Big Picture

Tourism has long been perceived as a powerful bridge between cultures, but its potential extends far beyond simple cultural exchange. On this World Tourism Day 2024, the spotlight shifts to an urgent and profound realisation: tourism can be a monumental force for conflict resolution and the promotion of global peace. In a world scarred by wars, deep-seated divisions, and persistent inequality, the travel industry offers not just a window to other cultures but a pathway toward mutual understanding, reconciliation, and sustainable development.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has recognised this latent power of tourism, transforming it into a global agenda through key resolutions. With the adoption of resolutions that closely align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), UNWTO has redefined tourism as a mechanism for fostering peace. The role of responsible travellers and the travel industry itself is crucial in this endeavour. We must ask ourselves: What kind of world are we shaping for future generations?

Bridging Cultures, Building Peace

Deep dive into how tourism serves as a transformative force for conflict resolution and global peace, fostering understanding and unity in a divided world.

As the world accelerates at a dizzying pace, many seek refuge in global well-being travel—a transformative journey towards mental and physical rejuvenation. More than just a getaway, this emerging trend offers a comprehensive path to holistic health, mental happiness, and sustainable living.

In an age where digital devices dominate our lives, wellness travel stands out by promising a reconnection with nature, personal passions, and a healthier lifestyle. And slow travel offers a much-needed antidote, encouraging travelers to unplug, unwind, and engage with the world on a deeper level. Embracing a slower pace allows for meaningful interactions with locals, moments of introspection, and a profound appreciation for the beauty of the journey itself. This intentional approach to travel fosters mental clarity, emotional well-being, and a renewed sense of vitality.

Wellness, Wonderland, Wanderlust

Embarking on an odyssey of vitality and exploration

Cooler Destinations, Hotter Responsibilities

Charting a course for responsible summer wanderlust

Igniting a sustainable symphony between Indian & Kenyan tourism ecosystem

The 5th OTOAI Convention analyses myriad trends of Smart Tourism

The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) is all set for its highly anticipated Convention in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 24 to 27, 2023 — the first-ever tourism convention of such kind from India in Kenya, adding an extra layer of excitement. Let's dig deep.

KENYAN KALEIDOSCOPE

OTOAI'S ODYSSEY OF OPULENT OPPORTUNITIES

Responsible Wanderlust

Decoding Festive Travel Season & Celebrating Togetherness

The capital city of Bangladesh, the vibrant city of Dhaka is once again gearing up to host a momentous event that has become a staple in the world of tourism and travel calendar for Asia - the 10th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) Dhaka. Over the past nine years, ATF Dhaka has established itself as a premier platform for the convergence of travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and stakeholders of the region, all united by their love for exploration and adventure. This year's edition, scheduled from September 21 to 23, promises to be even grander as it celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary.
The ATF Dhaka is an annual event that brings together National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), travel agents, tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines, embassies, and Bangladesh's travel associations under one roof. The congregation not only fosters collaboration and partnerships but also acts as a catalyst for the growth of the tourism industry in Asia and beyond.
The theme of ATF Dhaka remains "Connecting Regional Tourism". It underlines the importance of forging connections and alliances across borders to boost tourism, exchange cultural experiences, and promote economic growth. By facilitating cross-border interactions and highlighting the diverse offerings of various countries, ATF Dhaka encourages visitors to explore new destinations and immerse themselves in the beauty of distinct cultures.
As the biggest travel fair in Bangladesh, ATF Dhaka provides a comprehensive overview of the tourism landscape. Visitors can expect a plethora of exhibits displaying enticing travel destinations, unique experiences, and special travel packages. From bustling metropolises to serene beaches, from historical sites to modern attractions - every facet of travel is be represented, allowing attendees to plan their dream getaways all in one place as the fair opens for the public on the last day.
The ATF Dhaka's venue, the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, is an iconic location that echoes the grandeur of the event. The fair is being supported by esteemed entities like the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Bangladesh Government, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Biman Bangladesh, among others. These associations signify the government's commitment to promoting the tourism industry and displaying Bangladesh as an emerging travel destination.
Hotel Inter-Continental Dhaka has joined hands as the hospitality partner for this year and will be hosting guests as well as the awards function cum gala dinner event. Known for its luxurious accommodations and impeccable service, the partnership adds important value of comfort and elegance to the overall experience. Having the opportunity to collaborate with ATF Dhaka is a testament to Hotel Inter-Continental's commitment to supporting and nurturing the tourism industry.
ATF Dhaka boasts participation from a multitude of countries, emphasizing its regional reach and influence. With the collective efforts of these countries, the fair creates an environment conducive to networking, learning, and collaboration, driving innovation in the travel sector.
As visitors, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from all corners of the world gather in Dhaka to celebrate the 10th Asian Tourism Fair, there is a shared sense of excitement and anticipation for the years of adventure that lie ahead. The event is not just a celebration of the past but a blueprint for the future of tourism, where connections are forged, cultures are shared, and horizons are expanded.
Inclusive Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainable tourism, often referred to as responsible or eco-tourism, has emerged as a critical agenda within the global travel sphere. The impact of mass tourism on the environment and local communities has been a cause for concern, and the industry is making conscious efforts to address these challenges. ATF Dhaka acknowledges the urgency of sustainability and highlights its significance through dedicated exhibits, seminars, and discussions at the concurring Bangladesh Tourism Development Summit 2023.
In an era where the global travel industry is redefining itself to align with environmental responsibility and social consciousness, the 10th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) Dhaka is poised to shine a spotlight on two pivotal pillars of modern tourism - Sustainable Tourism and Community-Based Tourism (CBT).
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is another integral aspect that ATF Dhaka is championing. This approach emphasizes the involvement of local communities in the tourism process, ensuring they have a stake in the benefits and growth that tourism can bring.
ATF Dhaka is expected to display CBT initiatives through a Responsible Tourism Clinic with interactive displays, workshops, and storytelling sessions. These platforms will shed light on successful community-led tourism projects, emphasizing their positive impact on livelihoods, infrastructural development, and the preservation of intangible heritage.
Personalization and Tailored Experiences
The diversity of Asian tourists' preferences is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered. From bustling metropolises to tranquil landscapes, culinary delights to historical gems, each traveller’s desires are unique. Mapping these choices empowers travel industry professionals to curate personalized experiences that resonate with individual preferences. This personalization not only heightens customer satisfaction but also fuels a stronger emotional connection between the traveller and the destination.
ATF Dhaka serves as a hub where these preferences are brought to the forefront. Exhibitors, tour operators, and hospitality partners gather to display an array of offerings, allowing tourists to interact with options that align with their interests. By understanding these choices, stakeholders can tailor their offerings, crafting experiences that mirror the desires of their clientele.
Predictive Insights and Industry Growth
Mapping travel choices extends beyond the immediate benefit of enhancing individual experiences. It also lays the foundation for predictive insights that drive industry growth. By analysing patterns and trends in Asian tourists' preferences, industry experts can anticipate upcoming demands and trends. This forward-looking approach aids in strategic planning, product development, and destination marketing.
The ATF Dhaka fair serves as an incubator for these insights. As industry players gather to share ideas and innovations, they gain a comprehensive understanding of evolving travel preferences. This knowledge equips them to shape strategies that not only cater to current demands but also forecast the ever-changing needs of Asian tourists.

A decade of Connecting Regional Tourism

Shaping the Future of Travel: Asian Tourism Industry to Converge at the 10th ATF Dhaka

Most of us are familiar with the story of Narcissus, who was the son of Greek river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope, who met his fate by obsessively looking at himself in the river. Now, one might wonder what Greek mythology has to do with travel. Unfortunately, a new trend of travel has emerged as "selfie tourism," where travellers prioritise taking selfies and making painstaking efforts to find the perfect click to post on social media rather than actually enjoying the ambiance of the place that they're visiting. While capturing moments to remember might seem like a harmless activity, it has grave repercussions on individuals, communities, and children.

People are now prioritising travel like never before. They want to explore the world, especially after the pandemic, where being shut in the house for so long felt like a long claustrophobic never-ending series. In such a scenario, coming up with potential destinations can be tricky and obviously involves commitment—from ideation to planning to materialising. Millennials nowadays rely on social media or "influencers" for travel inspirations. The inadvertent dependency on social media is reflected in the choices made by people when selecting and visiting a place. As a result, "check-list destinations" are adopted, which then begins the downward spiral of creating the perfect gridlock of pictures, reels, etc. The presence in digital spaces is feasting on real-life experiences, where what seems perfect is preferred over what is real.

For a generation swamped with cutthroat competition, it is imperative for millennials (or anyone, for that matter) to engage in meaningful travel experiences and actually enjoy the relaxing moments that have stolen from the monotony of life rather than working ceaselessly on finding the perfect click. Today’s generation, instead of stealing moments for themselves (with family or friends), ponders a new dilemma. They wonder if their chosen place is trendy enough to be seen travelling to. A nagging pressure of being embarrassed because of their chosen destination hangs over them like a live wire. All of this undue stress for the fear of being judged by a bunch of strangers online?

As a responsible global citizen, one must recognise the perils of "selfie tourism" or "ego tourism."

1. Increased risk of accidents and injuries:

A large chunk of travellers is ‘dying to get the best holiday pics’, quite literally. In hot pursuit of the ''perfect selfie," tourists bring upon themselves unnecessary dangers and risks like standing too close to the edge of a cliff or getting too close to the wild animals. Studies show that this is especially high among millennial men. What's worse? India tops the rank when it comes to selfie deaths, followed by Russia. In 2020, a newly married woman with three other family members drowned while trying to capture a selfie near Pambar Dam in Tamil Nadu. The selfie culture has become more important than life.

2. Disrespect for local culture and traditions:

In blissfully going around collecting ‘trophies of travel’, without a care in the world, travellers forget to prioritise learning about the local culture and customs. They inadvertently end up offending locals by engaging in disrespectful behaviour and violating native customs. This is leading to resentment towards tourists and perpetuates negative stereotypes. The popular cobbled backstreet in Paris called "Rue Crémieux" with its pastel painted two-storied buildings has been an internet sensation. The influx of influencers and tourists have exhausted the residents, their patience has run out. Frustrated residents of the picturesque Parisian street have petitioned to the government to outlaw all photo and video shoots on the weekends and in the evenings.

3. Damage to the environment and cultural heritage sites:

Popular destinations become overcrowded, leading to littering, pollution, and damage to natural habitats. The constant foot traffic can also cause damage to historic monuments and buildings. New Zealand's Mermaid Pools were closed indefinitely because the authorities were afraid of it being ‘killed by too many people’ after litter and human waste. The 15th-century wonder Machu Picchu in Peru that houses the Intihuatana was damaged due to increased footfall after a beer commercial shooting went beyond limits to visitors. The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO expressed ‘extreme concerns’ over drowning by the impact of escalated tourism. "It is simply not sustainable to have never-ending growth in land-based tourism in this fragile environment," says the International Galàpagos Tour Operators. The 692% increase in hotels since 2006 on the Galàpagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean is dangerously alarming for its ecology. How many more cultural and heritage sites have to be made inaccessible before reality kicks in and we realise that the damage we inflict on these places is real?

4. Psychological harm:

The "always switched on" traveller, made possible by the widespread use of smartphones, uses their gadgets to share their travel experiences in person and in real time. The top two key ways that social media has changed tourism have been highlighted as discovering, looking for, and sharing travel experiences and information. Many people now use their cell phones as their "external brains" while driving. Yet, frequent cell phone use while travelling has occasionally caused travellers to anthropomorphise their gadgets, giving them human traits and viewing them as personal trip companions.

The days of travel destinations being in charge of their communication and image-making are long gone. Personal photography has evolved from its original purpose as a travel memory to become a significant source of travel inspiration and the most widely used platform for internet communication, self-expression, and identity construction.

5. Strain infrastructure and public services:

We flail our arms, scrunch our noses, and heave deep sighs when a destination becomes too crowded with tourists. The strain on public services such as transportation, waste management and emergency services are seriously derailed causing disruptions in the daily life for locals and decreases quality of stay for both tourists and residents. Lombard Street or ‘world's crookedest street’ was built in San Francisco in 1922, it did not anticipate becoming one of the most over trafficked streets in California. Approximately 6,000 tourists travel down the 600-foot-long serpentine turns every day. Officials even considered putting a USD 10 toll during the pre-Covid periods to slow down the gridlock.

6. Decrease in quality of tourist experience:

With such never-ending queues, overpriced services and overcrowded attractions, the tourist experience is bound to go down a spiral. From being fined four hundred euros for sitting on the Spanish Steps to being given just under a minute's time to view the Mona Lisa, there is barely any time for the tourists to actually engage with the beauty of what they are seeing.

The associated richness of history and social ethos gets lost in the phenomenon of hustle travel. One must not reduce a place to a name on a bucket list. They simply move from one place to another because they can, not because they actually want to. Leave the manic need to take a selfie to prove you have visited the place.

7. Mindful travel as an alternative:

With so much to lose from those "picture-perfect" destinations, it is only pragmatic to shift to more mindful, immersive, and sustainable plans for travelling. For a generation striving amidst climate change and uber-industrialisation, charting the world with responsible steps should be a matter of priority, not just principle.

Immersive and thoughtful travel refers to being fully present and engaged in the experience while travelling. It is "to live" the moment with an intent of awareness, paying attention to the sensations around oneself. It is conducive to forging a genuine and deep connection with the places one visits. It doesn't involve rushing through a checklist of tourist attractions; it means "slowing down", savouring the moment, and being open to gaining a newer, fresher perspective on the life and world around.

It offers special chances to encounter diverse cultures and lifestyles. Interacting with locals, sampling local cuisine, and taking part in their cultural activities can lessen social stereotypes and prejudices, increasing cross-cultural understanding in the process. This will also contribute towards the financial stability of local communities, their long-term economic growth by encouraging people to stay in homestays and dine at locally owned restaurants. Travellers can improve their adaptability and ability to communicate effectively by going outside of their comfort zone and making an effort. It builds gratitude and self-awareness.

On top of that, mindful travel is also an environmentally conscious step. It offers people the chance to sit back and select destinations that can potentially lessen their carbon footprints and support sustainable tourism practices. It's a small but remarkably effective step towards a healthy planet and the preservation of natural resources.

IMPACT OF SELFIE TOURISM

The narcissist culture of travel

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Countryside Calling

Spotlight on the glamourous villages of the world

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HOW DO WE RETHINK TOURISM?
#WTD2022

The big question from the big picture

Chinese tourists out to see the world again

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