Decolonizing the tourism industry requires using language and asking questions that actually center local communities.
Despite slow but significant changes to tourism, some places may benefit from no travel at all. Is the industry willing to go there?
Subjective travel content can be used effectively, but there are often better ways to entice people with written and oral communication.
Tour companies are touting ways for people to “give back” while traveling, but it’s not clear what that means or if it serves communities.
Travel influencers have traditionally shown quantifiable value. What role should they play in an industry increasingly focused on quality?
Sustainability goals in tourism should be made public for accountability and so others can learn from the process.
An active dialogue requires that people listen to what others have to say. But “listening” is not the same as simply being present.
Travel writing that perpetuates stereotypes and clichés keeps the tourism industry from attracting travelers with appropriate expectations.
Tourism operates within systems built upon colonialism and racism, and “giving a voice to the voiceless” reinforces a harmful status quo.
