TourismWatch No. 124

Travel Information, Travel Planning and Tourism Narratives

Travel information is about far more than practical guidance. It shapes the images we carry with us when we travel. When diverse perspectives are made visible, they can spark curiosity, deepen understanding of global interconnections, and foster encounters based on mutual respect.

To the new edition 124

Tourism Watch No. 123

Tourism Watch at a Turning Point – Tourism Between Crises, Digitalisation and Responsibility

Tourism Watch starts a new chapter at ECPAT Germany. At a time of growing challenges for sustainability, we examine whether the debates at ITB 2026 offer real solutions.

To the new edition 123

Tourism Watch No 122

Pathways to the Future: Strategic Priorities for Responsible Tourism Development

Climate justice, human rights and child protection, digital responsibility, fair markets, and joint global learning – six key contributions for a future-proof tourism sector.

To the new edition 122

Tourism Watch No 121

Tourism and Sustainable Transformation

Tourism and Sustainable Transformation – Tourism Watch puts the motto into practice: shared decision-making by local communities, fair value creation, and travel that respects human rights and planetary boundaries.

To the new edition 121

Tourism Watch No 120

Protecting Biodiversity – Tourism’s Responsibility

Tourism depends on the richness of nature – yet it often puts that very richness at risk. Protecting natural habitats means safeguarding our livelihoods, strengthening local communities, and sharing global responsibility fairly.

To the new edition 120

Tourism Watch No 119

Making Travel Inclusive and Accessible

Travel should be possible for everyone—yet many people with disabilities still face significant barriers. Inclusive tourism is not just about accessibility; it also fosters social participation, strengthens local economies, and creates equal opportunities.

To the new edition 119

Tourism Watch No 118

Sacred Places

Sacred places around the world demonstrate how tourism presents both opportunities and challenges for their preservation and spiritual significance. Sustainable models are essential to safeguarding the cultural, spiritual, and ecological integrity of these places.

To the new edition 118

Tourism Watch No 117

Tourism and Peace

Tourism can play a significant role in promoting reconciliation processes and economic recovery in conflict regions. Respecting local communities and their history is crucial to preventing social tensions and fostering positive change.

To the new edition 117
"Put down your phone, open your heart." Sign at the monastery church in Peramiho, southern Tanzania.

“We Did Not Want to Tell a Single Truth”

The “Decolonial Travel Guide Tanzania” centres local perspectives and presents travel as a shared learning process.

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[Translate to english:] Tourismus in Yucatan

Travel Guidebooks as Educational Media?

Travel guidebooks shape what is considered worth seeing – often overlooking the lives and perspectives of local communities.

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TikTok and video ban at the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara, Nepal. Social media videos against the mountain backdrop disturb the peaceful atmosphere for prayer.

How Social Media is Changing Travel

Social media shapes travel decisions, puts destinations in the spotlight, but can also reinforce overtourism and stereotypical portrayals.

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[Translate to english:] Fernweh Fair Travel

Digital Travel Guidance Versus Personal Tour Guides

Digital travel guides make it easier to navigate destinations, but local knowledge often becomes accessible only through personal encounters.

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[Translate to english:] Markt Kathmandu

Travel in the Mirror

Study: Perceptions of home influence how travellers view destinations – and which places they find most attractive.

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[Translate to english:] 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking

Call for Applications: TO DO Award 2027

Applications for the TO DO Award 2027 are open until 31 July 2026. The award recognises tourism initiatives involving local communities.

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Article
[Translate to english:] #ITB Berlin

ITB 2026: Tourism Between Geopolitical Crises, Digitalisation and Responsibility

The tourism sector is becoming increasingly vulnerable to crises – yet new impulses remain scarce. Tourism Watch offers its assessment of ITB 2026.

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Article

More Than “Too Many”: Why the Concept of Overtourism Falls Short

For Alba Sud, overtourism is merely a symptom of the touristification—sustainable tourism requires an analysis of capitalist structures.

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Article

“Cooperation for Change” – Antje Monshausen on Tourism, Child Protection, and Responsibility

“Child protection in tourism is still being neglected.” ECPAT Germany CEO on taboos, successes, and the power of cooperation and education.

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Article

Strengthening Human Rights – Shaping Socially Responsible Tourism

Clear social standards along the tourism supply chain can improve worker protection and effectively reduce human rights risks.

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