Culture and Religion
“Getting to know the country and its people” is a central motive especially when travelling to countries of the Global South– spiritual travel offers are booming all over the world. During their holidays, many travellers find the time and tranquillity to visit churches and temples or they visit isolated mountain villages, to learn unique weaving techniques of the indigenous craftswomen. The opportunity to look beyond their own lives changes the perspective on the world. However, there is a fine line between honest curiosity and touristic voyeurism. With Many beg the question, whether they are really desired by the local population or are rather developed for travellers. Our aim is to motivate travellers to experience encounters at eye level and to support community based travel initiatives to gain economic autonomy.
Precious Human Rights
Rika Jean-Francois is in charge of Corporate Social Responsibility at the ITB Berlin and on the Board of Directors of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Foundation. We spoke to her about the importance of LGBTQI* tourism to countries of the Global South.
Bon Voyage vs. Boycott
How can LGBTQI* tourism contribute to the rights of homo- and transsexuals in travel destinations? Reflections from Cambodia, Colombia and Saudi Arabia.
LGBTQI* Refugees in Thailand
Thailand is marketed as one of the world's most LGBTQI*-friendly destinations. But transsexual refugees face a different reality: a harsh and dangerous life in Thai Immigration Detention Centres.
Encouraging Change
Homosexuality is a punishable offense in Uganda. A tour operator describes his efforts to fight homophobia and discrimination of LGBTQI* persons in the country.
Book Review: “Justice and Ethics in Tourism”
In her book Professor Tazim Jamal advocates for more attention relating to questions of justice and ethics in order to foster "good" tourism.
Using their Influence for Good?
Via Blogs, Instagram or Youtube travel bloggers reach thousands of people in search of inspiration and information for their travel - influencing a huge number of travellers in the choice of their holiday destinations, accommodation, or means of transport.
Avoiding the Trap
On their journeys to the Global South, tourists from Europe and North America risk to unknowingly reinforce stereotypes about other countries. Videos, pictures and hashtags on social media catalyze the spreading of outdated, neo-colonal clichés. This can be avoided.
Agritourism in the Caribbean
Caribbean islands have increasingly turned to tourism as a pathway for economic advancement, often to the detriment of other industries, particularly agriculture.
City of Peoples, City of Nations
In alternative exposure tours, Ir Amim shows how tourism attractions in East Jerusalem, such as the City of David, become politicized.
Regaining Control Over Land Through Tourism?
Tourism could contribute to preserving the Sans' cultural identity and thus to strengthening their land rights in southern Africa.