Travel’s Transformative Power: My Thoughts on World Tourism Day
Tourism has the potential to be a force for good, connecting people across continents, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering mutual respect and understanding. It’s an industry that provides jobs, empowers communities, and, when managed responsibly, helps preserve the natural and cultural treasures of our planet. Yet, it’s also a complex industry, with challenges like overtourism and environmental impact on the rise.
As a travel advisor, I’m acutely aware of the role I play in this dynamic. Every itinerary I create is more than just a travel plan; it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact. I strive to ensure that my clients have incredible experiences while also respecting and supporting the destinations they visit. This means recommending sustainable options, encouraging responsible travel behaviours, and always considering the well-being of the people and places involved.
Travel has been my greatest teacher, offering lessons I could never have learned from textbooks. It’s taught me humility and gratitude, thanks to the kindness of strangers who have opened their hearts and homes to me, sharing their stories, food, and lives. Whether it’s a spontaneous invite to a family dinner in a remote village or a local offering guidance in a bustling city, these moments have enriched my understanding of the world in profound ways.
Through travel, I’ve witnessed the realities of climate change and poverty, not as abstract concepts but as lived experiences that have shaped my worldview. I’ve seen the erosion of coastlines and the impact on communities that rely on fragile ecosystems for their livelihood. I’ve met people whose entire existence hinges on the ebb and flow of tourism—an industry that, while sustaining them, also brings challenges like overcrowding and loss of cultural identity.
These experiences have compelled me to think critically about my role as a traveller and a professional in the travel industry. What can I do to leave a positive impact? How can I support sustainable practices and contribute to the well-being of the places I visit and recommend to my clients? Often, the answers lie not in grand gestures but in small, conscious choices: choosing local businesses, respecting cultural norms, and supporting organisations that work toward environmental preservation.
The issue of overtourism is particularly challenging. On one hand, the surge in travellers can strain resources, disrupt local life, and degrade environments. On the other hand, tourism is a lifeline for many, providing jobs and supporting economies, especially in regions where opportunities are limited. It’s a delicate balance, one that requires thoughtful action from travellers, governments, businesses, and yes—travel advisors—to ensure that tourism benefits everyone.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to travel and for the ways it has shaped my life and career. The friendships I’ve formed with fellow travellers and locals alike have added depth and meaning to my journeys. The laughter, the tears, the unexpected turns, and the shared stories have all become cherished memories that I carry with me.
Travel is more than just ticking off destinations on a map; it’s about human connection and understanding our place in the world. It’s about the smiles exchanged across language barriers, the beauty of discovering unfamiliar landscapes, and the shared experience of navigating the ups and downs that come with exploring the unknown. For all these reasons, and so many more, I celebrate World Tourism Day not just as a traveller and advisor, but as someone deeply moved by the generosity of the world and committed to making a difference, both on the road and back home.
