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.
Bali: Domestic Tourism as a Glimmer of Hope
With their borders closed to international tourism, the people of Bali use their creativity and collaborative spirit and rely on domestic tourism.
Brazil: Not Yet an Option
Disrespectful behaviour, waste and noise pollution, lack of interest, and now COVID-19. In Brazil the risks that domestic tourism entails for traditional communities seem bigger than the opportunities.
Uganda: A game changer for women
Due to COVID-19, domestic tourism is moving into focus in many countries - also in Uganda. This strengthens women in the industry and promotes female empowerment.
World Heritage Watch Report 2020 released
While sustainable tourism is implicit in the idea of the World Heritage, unsustainable tourism is increasingly morphing into a threat to the sites.
Virtual traveling
Virtual travel experiences can help tourism providers achieve a low income in times of crisis and give access to places and encounters – even without being on site.
Together In Crises
Iran is not only fighting COVID-19. Political crises, trade sanctions, environmental disasters and a weak economy are pervasive. How do local tourism initiatives react?
Bridging the Digital Gap for Tourism Projects in Cambodia
Most community based tourism initiatives in rural Cambodia do not have the necessary skills and conceptual understanding of the digital revolution taking over the tourism industry, yet. What kind of support do CBTs need to go online, stay online and bridge the digital gap?
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.