)

Chapter 1: Independently-Owned Accommodations & Tour Operators

• “Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Reserve: A Pioneer’s Story” by Karen Lewis, Founder of Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Reserve

Case Studies: Accommodations

• Bodhi Surf + Yoga | Costa Rica
• Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort | Belize
• Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve | Guatemala
• Spirit Bear Lodge | Canada

Case Studies: Tour Operators

• &Beyond
• Basecamp Explorer Kenya
• Global Sojourns
• Intrepid Travel
• Myths & Mountains
• Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Case Studies: Unique Models

• Kind Traveler
• Pack for a Purpose

Chapter 2: Destination-wide Impact Tourism

• “Destination-Wide Impact Tourism: A Strategic Model” by Ellen Rugh, Program Manager of the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)

Case Studies

• CARE for the Cape & Islands | Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States
• Monteverde Community Fund | Monteverde, Costa Rica
• Torres del Paine Legacy Fund | Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Chapter 3: Donor Travel

• “Beyond Donor Travel: Tips and Tools for a Successful Adventure” by Caliopy Glaros, Founder of Philanthropy without Borders
• American Jewish World Service
• Elevate Destinations
• World Wildlife Fund

Chapter 4: Corporate Sustainability & Social Impact

• “Corporate-Wide Impact Programs: Rethinking the Traditional Model” by Kelley Louise, Founder & Executive Director of Impact Travel Alliance

Chapter 5: Voluntourism

• “Volunteer Travel: The Pitfalls, the Potential, and How to Get It Right” by Claire Bennett, Co-Founder of Learning Service
• Local Guest | Puerto Rico

We hope that you will share your own innovative approaches to impact tourism. Please share information about your programs with us at [email protected] , or share your experiences on social media using #TimeTalentTreasure. By pooling our collective knowledge, we can better understand how the tourism industry can effectively support sustainable development and environmental conservation in the destination communities we love.

This Impact Tourism Handbook was made possible by generous financial support from Elevate Destinations , Hilton , Holbrook Travel , and Overseas Adventure Travel .

Travels Through Culture: Understanding its Influence on Tourism

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on August 1, 2023

Categories Travel

Culture has a profound influence on our travel choices and experiences. Our cultural backgrounds shape our preferences when it comes to vacation destinations. Certain destinations may hold a special appeal because they align with our cultural values, traditions, or interests. For example, someone with a strong affinity for history may be drawn to destinations with rich cultural heritage, such as ancient ruins or historical landmarks. On the other hand, someone who values adventure and outdoor activities may be more inclined to visit destinations known for their natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.

• Cultural attractions also play a significant role in boosting tourism. Museums, art galleries, festivals, and cultural events attract tourists who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture and experiencing its unique offerings. These attractions not only provide entertainment and educational opportunities but also contribute to the local economy by generating revenue and creating jobs.
• Cultural exchange is another important aspect of tourism. When people travel to different countries or regions, they have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their customs, traditions, and ways of life. This exchange of ideas, knowledge, and perspectives can foster understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for different cultures. It can also break down stereotypes and promote cultural diversity.

However, the impact of globalization on cultural tourism is a topic of concern. As destinations become more accessible and interconnected, there is a risk of cultural homogenization. The influx of mass tourism and the influence of global trends can sometimes overshadow local cultures and traditions, leading to the loss of authenticity and uniqueness. It is essential to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing the benefits of tourism.

• Sustainable cultural tourism is the way forward. It involves promoting responsible tourism practices that protect and respect the cultural integrity of a destination. This includes supporting local communities, preserving historical sites, and engaging in sustainable tourism activities that minimize negative environmental and socio-cultural impacts.
• Cultural sensitivity is also crucial when engaging in travel and tourism. It is essential to be respectful of local customs, traditions, and social norms. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences can enhance our travel experiences and create meaningful connections with the local community.
• Culture plays a significant role in travel and tourism. It influences our travel choices, shapes our experiences, and contributes to the economic and social development of destinations. By embracing cultural diversity, practicing responsible tourism, and fostering cultural exchange, we can create a more enriching and sustainable travel experience for ourselves and the communities we visit.

Key Takeaways

• Culinary preferences, language barriers, and cultural upbringing all significantly influence travel choices.
• Cultural attractions, such as historical landmarks, local art and crafts, and traditional festivals, play a crucial role in tourism by providing opportunities for connection, immersion, and appreciation of different cultures.
• Cultural exchange through travel fosters understanding, breaks down stereotypes, and promotes cultural diversity.
• The impact of globalization on travel and tourism can lead to cultural homogenization, but embracing cultural diversity and practicing responsible tourism can create enriching and sustainable travel experiences.

Overview of Cultural Tourism

Ever thought about how your next vacation could be a thrilling dive into the heart of another culture? Welcome to the world of cultural tourism!

It’s all about immersing yourself in the customs, traditions, and ways of life of another society. This isn’t just about ticking off sights on a tourist checklist; it’s experiencing authentic local cuisine, participating in traditional dances, or hearing age-old stories firsthand from residents.

Cultural immersion is not only exciting for you as a traveler, but it also plays a crucial role in heritage preservation. Every dollar spent contributes to maintaining historical sites and supporting local artisans.

So remember, when you pack your bags for your next adventure, you aren’t just traveling – you’re helping keep cultures alive!

Influence of Cultural Background on Travel Choices

Immersed in their unique traditions and customs, individuals often select vacation destinations that reflect or contrast with their cultural upbringing. Your cultural background significantly influences your travel choices, from the destination you choose to the experiences you seek.

For instance, culinary preferences shaped by culture can lead travelers to countries renowned for specific cuisines. Language barriers might also dictate travel choices; people may opt for countries where they speak the language or are intrigued by it.

Consider this quick comparison:

Your cultural background subtly yet powerfully shapes your tourism behavior.

Cultural Attractions and Tourism

You’re about to embark on a fascinating journey exploring how historical landmarks, local art and crafts, and traditional festivals act as major cultural attractions in tourism.

Next, let’s delve into the world of local art and crafts, which offer unique insights into indigenous cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. From intricate pottery and vibrant paintings to hand-woven textiles and delicate sculptures, these artistic expressions showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of a community. Travelers are often captivated by the opportunity to witness artisans at work, learn about traditional techniques, and even purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect the local culture.

And let’s not forget about traditional festivals, which are vibrant expressions of a culture’s heritage, beliefs, and customs. These lively celebrations bring communities together and offer tourists a chance to experience the authentic spirit of a destination. Whether it’s witnessing colorful parades, participating in traditional dances, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, these festivals create lasting memories and foster a deeper understanding of a culture’s identity.

In conclusion, cultural attractions such as historical landmarks, local art and crafts, and traditional festivals play a significant role in tourism. They provide visitors with opportunities to connect with the past, gain insights into indigenous cultures, and immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of a destination. By experiencing these cultural attractions, tourists not only contribute to the local economy but also foster a sense of appreciation and respect for different cultures around the world.

Historical Landmarks

Historical landmarks, brimming with cultural significance, aren’t just sightseeing spots; they’re gateways into understanding a nation’s past and its people’s heritage. When you visit these sites, you’re stepping into a time capsule of human history. Preservation techniques play an essential role in maintaining their integrity for future generations to appreciate.

Landmark restoration is another key aspect that affects tourism. It can breathe new life into old structures while preserving their historical essence. Imagine witnessing the rejuvenated grandeur of a centuries-old castle or the revitalized vibrancy of an ancient mural – it’s an unmatched experience.

Therefore, culture greatly impacts travel and tourism by providing rich historical contexts through landmarks. It isn’t only about seeing beautiful places – it’s also about experiencing and appreciating diverse cultures through them.

Local Art and Crafts

Nothing’s quite like the thrill of discovering unique local art and crafts. Each piece tells a story that resonates deeply with the soul of its creator’s homeland. It’s this authenticity that makes art and crafts an integral part of travel experiences.

Consider these elements:

• The intricate designs on hand-woven carpets reflect centuries-old traditions.
• Pottery showcases craft marketing strategies learned through generations.
• Paintings echo the local landscape, preserved using time-honored art preservation techniques.
• Handcrafted silver jewellery reveals the mastery of local artisans.
• Wood carvings depict folklore handed down through ages.

These artistic expressions offer insights into the culture’s history, traditions, and beliefs. As a traveler, you become not just an observer but also a participant in their cultural narrative.

This enriches your personal journey while fostering global understanding and respect for diverse cultures.

Traditional Festivals

Immersing yourself in local festivities isn’t just about the vibrant colors, lively music, and delicious food; it’s an extraordinary chance to step into a living piece of tradition that’s been celebrated for generations. It provides a unique insight into the culture, history, and values of the community.

Traditional festivals greatly contribute to festival economics by attracting tourists worldwide who generate substantial revenue and job opportunities. They also help preserve local crafts and traditions while promoting cultural exchange.

Festival food forms an integral part of these events. From exotic street foods to traditional home-cooked meals, each dish tells a story about their cultural heritage. Thus, participating in these festivals doesn’t only satiate your taste buds but educates you on culinary traditions too. You’ll find that culture truly affects travel experiences in profound ways!

Cultural Exchange in Tourism

Tourism isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s a vibrant platform for cultural exchange. Travelers and locals alike can share and learn from each other’s traditions, customs, and way of life. This mutual interchange is what makes travel so enriching.

Think about culinary exploration. When you taste local cuisines or even participate in cooking classes, you’re embracing a whole new culture through your palate. It’s more than just savoring different flavors; it’s understanding the people behind these dishes and their unique narratives.

Then there’s authentic immersion – experiencing daily life as locals do. Whether it’s learning traditional dances or engaging in community projects, such activities provide enlightening insights into diverse cultures that go beyond mere sightseeing. Undeniably, these experiences deepen appreciation for our shared humanity while fostering global understanding.

The Impact of Globalization on Travel and Tourism

Let’s delve into the fascinating dynamics of globalization and its impact on travel and tourism.

Picture this: multicultural cities are on the rise, offering travelers a rich tapestry of diverse cultures to explore within one location.

Yet, there’s a flip side too – cultural homogenization is becoming more apparent, with local distinctiveness potentially being eroded by global influences.

The Rise of Multicultural Cities

The rise of multicultural cities has led to a vivid tapestry of different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. These cities have become major drawcards for tourists worldwide, offering an opportunity to immerse oneself in different cultures without needing to cross borders. The benefits of diversity in these cities are profound: it fosters creativity, enriches experiences, and promotes understanding among people from varied backgrounds. As one navigates through bustling markets or quiet backstreets, intercultural interactions become commonplace, allowing for insights into distinct ways of life. Multicultural cities have risen as popular tourist destinations due to their cultural richness, contributing significantly to the larger picture of how culture affects travel and tourism globally.

Cultural Homogenization

While you’re marveling at the diversity of multicultural cities, it’s essential to also consider the phenomenon of cultural homogenization. This process, often fueled by tourism, can dilute local cultures and lead to a loss of unique traditions. Cultural appropriation is one aspect of this where dominant cultures adopt elements from another culture without understanding or respect.

Intercultural communication plays a significant role in both promoting and preventing cultural homogenization. It allows people from different backgrounds to learn about each other’s customs and values. However, if not managed properly, it may contribute to the erasure of distinct cultural aspects.

Ultimately, your awareness as a traveler can help safeguard against these issues.

Sustainable Cultural Tourism

You can contribute to sustainable cultural tourism by respecting and preserving the local traditions, customs, and heritage sites of your travel destinations. Your awareness and ethical considerations can make a significant impact on the places you visit.

Here are three key ways to promote sustainable cultural tourism:

• Respect Local Customs: Understand that each culture has its unique set of traditions that deserve respect. This includes dressing appropriately, participating in local ceremonies only when invited, and respecting sacred places.
• Promote Community Involvement: Engage with locals in a respectful manner. Buy local products or services, which support their economy and sustain their way of life.
• Educate Yourself & Others: Learn about the culture before visiting and educate others about these practices too.

Remember, every step counts towards sustaining our world’s diverse cultures!

The Future of Cultural Tourism

Imagine the possibilities as technological innovations and changing travel trends reshape the future of cultural tourism. You’re in for a treat as advancements like virtual reality, AI-guided tours, and sustainable travel options revolutionize your journey to explore diverse cultures.

Stay tuned, you’ll be delving into how these changes could enhance your understanding and appreciation of global heritages while also contributing positively to their preservation.

Technological Innovations

In today’s digital age, it’s fascinating to see how technological innovations are reshaping the way we explore and experience different cultures when we travel. Becoming a digital nomad is now more feasible than ever. With the right tech tools, you can work remotely while immersing yourself in a new culture, making travel less of a luxury and more of an everyday reality.

Furthermore, virtual reality tours offer an innovative approach to cultural exploration. You can now visit world-renowned museums or historic sites from your living room, getting a firsthand feel for their cultural significance without stepping foot on a plane. These advancements not only make travel more accessible but also foster greater understanding and appreciation for global cultures.

Technology truly is revolutionizing cultural tourism!

Changing Travel Trends

Let’s consider how evolving travel trends are dramatically reshaping how we engage with the world around us.

As cultural landscapes shift and merge, new patterns emerge within the realm of travel and tourism. Eco-tourism trends, for example, reflect a growing global consciousness about sustainability. You’re now more likely to seek out destinations that respect nature and contribute to local communities.

Simultaneously, solo travel is on the rise, influenced by a culture that values individual experiences and self-discovery. It’s no longer unusual for you to venture off alone, exploring new cities and cultures at your own pace.

These shifting tendencies underscore how deeply our approaches to travel are rooted in culture – revealing not only where we choose to go but also why we decide to take certain journeys.

Cultural Sensitivity and Responsible Tourism

Traveling isn’t just about snapping pretty pictures, it’s also about respecting the cultures and traditions of the places you’re visiting. In recent years, there has been growing awareness around cultural sensitivity and responsible tourism. This includes avoiding cultural appropriation – reducing a people’s culture to fashion statements or exotic props.

Your travel experience can be enriched when you approach different cultures with respect and curiosity.

15 things to know to get more out of your Oman trip

Mar 3, 2024 • 9 min read

Our list of tips will help any traveler get the most out of their trip to culturally rich and ultra-hospitable Oman © Emily_M_Wilson / Getty Images

In  Oman , visitors find  pristine desert landscapes and nature experiences , all in a modern Gulf country with a vibrant cultural heritage.

This heritage is apparent in the many languages spoken in the country, forts and archeological sites along ancient trading routes, and traditional practices such as rosewater distillation.

Today, warm and welcoming Omanis still live by their classic societal values of humility, kindness and hospitality. They’ll invite visitors to share a meal, or go out of their way to guide a lost traveler.

To make your trip a truly memorable exercise in cultural exchange and mutual respect, here are some things to know before head to to Oman. 

1. Dress modestly, even when swimming 

Female visitors do not need to wear a hijab in Oman, but dressing generally modestly is recommended. While Omanis will be too polite to say anything, clothes that don’t appear respectful to the culture will certainly affect the quality of your interactions. 

Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and reaches below the knees (and also covers their arms and ankles, when visiting a mosque). Avoid low-cut tops, short skirts, shorts and dresses, and garment that’s transparent or clings to the body. Women must wear a headscarf (they can bring their own) while visiting a mosque. 

Men should avoid tank tops and instead wear shirts or t-shirts with trousers or shorts that are at least knee-length. While visiting mosques, men must wear full-length jeans or pants. 

Outside of swimming pools located in international resorts and hotels in Muscat , swimsuits and bikinis are inappropriate. This is true for natural pools located in the wadis (valleys) that you might come across while hiking in places like Wadi Tiwi and on public beaches around fishing villages. 

Even the sight of foreigners in skimpy bathing suits h increasingly common to see foreigners in skimpy bathing suits, it’s wise to remember that these places are also frequented by Omanis. You might notice Omani men swimming in t-shirts and shorts – this should give you an idea of how important modesty is in the culture. 

While swimming on public beaches visited by Omani families and pools close to villages, women will appear more considerate when they’re wearing a long t-shirt and shorts over their swimsuits.  

2. English is widely spoken in cities

Oman’s official language is Arabic, and English is widely spoken in the cities and to a good extent in areas that have tourism infrastructure, such as the villages of Jebel Akhdar . Other than Arabic, you might hear such languages such as Kumzari, Baluchi, Swahili and, thanks to a large immigrant population, perhaps Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu, too.  

3. A few local greetings will get you far

Omanis are friendly, hospitable and courteous, and these qualities are likely to permeate every interaction that you’ll have as a visitor. In Oman, conversations, however brief, and whether between strangers or friends, always begin with a proper greeting, usually “ as salam alaykum ” which translates to “peace be upon you.”

In some parts of the country, you might find yourself the subject of much curiosity, apparent from glances in your direction every few minutes or questions about where you’re from. Don’t be alarmed: Omanis take a genuine interest in visitors and want to make them feel welcome.

As such, it’s nice to greet people appropriately. Some useful phrases to know (in addition to the essential  “as salam alaykum” and “walaykum as salam,”  said in reply to the former), are  “sabah al khayr” (good morning), “misa al khayr” (good evening) and “shukran” (thank you).

4. For a richer experience, don’t hesitate to accept invitations 

Omanis are incredibly friendly and welcoming of visitors, and it’s not unusual for visitors to receive a few invitations during their time in the country. Whether it’s an invitation to someone’s home for a chat over qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates, a group of friends paying for your meal at a restaurant or a meal brought over by a family camping nearby, accepting such generosity will only make your trip more memorable.  

Offering a guest coffee is a respect toward them, and accepting indicates that you reciprocate. In Oman, coffee is ground with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and qahwa is brewed with saffron and rosewater and served alongside dates. 

Don’t be surprised if your cup of qahwa continues to be refilled each time you return it to your host. If you’ve had enough, indicate this by tilting your cup gently from side to side before you hand it to them. A bowl of water might be placed before you: dip the fingers of your right hand in it to wash them before you pick a date or begin a meal. 

The traditional way of eating is with the fingers of the right hand while seated on the floor. As a guest, wait for the host to begin and then follow their example. Don’t attempt to do this with your left hand – in Omani culture (and much of the world) that is your toileting hand.

If you find yourself visiting an Omani home, take your shoes off before you enter. Any host will deeply appreciate even the smallest of gifts, such as a box of dates, nuts or sweets from the souq (market).

5. Ask permission before you photograph people or their homes

Whether you find yourself captivated by the scene of a vendor selling handmade silver jewelry at the Mutrah Souq , admire a group of Omani men wearing beautiful kumma (traditional patterned or embroidered caps) sipping coffee by the sea or are invited into a traditional village home, resist the urge to point your lens without asking for permission first.

Omanis deeply respect their privacy, and a stranger taking your photo without permission is considered intrusive. A quick, simple greeting in Arabic helps break the ice; local men will generally oblige. 

In general, you should refrain from photographing women, especially those wearing an abaya (traditional long black robe). Under absolutely no circumstances should you attempt a photograph without first obtaining explicit permission (this is easier if you’re a woman yourself). 

6. Look forward to spending time outdoors

The most enjoyable experiences in Oman take place out of doors, from gentle walks through palm plantations and watching nesting turtles on the beach to scuba diving in thriving marine reserves. 

Any visitor to Oman should expect to spend a significant amount of time on road trips to get to historic medieval forts, charming fishing towns, picturesque tidal lagoons and freshwater pools hidden away in the valleys. 

Wild camping is allowed, and opportunities to do so abound around the country. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors, a tent and a sleeping bag.  

7. Keep an eye on weather warnings

Low-lying valleys, beaches and wadis are prone to flash floods after heavy rainfall. It’s safer to camp on high ground and to check the weather forecast and warnings before you go.

As a result of rising ocean temperatures, tropical cyclones (most originating in the Arabian Sea) are an increasing risk leading to ocean surges, destructive winds, flooding and landfall. Pay close attention to cyclone and storm alerts and check the official website of Oman’s Directorate General of Meteorology.

8. Don’t underestimate hiking routes

If you plan on  hiking independently, weigh the length and difficulty of the trail against your fitness level and experience in the mountains. If you’re inexperienced with harsh environments, do not hike alone. Ensure you are carrying at least three liters of water, and always wear proper hiking shoes and a sun hat. 

Trekking guides not only safely guide you around the peaks and valleys, but they can also share information on the geology of an area and the opportunity to interact with communities where English is not widely spoken.

In the peak of summer, the heat can get intense in the Hajar Mountains causing dehydration and fatigue very quickly. We don’t recommend this season for hiking. 

9. Be aware of the rules during Ramadan 

If you’re visiting Oman during the holy month of Ramadan , when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, remember that non-Muslim tourists are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music or dance in public places during the day. 

Once the fast is broken after the prayers at sundown and Muslims sit down for iftar (the evening meal), it’s fine to eat outside. During the month of Ramadan, it’s even more important than usual to dress modestly.

10. When meeting a member of the opposite sex, wait for them to offer their hand 

While handshakes among men are common, don’t offer your hand to initiate a handshake when you’re greeting an Omani of the opposite sex. Physical contact between members of the opposite sex does not occur, unless they are related or deeply familiar. To see whether your counterpart is comfortable and want to be greeted that way, wait for them to offer their hand first. You must always shake hands only with your right hand. 

11. Steer clear of inappropriate topics of conversation

Oman is a monarchy, and Omanis have deep respect not only for their country and culture but also for the leadership of the sultan. Any politically charged questions or discussions that might even obliquely criticize the ruler or the government are considered inappropriate. In any case, locals are unlikely to share their opinions on such topics with an outsider. 

Rumor-mongering is punishable by law and can result in both fines and imprisonment. In the same vein, never say anything that disrespects Islam (or any other religion), or attempts to challenge religious beliefs or practices. 

Foreigners might be surprised to know that it is also inappropriate for a man to ask an Omani man about the women in his family (even to inquire about his wife or daughters). It’s best to stay broad, by wishing good health to him and his family – and leave it at that.  

12. Don’t drink alcohol in public or exhibit drunken behavior

Alcohol should only be consumed in licensed restaurants and bars, most of which are in international hotels. It’s illegal to drink in public (outside of such establishments) – and anyone exhibiting overly drunken behavior or being extremely loud under the influence might face legal action. Oman has zero tolerance for drug use, and possession of even small amounts can result in fines, deportation and even imprisonment.    

13. Don’t swear or make rude gestures 

Swearing loudly and making offensive hand gestures are illegal and can result in legal action should the recipient register a complaint. 

14. Don’t photograph government buildings or military checkpoints

In Oman, you’re prohibited from photographing and filming some government buildings, military sites and checkpoints, and military vehicles. Nor may you post photos and videos of these on social media. Doing so can attract fines and even imprisonment. If you’re unsure whether something is covered by this policy, or even unsure of what you might be photographing, err on the side of caution. 

15. Make note of emergency numbers

In case of emergencies and the need for rescue, evacuation or urgent medical assistance, contact the Royal Oman Police on 9999.

This article was first published Mar 12, 2022 and updated Mar 3, 2024.

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Singapore Tourism Board joins hands with designer Rahul Mishra

New Delhi: Destination weddings are getting more prevalent in present times and when designer elements fuse with it, the gratification of the most memorable day in life is elevated several notches high. Along those lines, Singapore has evolved to provide renewed offerings, making it the perfect match for an extraordinary celebration.

Inviting couples to celebrate the big day in the island city and create memories to last a lifetime, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and renowned Indian couturier Rahul Mishra created the Spring Summer 2024 Wedding Capsule Collection, which borrows from the designer’s personal experiences in Singapore, capturing the destination’s refreshed appeal. With Instagrammable spots, exceptional venues, and world-class attractions, the island city creates a captivating backdrop for ‘Beginnings Made In Singapore’.

"Every place inspires me, from its architecture to its design and art. Singapore, in particular, captivated me with its vibrant and multicultural atmosphere. During my visit, every scene and corner fascinated me in its unique way. The cityscape showcases a captivating blend of nature and technology, which serves as a rich source of inspiration for my curated Singapore-inspired pieces, reflecting the refreshed essence of Singapore. The collection gives a nod to the city’s seamless blend of culture and modernity, the silhouette remains essentially traditional with the quintessential Indian techniques of surface embellishment, " said couturier Rahul Mishra about his collaboration with STB.

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Adding, "The idea of a magical canvas for couples to paint a love story is to provide renewed offerings, making it the perfect match for an extraordinary celebration. With exceptional venues and serene destinations that merge my eternal muse – nature with technology, the island city creates a captivating backdrop for ‘Beginnings. Made In Singapore."

Rahul's favourite spot in the country to say 'I Do' is the Jewel Changi, which as soon as you land in Singapore, you are greeted with an amazing visual, filled with iconic architecture, lush greenery, fresh air and the iconic rain vortex. The Geometry interlaced with flora and fauna resembles Rahul’s design style. Say ‘I Do’ with the backdrop of the world’s largest indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi Rain Vortex and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the garden adorned with a floral arch.

A close second is the Gardens by the Bay Nature's wonders which intertwine with urban innovation at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. For Rahul as well as the brand Rahul Mishra, nature has been an eternal inspiration. Beyond serving as inspiration, Gardens by the Bay can uplift your wedding celebration, as the serenity of nature and pretty pastels from the day effortlessly transition into full glam at night as the sky illuminates with the lit-up Supertrees, as nature, innovation and technology pave way for ‘New Beginnings Made in Singapore’

Some of the creations the designer made for the collaboration feature a hand-embroidered ‘Chintz’ lehenga in Bordeaux as paired with the ‘Kissing Cranes’ bralette top. The outfit was created over 2700 human hours, the hand-embroidered ‘Chintz’ lehenga explores traditional floral motifs reminiscent of the ancient Indian textile artform locally known as Cheent, meaning variegated. The artwork explores references to the Tree of Life forms, alongside other tropical vegetation occurring in the Indian subcontinent and the far-east Asian cultures. A nod to Singapore’s seamless blend of culture and modernity, the silhouette remains essentially traditional with the quintessential Indian techniques of surface embellishment.

Coded ‘Merlion’ for this curation, the look represents a fierce spirit and timeless elegance. A merlion symbolises Singapore's origins as a fishing village and highlights its original name ‘Singhapura’ which is Sanskrit for ‘lion city’. A second is a dress realised on an ivory base, the ‘Chintz’ dress features bright-hued vegetal motifs nodding to the traditional colour palette of natural dyes used in the cheent art form that originates in ancient India’s Golconda. Created with a merino wool base fabric, the distinct silhouette of this look features bold Titan shoulders, a plunging neckline and an elegant slit skirt ending at the ankle length. It is further embellished with 3-micron 24k gold plated ladybug motifs cast in recycled brass. (With inputs from IANS)

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Custodian crochets over 500 gifts by hand for Mother’s Day

Fairmont, W.Va (WDTV) - Sonya Davis loves kids, and for the last four years, she has crocheted flowers for students to give to their moms. She says it’s all about bringing joy to kids and their families.

“A little kid came up to me and had asked me for a rose for their mom, and it broke my heart that I went the next year; I made one for every single kid in the school and the staff; it means a a lot to me to see these kids smile,” said Sonya Davis, Jayenne Elementary School custodian.

Davis spends months at a time working on her creations. This year, she created 550 pieces of art. She’s continued to make the presents even as life threw her unimaginable curve balls.

“I was determined to keep on going: this is one way of doing it. Then I had Ampullary Cancer a couple years ago, and I was determined this was not going to stop me from making these kids happy because kids come first,” said Davis.

Kids told 5NEWS they’re excited to give the flowers to their moms, and they are grateful for Mrs. Davis.

“She’s the best custodian, and she helps everyone,” said Kennedy Paton & Camden Paton, Jayenne Elementary First Graders.

Copyright 2024 WDTV. All rights reserved.

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Giant Hand Sculptures Around The World

The other day, a pair of giant hands appeared rising out of a canal in Venice, as if to support the sides of the Ca’ Sagredo Hotel. It was an installation art by Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn who wanted to make a visual statement of the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on the historic city.

Quinn isn’t the only one to use hands to deliver a powerful message. Let us look at other giant hand installation around the world.

Mano del Desierto, Atacama Desert, Chile

Perhaps the most famous dismembered hand is “Mano del Desierto” in the middle of the Atacama Desert, located 75 kilometers south of the city of Antofagasta. The art piece was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in honor of the victims of injustice and torture during the military regime in Chile. The concrete structure stands 11 meters tall.

Photo credit: MarcosEscalier/Wikimedia

Photo credit: Juan Eduardo Donoso Rosas/Flickr

Hand of Punta del Este

The Hand of Punta del Este, or Mano de Punta del Este, is another hand sculpture by the Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, located in the popular resort town of Punta del Este, in Uruguay. The sculpture was unveiled during the summer of 1982, and has since become a symbol for Punta del Este and one of Uruguay's most recognizable landmarks. Over the years the sculpture came to be called by different names such as Emergiendo a la Vida (Man Emerging into Life), Monumento los Dedos (Monument of the Fingers), and Monumento al Ahogado (Monument to the Drowned), although the creator prefers it to be called simply “the Hand”.

Photo credit: Vince Alongi/Flickr

Photo credit: Josué Gómez/Flickr

Praying Hands, Tulsa, the United States

These pair of mighty hands locked in prayer stands at the entrance of the Oral Roberts University campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At 60 feet high, and weighing 30 tons, it’s reportedly the largest bronze sculpture in America.

Photo credit: Jeffkao/Flickr

Photo credit: Joseph Novak/Flickr

Hand of Harmony, Cape Homi, South Korea

The Hand of Harmony is a sculpture of a hand located on Homigot Beach, one of the easternmost points on the Korean peninsula. The sculpture made from bronze and granite was built in 1999.

Photo credit: jeito/Panoramio

Photo credit: Cranky/Panoramio

Giant Hand at Bandung, Indonesia

This giant steel sculpture of a hand is located at the gate of Setraduta, an upper class housing complex in the north of Bandung, Indonesia. It is designed and made by Nyoman Nuarta, one of the most prominent and prolific Indonesian sculptors today.

Photo credit: theartstack.com

Holocaust Memorial, Miami

At the Holocaust Memorial, in Miami, Florida, is a 12-meter-tall sculpture of an outstretched arm, reaching for the skies as hundreds of small human figures cling to it and to each other. The hand displays a tattoo with a number similar to the ones Auschwitz survivors sport in their forearm. The sculpture was designed by architect Kenneth Treister.

Photo credit: Dennis Goedegebuure/Flickr

Photo credit: Scurzuzu/Flickr

Hands & Molecule, Ramsgate, Kent

A pair of hands, 8 feet tall, emerging from the ground and cradling a molecule is located on the Westcliff Promenade, Ramsgate, Kent, UK. The sculpture was funded by David Barnes and funded by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. It was unveiled in June 2000 to mark the opening of the National Cycle Network (Route 15) in Thanet, Kent.

Photo credit: John Sheldon/Flickr

The Hand, Madrid, Spain

This sculpture made in 1987 is the second giant hand made by Mario Irarrázabal. It is located in Parque Juan Carlos I in Madrid, and is similar to his original sculpture in Punta del Este, Uruguay .

Photo credit: Camilo Rueda López/Flickr

And finally,

Giant Hands of Venice

The giant hands on Venice’s Grand Canal is the latest set of hands to appear in the world. It is not a permanent installation, but will remain till the end of November.

“Venice is a floating art city that has inspired cultures for centuries,” Lorenzo Quinn said. “But to continue to do so it needs the support of our generation and future ones, because it is threatened by climate change and time decay.”

“I wanted to sculpt what is considered the hardest and most technically challenging part of the human body,” the artist said. “The hand holds so much power – the power to love, to hate, to create, to destroy.”

via armchairtravelogue.blogspot.in

Look here too :48.8935481,2.2385694 "Le Pouce" of Cesar. Courbevoie, France.

there also exists a monument representing a hand in Romania, in the northen region called Bucovina on the road between Campulung Moldovenesc and Radauti. The road has been built in 1968 and the hand reminds those men who built it almost 50 years ago. See some images of this monument at: https://www.google.ro/search?q=monumentul+palma&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjiyLP30M7UAhUMchQKHeEVBPAQsAQIPg&biw=1274&bih=587

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Home > Farm > Agritourism > What is Agritourism?

What is Agritourism?

Have you ever heard of agritourism? What exactly does it mean? Agritourism is where agriculture and tourism meet to provide you with an amazing educational experience, whether it be a tour of a farm or ranch, a festival or cheese-making class. Farmers, ranchers and wineries turn their land into a destination and open their doors to the public in order to teach more about what they do.

See more:  5 Incredible Farm Stay Destinations Around the U.S.

Agritourism is becoming an increasingly popular industry in almost every state. Destinations across the country offer unique experiences ranging from picking your own fresh fruit at an orchard and trying your hand at calf roping to hayrides at a pumpkin patch. There are tons of unique activities waiting to be explored.

Some farmers turn their working farms into destinations to help educate the public about farming. Others do it as a way to supplement income in the off-season. But no matter what the reason, every farm has something unique to offer guests. So if you’re heading out on a vacation or long weekend soon, be sure to scope out agritourism destinations in the area.

Looking for the perfect destination? Check out some fun and educational spots from around the country:

Grape Expectations: Arkansas Wine Industry Encourages Agritourism Fun on the Farm at Mississippi Agritourism Destinations A Sip and a Swig at Wisconsin Wineries and Breweries The Scoop on Ohio Agritourism Visitors Experience Life of the Farm in Kentucky Georgia Agritourism Brings Southern Hospitality

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

[…] Farm Flavor offers more reasons to do agritourism. […]

[…] Offering farm stays or agrotourism experiences can transform your hobby farm into a rural retreat. With the right setup and marketing, city dwellers looking for a slice of country life could become your regular guests. Imagine waking up to the sounds of chirping birds and fresh countryside air. Indulge in farm-fresh meals and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. A farm stay experience is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. […]

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Court orders billionaire developer can be stripped of Double Island resort lease but leaves final decision to minister

T he Queensland Land Court has ruled in favour of stripping Hong Kong based billionaire Benny Wu of a derelict tropical island off the coast of Cairns.

The final decision to cancel Mr Wu's lease for the Double Island resort now lies in the hands of Resources Minister Scott Stewart, whose department brought the action against Fortune Island Holdings.

Acting President of the Land Court of Queensland, Peta Stilgoe, told the court she agreed with the department that Mr Wu had breached the condition of his lease.

"A tourism resort requires the availability of overnight accommodation, facilities such as a food and beverage service and activities that one might expect on a holiday," Ms Stilgoe said.

"Double Island has none of these things.

"From day one, Mr Wu knew that compliance with these conditions was a requirement."

Ms Stilgoe rejected the company's claims it was not in breach of the tourism lease because there were regular kayak tours to the island.

"The kayak tours are not operated by or on behalf of Fortune (Island Holdings)," she said.

Double Island resort was once favoured by Hollywood celebrities, including Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, but is now shuttered and abandoned.

When Mr Wu purchased the 17-hectare island in 2012, he told local media the resort would be for "very rich tourists" at the "top end of the market", but photographs supplied to the ABC show the island has become an uninhabitable mess.

The neglect of the property, and flouting of lease conditions requiring the resort to be operated for tourism purposes, triggered a crackdown from the Department of Natural Resources, which issued Mr Wu with an ultimatum to bring the island's facilities up to scratch by March last year. 

The matter was heard on Tuesday in the Land Court in Cairns — the first time the Queensland government has taken such action to strip a lease from an island owner.

Mr Wu's barrister, Douglas Quayle, told the court his client "remained committed" to complying with the lease conditions.

He said Mr Wu intended to sell the island and had engaged building contractors to carry out work, but a lack of barge access had hindered the process.

"Structures on a place like this island are hard to recondition once they're out of condition, obtaining labour and machinery access to the island … has proved very difficult," Mr Quayle said.

"Things like the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps taken in response to it and natural events like cyclones have an exaggerated effect on anything one tries to do on the island."

Documents tendered to the court show Fortune Island Holdings had argued the resort was still being used for tourism purposes by kayakers taking day trips.

But barrister Jonathan Horton, representing the Department of Resources, told the court, "tourism is not going through the ghost town of a derelict resort".

"It is not a safe exercise because the island is in a state of disrepair," Mr Horton said.

He said Mr Wu had been given three years to comply with the department's directions.

Mr Stewart said he welcomed the decision by the Land Court to green-light the forfeiture of the Double Island lease.

"We have always maintained lessees on government property are required to meet the conditions on their leases," he said.

"We will always work with lessees wherever they are in Queensland to make sure they are complying with conditions but we will take action as this shows."

A 'Lord of the Flies' existence

The current state of the island is a far cry from the idyllic, untouched playground that was part of Cambell Balderson's childhood.

In 1978, Mr Balderson's mother and father, Carolyn and Ashley, along with two other local families, purchased the first lease for the then undeveloped Double Island for around $60,000.

"It was a Lord of the Flies experience for us," Mr Balderson said, referencing the classic novel about a group of British children who wind up marooned on a desert island.

"We would harvest oysters and fish and walk through the rainforest, explore the hills and see a lot of snakes and all sorts of different animals."

The family conglomerate, all of whom have construction backgrounds, pooled their money and built the resort in the early 1980s, based on eco-friendly designs they had seen in Hawaii, and barged in construction material from the Cairns mainland.

"As kids, we used to go over on weekends and sometimes if we were cheeky on school days to help and work on the site," Mr Balderson said.

"My father was a land surveyor and he looked for the best place to build the resort and it was tactfully done with a minimum of clearing, in a time when sustainable development was relatively unheard of."

He said his mother later negotiated the sale of the resort to Australian businesswoman Janet Holmes a Court in the late 1980s.

The resort then changed hands several times, before being purchased by Mr Wu in 2012.

Mr Balderson said the court action was a "fight worth having".

"It's really sad to see the legacy created by our families end up like this," he said.

"It's also an opportunity lost for all locals to go over and experience this beautiful island."

Palm Cove businessman Tony Richards, who has had a long association with the island, said Double Island was once described by a US luxury lifestyle magazine as one of the "world's top 10 great escapes".

He said in its heyday, guests including actor Keanu Reeves were flown by helicopter direct from the Cairns airport.

Other islands facing similar fate

Double Island is not the only neglected island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Brampton Island Resort off Mackay was a scenic paradise until it was bought by United Petroleum in 2010 for $5.9 million.

Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays, once famed for being the first Club Med in Australia, has sat in ruins since it was pummelled by Cyclone Yasi in 2011. The Singaporean company Well Start has bought the island and has pledged to restore it.

The 1980s party paradise, Great Keppel (Woppa) Island off the central Queensland coast has been laying in ruin for 15 years, with the Queensland government recently announcing a $30 million master plan including provisions for an eco-resort, new sewage system and conservation areas. 

Resorts on South Molle and Hook Island have also been closed for years.

The issue sparked a Queensland parliamentary inquiry examining the economic and regulatory frameworks for the state's island resorts.

Eighteen recommendations were made to the state government, including cancelling the leases of developers who let the islands fall to rack and ruin.

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Joining Hands to Cooperate in Tourism and Promote Innovation and Development to Create a Better Future for World Tourism

Publish Time：2022-09-15 19:15:53 Source： WTCF

【Introduction】：The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the development of the world tourism industry. In the post-pandemic era, how shall we accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry and stimulate the vitality of world tourism cities? The 2022 World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development, hosted by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), was held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on 1 September 2022. As one of the seven summit forums held during the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), the conference focused on the theme of "Deepening Cooperation and Innovation for Development" and attracted more than 300 delegates from 49 countries. At this grand in-person gathering, they shared their wisdom and plans for promoting the development of world tourism cities and the revitalization and prosperity of global tourism.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the development of the world tourism industry. In the post-pandemic era, how shall we accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry and stimulate the vitality of world tourism cities? The 2022 World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development, hosted by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), was held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing on 1 September 2022. As one of the seven summit forums held during the 2022 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), the conference focused on the theme of "Deepening Cooperation and Innovation for Development" and attracted more than 300 delegates from 49 countries. At this grand in-person gathering, they shared their wisdom and plans for promoting the development of world tourism cities and the revitalization and prosperity of global tourism.

A photo taken during the Conference

B uild ing  an I nternational P latform to F acilitate  World Tourism Interc onnectivity

Tourism serves as a bridge to spread civilizations, exchange cultures and enhance friendships. Amid all the ups and downs during the fight against the pandemic, the world tourism recovery is still slow and fragile after the serious blow dealt by COVID-19. Tourism cities, international organizations and tourism companies should join hands to vigorously cope with the difficulties and weather the pandemic.

As the world's first city-based international tourism organization, WTCF has taken the initiative to play a leading role and worked with other international organizations to vigorously build a world tourism cooperation and exchange platform. In 2022, centered on the themes of sustainable development of world tourism cities and regional tourism recovery and revitalization in the context of the epidemic, WTCF held a briefing on the project named "The Sustainable Development of World Tourism Cities under COVID Context: The Response from China", and WTCF Conference on Asia-Pacific Tourism 2022, providing experience sharing for the comprehensive recovery and sustainable development of world tourism cities and the tourism industry. Notably, at the conference, WTCF released World Tourism Cities Development R eport (2021) , which defines the path for the future development of global tourism, and provides decision-making reference and intellectual support for governments, relevant cities and the tourism industry.

Rao Quan, China's Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, acknowledged the pivotal role of WTCF in building a platform and promoting cooperation. He noted that the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development which originated in 2020 "undertook the mission" in the "darkest hour" facing the tourism industry. This series of conferences are always committed to boosting the recovery and development of the tourism industry, and have offered an effective platform to deepen international exchanges and cooperation in tourism and discuss plans for world tourism development.

"The theme of this conference is clear and the timing is right." Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), said in his speech that experts from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimated that international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2022 were only 39% of the 2019 level, but tourism was gradually recovering. International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 55% to 70% of the pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, which is particularly important for countries where tourism activity revenue accounts for more than 20% of national economic development. "In the new environment, jointly promoting cooperation is the main driving force for the further recovery and development of tourism."

Oh Se-hoon, Vice Chairman of the WTCF Council and Mayor of Seoul, South Korea, believes that the conference themed "Deepening Cooperation and Innovation for Development" will provide new ideas for exploring the future development trends of tourism and offer an opportunity to revitalize the world tourism industry.

At the end of 2021, the State Council of China issued a development plan for the tourism sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), which made systematic arrangements for improving the open tourism cooperation system, and specifically mentioned the need to fully leverage the role of international organizations such as WTCF in spurring world tourism development. Li Baochun, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of WTCF, pointed out in a media interview that WTCF will, under the guidance of the plan, more vigorously build an international exchange and cooperation platform for world tourism cities, bolster the exchanges and cooperation between its member units and relevant cities and institutions, and play a bigger role on the international stage through brand building and deepening academic research.

Special Forum: Perspectives on Tourism Cooperation from Ambassadors

Pooling G lobal W isdom to Advance the R ecovery and R evitalization of W orld T ourism

The recovery of tourism cities is the key to world tourism revitalization. In the context of pandemic prevention and control, countries around the world are strenuously exploring and seeking new breakthroughs in tourism development and revitalization. Chen Jining, Chairman of the WTCF Council and Mayor of Beijing, stated that Beijing, as an important tourism city, attached great importance to the recovery and development of tourism. Since last year, Beijing has been ramping up its efforts to coordinate and enhance pandemic prevention and control and socio-economic development. The city has firmly grasped opportunities opened up through holding major events such as the 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, to deeply explore the connotations of the capital's culture and tourism resources, taken 18 relief measures to support the recovery and development of tourism and other industries, introduced boutique tourism routes like "Wandering Beijing" and "Roaming Beijing's Suburbs", built a number of new cultural tourism landmarks such as Universal Beijing Resort and Chang'an Mills in Shougang Park, and launched red tourism destinations including the Red Building at Peking University and the revolutionary memorial site in Fragrant Hills. "These measures have remarkably boosted the recovery and development of the tourism industry. In 2021, the city received 255 million visits, and the tourism revenue reached 416.62 billion yuan (60.3 billion U.S. dollars). The two figures increased by 38.8% and 43% year on year respectively."

Anne Lafortune, Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to China, shared a variety of effective measures her country had taken to safely open its borders and promote tourism recovery. "First, the Ministry of Health issued a series of guiding requirements that accommodation and dining establishments must meet before they can be certified Green and allowed to accept incoming tourists." Second, Seychelles has developed an approval mechanism for travel health certification, which requires visitors to log on to the application platform with information about their reservations and other health documents needed for entry. In addition, Seychelles promotes universal vaccination to achieve herd immunity as quickly as possible. Anne Lafortune also talked about online promotional efforts to showcase the natural beauty of Seychelles while the borders were still closed. "We want to tell global potential visitors to start dreaming about the beauty of Seychelles now and then turn their dreams into reality." The endeavor will ensure that people are willing to come back to Seychelles when it gradually opens up to tourists again as a traditional tourist country.

South Africa's tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. Siyabonga C. Cwele, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to China, highlighted the tourism recovery strategies being implemented: first, ensuring the smooth supply of infrastructure; second, promoting or stimulating demand for tourism; third, other supportive policies including establishing a fund to assist small-sized tourism businesses in tackling the pandemic, issuing e-visas, and creating innovative platforms for global promotion.

Melissa Pryce, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Jamaica in China, noted that aiming to better cope with market demand changes and realize targeted solutions to tourism development amidst the pandemic, Jamaica had set up special working teams and even launched "Resilient Corridors" and a "CARE Programme". These measures have yielded positive results in practice.

Panel Discussion

Strengthen ing   C ooperation and I nnovation to Jointly Create a B etter F uture for W orld T ourism

In the process of promoting the recovery of the world tourism economy, where should countries and relevant international organizations strengthen cooperation and innovative development so as to tide over the current difficulties facing international tourism development?

"China is one of the strongest members of SCO, and we think tourism is one of the main sectors where we need to cooperate with China," said Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of SCO. "China's Xinjiang is bordered by four of our member states. If there is sustained cooperation with Xinjiang in tourism, it will bring good results, including the opening of direct flights." He believes it will give tourists from neighboring countries more opportunities to come to China and better experience its beautiful scenery and culture.

Natalia Francisca Cortés García, Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of Chile in China, shared an example of cooperation: a scenic spot in the desert region of northern Chile is shared by Chile, Bolivia and Peru, and tourists who come to this place can visit all three countries. Melissa Pryce, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Jamaica in China, introduced the tourism cooperation between China and Jamaica. She said China was the first country where Jamaica granted a preferential visa-free policy to tourists, and the two sides are also negotiating an aviation agreement. She believes that cooperation in civil aviation will attract more Chinese tourists to Jamaica. Li Xinjian, Professor of Beijing International Studies University and WTCF Expert, suggested, "Impacted by the pandemic, international tourism cooperation should not simply be limited to the short and medium term, but focus on long-term development."

Hallam Henry, Ambassador of Barbados to China, believes that effective cooperation can be formed either by signing a memorandum of understanding at the government level or through people-to-people exchanges. He noted that more partnerships will make the tourism industry more resilient and sustainable. He further proposed creating unique travel experiences, such as adopting story-telling marketing methods to bring people all-new experiences.

Zhuang Zhuoran, Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Fliggy, shared his thoughts on the development of world tourism in the next decade from the perspective of digital innovation. First, digital platforms can serve tourism cities and link them together, and integrate resources of industries like tourism, culture, food and beverage retail, agriculture, to create a sustainable operation mode of digital services. On the other hand, such platforms can help tourism businesses with real direct sales, and out of the plight of low repurchase rates and high long-term costs. Meanwhile, referring to the cooperation cases with Pinggu, Marriott International, and Universal Beijing Resort, Zhuang Zhuoran systematically elaborated on the vital role digitalization played in supporting the survival and transformation of the tourism industry.

On August 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 2022 CIFTIS. He stressed that China was ready to work with other countries to uphold real multilateralism, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and jointly promote the open and shared services economy to inject impetus into the recovery of the global economy. As a typical comprehensive industry, tourism plays a pivotal role in the revitalization and development of the global economy, and a full recovery relies on the united efforts and joint cooperation of all stakeholders. Only by working together can we go through stormy seas, and only through win-win cooperation can we usher in a promising future. It is believed that with the efforts of all parties represented by WTCF, the world tourism industry will surely enter an era of prosperity and revitalization.

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YOUR CHANCE TO PAUSE

We have always believed travel, when done right, is a force for good; to learn, to inspire, to empower, and to share experiences around the world.

At the core of everything we do is a responsibility. A responsibility for you as travellers, to ensure not just a safe journey, but an unforgettable one, but also for the communities we visit.

With this in mind and the current global situation, we are taking a moment to pause. What makes travel, and a Hands on Journey’s tour so special is the cultural immersion; the chance to meet, share and embrace a different culture in full. The health, safety and support of the communities we visit have always been at the heart of Hands on Journeys, and right now, the right thing for us to do is support these communities in alternative ways, not by bringing travellers from the outside in.

With health concerns and continued travel restrictions, it wouldn’t be possible to run our kind of tours at this current time. Of course, we could still try to take you to incredible sights, but without that human touch, the unexpected moments and the unforgettable interactions, it wouldn’t be the experience we hold so dear and cherish as travellers.

My fellow Australians, and our international guests, we don’t know when travel will resume, but we do know it will. When the time is right, our obsession for learning, our desire to discover and our curious nature will be fulfilled again. But, for now, it’s time to take a moment to pause, look a little bit closer to home, and find those in our local communities we can support, from tourism businesses to groups in need. I wish you and your loved ones well in these uncertain times.

Your’s in travel, Simla Founder, Hands on Journeys

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The communities we work with trust us because we have opened up two-way conversations, shared countless ups and downs, overnight stays on dusty floors and most importantly human connection. We’ve made friends around the world and we can’t wait to introduce you to our extended family.

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