benefits of tourism to our nation

Why Tourism is Important to a Country

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Tourism plays a vital role in the growth and prosperity of a country, providing numerous benefits to its economy and society. From boosting revenue and creating jobs to promoting cultural exchange and environmental preservation, tourism has a multifaceted impact that extends beyond mere leisure and travel.

Tourism contributes to the revenue and economic growth of a country.
It creates employment opportunities in various sectors.
Tourism promotes cultural exchange and enrichment.
It enhances the quality of life and provides educational value.
Tourism contributes to environmental conservation and preservation.

So Why Is Tourism Important to a Country?

Economic benefits of tourism.

Tourism contributes significantly to job creation, promoting employment opportunities in various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. By attracting tourists, countries can stimulate demand for goods and services, thus driving economic growth and development. This not only benefits large businesses but also supports local industries, including small and medium-sized enterprises, which play a crucial role in job creation and economic stability.

According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, the tourism sector is responsible for approximately 10% of global employment, highlighting its significant role in generating jobs. For instance, in the hospitality industry alone, hotels and resorts hire a wide range of professionals, from housekeeping staff to chefs, receptionists, and event planners. Additionally, transportation companies, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators all contribute to the employment opportunities provided by the tourism sector.

The revenue generated from tourism activities also has a positive impact on the local economy. As tourists spend money on accommodations, meals, transportation, and entertainment, local businesses benefit from increased sales and profits. This, in turn, encourages entrepreneurial growth and stimulates further investment in the community, fostering economic prosperity and development.

Moreover, the revenue generated from tourism activities contributes to the government’s revenue, allowing for investment in public services and infrastructure development. This increased funding can improve transportation networks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational parks, enhancing the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors.

In summary, tourism plays a vital role in the economic development of a country. Through job creation, revenue generation, and infrastructure development, it has a positive impact on various sectors of the economy. By promoting local industries and enhancing the overall quality of life, tourism contributes to both economic growth and the well-being of communities.

Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth

Tourism acts as a catalyst for infrastructure development, as countries invest in transportation networks, accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions to attract more visitors. These investments not only enhance the tourism experience but also have a positive impact on the overall economic growth of the country.

One of the key areas of infrastructure development through tourism is the improvement of transportation networks. Upgraded airports, highways, and railways not only facilitate the movement of tourists but also benefit local residents and businesses. Improved connectivity opens up new markets, encourages trade, and stimulates economic activity. It also allows for better access to remote and rural areas, promoting regional development and inclusivity.

Accommodation facilities play a vital role in infrastructure development as well. Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses provide employment opportunities, generate revenue, and contribute to the local economy. When tourists choose to stay in local accommodations, it promotes local industries, encourages entrepreneurship, and supports community development.

Lastly, the development of tourist attractions further boosts infrastructure growth. Countries invest in the preservation and restoration of historical sites, natural parks, and cultural landmarks to attract tourists. These attractions not only generate revenue but also provide educational and cultural experiences for both tourists and locals. By showcasing the unique heritage and natural beauty of a country, tourism helps preserve cultural identity and promote sustainable development.

boosting infrastructure development through tourism

Infrastructure development through tourism plays a vital role in the economic growth and social development of a country. By investing in transportation networks, accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions, countries create employment opportunities, stimulate local industries, and generate revenue. Furthermore, enhanced accessibility and improved social services benefit local communities, fostering social well-being and cohesion. With its multifaceted impact on infrastructure and society, tourism contributes to the overall growth and development of a country.

Cultural Exchange and Enrichment

Tourism facilitates cultural exchange, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions, customs, and values of the host country while sharing their own cultural experiences. It provides a platform for cultural understanding and appreciation, fostering mutual respect and global harmony. Through interacting with locals, tourists gain insights into different cultures and broaden their perspectives, promoting tolerance and acceptance.

One of the most significant benefits of cultural exchange through tourism is the preservation of local traditions and heritage. By showcasing their cultural practices, countries can protect and promote their unique identity, passing down traditions from one generation to another. This preservation is essential for maintaining cultural diversity and enriching the cultural tapestry of the world.

Tourism also plays a vital role in the preservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. By promoting sustainable practices and responsible tourism, travelers can experience the beauty of nature while contributing to its conservation. This includes respecting local ecosystems, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, and engaging in activities that promote environmental awareness.

“Tourism is a vehicle for cultural exchange, allowing people from different backgrounds to come together, share their traditions, and learn from one another.” – John Smith, Travel Enthusiast

In conclusion, cultural exchange through tourism enables visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of their host country while sharing their own cultural experiences. It promotes understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of diverse cultures, contributing to the preservation of local traditions and heritage. Additionally, tourism plays a significant role in environmental conservation, encouraging responsible travel practices and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. By embracing cultural exchange, both visitors and hosts can form meaningful connections, creating a more interconnected and harmonious world.

preservation of natural resources through tourism

Social and Community Development

Tourism plays a crucial role in social and community development, empowering local communities, preserving cultural practices, and enhancing social services. It serves as a catalyst for community engagement and sustainable development, fostering a sense of pride and identity among local residents. Through tourism, communities have the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, traditions, and craftsmanship, preserving and promoting practices that might otherwise be forgotten or underappreciated.

One of the key ways in which tourism supports social and community development is through the creation of employment opportunities. Tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, provide jobs for local residents, boosting economic growth and reducing unemployment rates. This leads to improved living standards, increased income levels, and enhanced access to social services.

social and cultural development through tourism

Furthermore, tourism encourages the development of social services in local communities. As the number of visitors increases, there is a greater demand for healthcare, education, transportation, and other essential services. This prompts local authorities to invest in the improvement of infrastructure, including the construction of hospitals, schools, roads, and public transportation systems, benefitting both tourists and locals alike.

Tourism also fosters cultural exchange and understanding. Visitors from different parts of the world have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, interact with the community, and gain a deeper appreciation for its traditions and customs. This cultural exchange promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and a broader worldview, contributing to global harmony and peace.

“Tourism creates a platform for cultural understanding and appreciation, allowing communities to showcase their traditions and customs to a global audience.” – John Smith, Community Leader

Tourism’s impact on social and community development is far-reaching. It empowers local communities, preserves cultural practices, enhances social services, and promotes cultural exchange. By embracing tourism as a tool for sustainable development, countries can harness its social benefits to create inclusive and resilient communities.

Individual Benefits of Tourism

Tourism provides individuals with a range of benefits, including personal growth, educational experiences, and a chance to rejuvenate and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. One of the key benefits of tourism is the opportunity for personal growth. Exploring new destinations and immersing oneself in different cultures can expand one’s horizons, broaden perspectives, and foster a sense of empathy and understanding towards others.

Traveling also offers educational value, allowing individuals to learn about history, art, cuisine, and traditions of different regions. It provides opportunities to visit museums, historical sites, and engage in cultural activities, all of which contribute to personal enrichment and knowledge acquisition.

Moreover, tourism provides an escape from the routine and pressures of daily life. It offers the chance to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate in beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s lounging on a sunny beach, hiking in a picturesque landscape, or indulging in spa treatments, tourism allows individuals to take a break from their responsibilities and focus on their well-being.

Overall, tourism contributes to personal growth, knowledge acquisition, and well-being. It allows individuals to step outside their comfort zones, explore the world, and return home with new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Illustrative Quote:

Tourism is a transformative experience that not only exposes individuals to new destinations but also fosters personal growth, broadens horizons, and provides an escape from the daily grind. It allows us to learn, relax, and connect with different cultures, ultimately enriching our lives in countless ways.

Environmental Conservation and Preservation

Tourism can be a driving force behind environmental conservation efforts, as countries recognize the importance of safeguarding their natural resources for future generations. When managed responsibly, tourism can contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. It encourages sustainable practices, promotes environmental education, and raises awareness about the value of nature.

One of the ways tourism aids in environmental conservation is through the establishment of protected areas and national parks. These areas act as sanctuaries for wildlife and plant species, preserving delicate ecosystems and providing opportunities for scientific research. They also offer visitors the chance to appreciate the wonders of nature and experience firsthand the importance of conservation.

In addition, responsible tourism practices focus on minimizing negative environmental impacts. By implementing sustainable waste management systems, reducing energy consumption, and promoting eco-friendly activities, destinations can ensure that their natural resources are protected. Local communities are often involved in these efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for their environment.

Preserving Natural Resources for Future Generations

The preservation of natural resources through tourism is vital in ensuring that future generations can also benefit from the immense beauty and ecological diversity of our planet. By embracing sustainable practices, protecting wildlife habitats, and educating visitors about the importance of environmental conservation, countries can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Economic Impact on Government Revenues

Tourism generates substantial revenue for governments through taxes, fees, and permits, providing funding for public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The economic impact of tourism on government revenues cannot be underestimated, as it contributes to the overall growth and development of a country.

One of the main sources of government revenue from tourism is taxation. Governments levy taxes on tourists, including sales tax, accommodation tax, and airport departure taxes. These taxes contribute to the government’s coffers, enabling them to fund public services and invest in the country’s infrastructure.

In addition to taxes, governments also generate revenue through permits and licensing fees. Tourists often require permits or visas to enter a country, and these fees contribute to government revenues. Similarly, national parks and heritage sites charge entrance fees, which further boost government income.

State-owned enterprises, such as airports and seaports, also play a significant role in generating revenue for the government. These entities, often managed by the government or through public-private partnerships, provide essential infrastructure for the tourism industry and generate income through various fees and charges.

The economic impact of tourism on government revenues is crucial for funding public services and investment in a country. It enables governments to provide healthcare facilities, improve educational systems, and develop vital infrastructure, all of which contribute to the overall well-being and progress of a nation.

Tourism acts as a powerful tool for diplomacy, strengthening international relations, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering a positive image of the country on the global stage. By welcoming tourists from around the world, countries can showcase their unique heritage, traditions, and values, establishing connections and building bridges across borders.

Through tourism, local industries are promoted and supported, boosting economic growth and employment opportunities. Visitors have the chance to experience the country’s local products, arts and crafts, cuisine, and traditions, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. The promotion of local industries through tourism strengthens the country’s economy and contributes to its overall development.

Moreover, tourism serves as a platform for cultural exchange, allowing tourists to learn about new cultures, traditions, and customs. Interacting with locals and immersing in their way of life not only broadens the horizons of tourists but also fosters mutual respect and understanding between different nations. This cultural exchange helps to bridge gaps and promote peace and harmony on a global scale.

In addition to promoting cultural understanding, tourism also has a significant impact on a nation’s political image. By showcasing its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, a country can create a positive impression on the world stage. This positive image contributes to the country’s soft power, influencing international perceptions, attracting investment, and strengthening diplomatic ties.

promotion of local industries through tourism

In conclusion, tourism plays a crucial role in the growth and development of a country, offering numerous benefits to the economy, society, and the individual, while also preserving cultural heritage and protecting natural resources.

From an economic perspective, tourism contributes significantly to the revenue of the economy. It creates employment opportunities in various sectors, stimulating local industries and promoting economic and educational growth. The revenue generated from tourism also contributes to government revenues, providing funding for essential public services and investment in the country.

Tourism has social benefits as well. It preserves local culture, strengthens communities, and supports social initiatives. Moreover, it promotes cultural exchange and enrichment, allowing tourists to learn about new cultures and broadening their perspectives.

On an individual level, tourism enhances the quality of life, provides educational value, and offers an escape from daily life. It promotes rest, relaxation, and overall well-being, allowing individuals to recharge and rejuvenate.

In addition to these economic and social gains, tourism also has environmental and political benefits. It contributes to the preservation of natural resources, protects the environment, and empowers communities to take part in sustainable practices.

Overall, tourism plays a crucial role in the growth and development of a country, benefiting the economy, society, and individuals. It allows for the preservation of cultural heritage, protection of natural resources, and promotion of international relations, making it an important industry that should be nurtured and supported.

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21 reasons why tourism is important – the importance of tourism

Tourism is important, more important than most people realise in fact!

The importance of tourism is demonstrated throughout the world. From the economic advantages that tourism brings to host communities to the enjoyment that tourism brings to the tourists themselves, there is no disputing the value of this industry.

The importance of tourism can be viewed from two perspectives: the tourism industry and the tourist. In this article I will explain how both the industry and the tourist benefit from the tourism industry and why it is so important on a global scale.

What is the importance of tourism?

Enhanced quality of life, ability to broaden way of thinking, educational value, ability to ‘escape’, rest and relaxation, enhanced wellbeing, who are tourism industry stakeholders, foreign exchange earnings, contribution to government revenues, employment generation, contribution to local economies, overall economy boost, preserving local culture, strengthening communities, provision of social services, commercialisation of culture and art, revitalisation of culture and art, preservation of heritage, empowering communities, protecting nature, the importance of tourism: political gains, why tourism is important: to conclude, the importance of tourism: further reading.

When many people think about the tourism industry they visualise only the front-line workers- the Holiday Representative, the Waiter, the Diving Instructor. But in reality, the tourism industry stretches much, much further than this.

As demonstrated in the infographic below, tourism is important in many different ways. The tourism industry is closely interconnected with a number of global industries and sectors ranging from trade to ecological conservation.

Why tourism is important to the tourist

When we discuss the importance of tourism it is often somewhat one-sided, taking into consideration predominantly those working in the industry and their connections.

However, the tourist is just as important, as without them there would be no tourism!

Below are just a few examples of the importance of tourism to the tourist:

Why tourism is important. Importance of tourism.

Taking a holiday can greatly benefit a person’s quality of life. While different people have very different ideas of what makes a good holiday (there are more than 150 types of tourism after all!), a holiday does have the potential to enhance quality of life.

Travel is known to help broaden a person’s way of thinking. Travel introduces you to new experiences, new cultures and new ways of life.

Many people claim thatchy ‘find themselves’ while travelling.

One reason why tourism is important is education.The importance of tourism can be attributed to the educational value that it provides. Travellers and tourists can learn many things while undertaking a tourist experience, from tasting authentic local dishes to learning about the exotic animals that they may encounter.

Tourism provides the opportunity for escapism. Escapism can be good for the mind. It can help you to relax, which in turn often helps you to be more productive in the workplace and in every day life.

This is another way that the importance of tourism is demonstrated.

Rest and relaxation is very important. Taking time out for yourself helps you to be a happier, healthier person.

Having the opportunity for rest and relaxation in turn helps to enhance wellbeing.

Why tourism is important to stakeholders

There are many reasons why tourism is important to the people involved. There are many people who work either directly or indirectly with the tourism industry and who are therefore described as stakeholders. You can read more about tourism stakeholders and why they are important in this post- Stakeholders in tourism: Who are they and why do they matter?

The benefits of tourism are largely related to said stakeholders in some way or another. Below are some examples of how stakeholders benefit from tourism, organised by economic, social, environmental and political gains; demonstrating the importance of tourism.

The importance of tourism: Economic gains

Perhaps the most cited reason in reference to the importance of tourism is its economic value. Tourism can help economies to bring in money in a number of different ways. Below I have provided some examples of the positive economic impacts of tourism .

The importance of tourism is demonstrated through foreign exchange earnings.

Tourism expenditures generate income to the host economy. The money that the country makes from tourism can then be reinvested in the economy. How a destination manages their finances differs around the world; some destinations may spend this money on growing their tourism industry further, some may spend this money on public services such as education or healthcare and some destinations suffer extreme corruption so nobody really knows where the money ends up!

Some currencies are worth more than others and so some countries will target tourists from particular areas. Currencies that are strong are generally the most desirable currencies. This typically includes the British Pound, American, Australian and Singapore Dollar and the Euro .

Tourism is one of the top five export categories for as many as 83% of countries and is a main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38% of countries.

The importance of tourism is also demonstrated through the money that is raised and contributed to government revenues. Tourism can help to raise money that it then invested elsewhere by the Government. There are two main ways that this money is accumulated.

Direct contributions are generated by taxes on incomes from tourism employment and tourism businesses and things such as departure taxes.

According to the World Tourism Organisation , the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP in 2018 was $2,750.7billion (3.2% of GDP). This is forecast to rise by 3.6% to $2,849.2billion in 2019.

Indirect contributions come from goods and services supplied to tourists which are not directly related to the tourism industry.

There is also the income that is generated through induced contributions . This accounts for money spent by the people who are employed in the tourism industry. This might include costs for housing, food, clothing and leisure Activities amongst others. This will all contribute to an increase in economic activity in the area where tourism is being developed.

The importance of tourism can be demonstrated through employment generation.

The rapid expansion of international tourism has led to significant employment creation. From hotel managers to theme park operatives to cleaners, tourism creates many employment opportunities. Tourism supports some 7% of the world’s workers.

There are two types of employment in the tourism industry: direct and indirect.

Direct employment includes jobs that are immediately associated with the tourism industry. This might include hotel staff, restaurant staff or taxi drivers, to name a few.

Indirect employment includes jobs which are not technically based in the tourism industry, but are related to the tourism industry.

It is because of these indirect relationships, that it is very difficult to accurately measure the precise economic value of tourism, and some suggest that the actual economic benefits of tourism may be as high as double that of the recorded figures!

The importance of tourism can be further seen through the contributions to local economies.

All of the money raised, whether through formal or informal means, has the potential to contribute to the local economy.

If sustainable tourism is demonstrated, money will be directed to areas that will benefit the local community most. There may be pro-poor tourism initiatives (tourism which is intended to help the poor) or volunteer tourism projects. The government may reinvest money towards public services and money earned by tourism employees will be spent in the local community. This is known as the multiplier effect.

Tourism boosts the economy exponentially. This is partly because of the aforementioned jobs that tourism creates, but also because of the temporary addition to the consumer population that occurs when someone travels to a new place. Just think: when you travel, you’re spending money. You’re paying to stay in a hotel or hostel in a certain area – then you’re eating in local restaurants, using local public transport, buying souvenirs and ice cream and new flip flops. As a tourist, you are contributing to the global economy every time you book and take a trip.

For some towns, cities and even whole countries, the importance of tourism is greater than for other. In some cases, it is the main source of income. For example, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounts for almost 40% of the Maldives’ total GDP. In comparison, it’s less than 4% in the UK and even lower in the US! In the Seychelles the number is just over 26% while in the British Virgin Islands it is over 35% – so tourism is vastly important in these nations.

The importance of tourism: Social gains

The importance of tourism is not only recognised through economic factors, but there are also many positive social impacts of tourism that play an important part. Below I will outline some of the social gains from tourism.

It is the local culture that the tourists are often coming to visit and this is another way to demonstrate the importance of tourism.

Tourists visit Beijing to learn more about the Chinese Dynasties. Tourists visit Thailand to taste authentic Thai food. Tourists travel to Brazil to go to the Rio Carnival, to mention a few…

Many destinations will make a conserved effort to preserve and protect the local culture. This often contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, the protection of local heritage, and a renaissance of indigenous cultures, cultural arts and crafts.

The importance of tourism can also be demonstrated through the strengthening of communities.

Events and festivals of which local residents have been the primary participants and spectators are often rejuvenated and developed in response to tourist interest.

The jobs created by tourism can also be a great boost for the local community. Aside from the economic impacts created by enhanced employment prospects, people with jobs are happier and more social than those without a disposable income.

Local people can also increase their influence on tourism development, as well as improve their job and earnings prospects, through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organisational skills.

The importance of tourism is shown through the provision of social services in the host community.

The tourism industry requires many facilities/ infrastructure to meet the needs of the tourist. This often means that many developments in an area as a result of tourism will be available for use by the locals also.

Local people often gained new roads, new sewage systems, new playgrounds, bus services etc as a result of tourism. This can provide a great boost to their quality of life and is a great example of a positive social impact of tourism.

Tourism can see rise to many commercial business, which can be a positive social impact of tourism. This helps to enhance the community spirit as people tend to have more disposable income as a result.

These businesses may also promote the local cultures and arts. Museums, shows and galleries are fantastic way to showcase the local customs and traditions of a destination. This can help to promote/ preserve local traditions.

Some destinations will encourage local cultures and arts to be revitalised. This may be in the form of museum exhibitions, in the way that restaurants and shops are decorated and in the entertainment on offer, for example.

This may help promote traditions that may have become distant.

Another reason for the importance of tourism is the preservation of heritage. Many tourists will visit the destination especially to see its local heritage. It is for this reason that many destinations will make every effort to preserve its heritage.

This could include putting restrictions in place or limiting tourist numbers, if necessary. This is often an example of careful tourism planning and sustainable tourism management.

Tourism can, if managed well, empower communities. While it is important to consider the authenticity in tourism and take some things with a pinch of salt, know that tourism can empower communities.

Small villages in far off lands are able to profit from selling their handmade goods. This, in turn, puts food on the table. This leads to healthier families and more productivity and a happier population .

The importance of tourism: Environmental gains

Whilst most media coverage involving tourism and the environment tends to be negative, there are some positives that can come from it: demonstrating the importance of tourism once again.

Some people think that tourism is what kills nature. And while this could so easily be true, it is important to note that the tourism industry is and always has been a big voice when it comes to conservation and the protection of animals and nature. Tourism organisations and travel operators often run (and donate to) fundraisers.

As well as this, visitors to certain areas can take part in activities that aim to sustain the local scenery. It’s something a bit different, too! You and your family can go on a beach clean up walk in Spain or do something similar in the UAE . There are a lot of ways in which tourism actually helps the environment, rather than hindering it!

Lastly, there is something to be said for the political gains that can be achieved through tourism.

The tourism industry can yield promising opportunities for international collaborations, partnerships and agreements, for example within the EU. This can have positive political impacts on the host country as well as the countries who choose to work with them.

Tourism is a remarkably important industry. As you can see, the tourism industry does not stand alone- it is closely interrelated with many other parts of society. Not only do entire countries often rely on the importance of tourism, but so do individual members of host communities and tourists.

If you are studying travel and tourism and are interested in learning more about the importance of tourism, I recommend you take a look at the following texts:

An Introduction to Tourism : a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to all facets of tourism including: the history of tourism; factors influencing the tourism industry; tourism in developing countries; sustainable tourism; forecasting future trends.
The Business of Tourism Management : an introduction to key aspects of tourism, and to the practice of managing a tourism business.
Tourism Management: An Introduction : gives its reader a strong understanding of the dimensions of tourism, the industries of which it is comprised, the issues that affect its success, and the management of its impact on destination economies, environments and communities.

10 Reasons Why Tourism Is Important

Many people love to travel. They seek out new places like vibrant cities, cozy small towns, and beautiful natural environments like beaches and forests. For years, the tourism industry has evolved and grown as people scour the globe for unique experiences and activities. Things stalled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but as countries like the United States start to see improvement, tourists are once again booking trips in high numbers. This signals hope for the future of the industry. Here are ten reasons why tourism is important:

#1. The tourism industry employs a lot of people

For years, tourism has been a big job generator. Because the industry is so varied and includes jobs like pilots, hotel workers, travel guides, and more, it can be hard to estimate exactly how many, but it’s a lot. In 2017, reports estimated that about 1 in 10 jobs were part of the tourism industry. In the US alone, almost 5.5 million were employed by the industry in 2021.

#2. The tourism industry can pay very well

While salary varies depending on where you live, the tourism industry offers many opportunities for good-paying jobs. At one point, the US Travel Association found that 40% of Americans who start in travel and tourism reach an annual career salary of over $100,000. Certain jobs, like luxury travel advisors, pilots, hotel managers, and cruise ship directors tend to pay the most.

#3. Tourism impacts GDP growth (and decline)

Considering how many people tourism employs, it makes sense it would affect a country’s GDP. In 2019, the direct contribution of travel and tourism accounted for 3.3% of the world’s total GDP. That represented a small rise since 2018. That changed in 2020 because of the pandemic. Tourism’s contribution to the GDP dropped by almost 50% according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. If there was any doubt about tourism’s impact on GDP, 2020 put that doubt to rest.

#4. Tourism supports low-income countries

Many of the world’s lowest-income countries depend on tourism. In 2015, 48 of the lower-income and lower-middle income countries saw a surge of tourists , which brought in about $21 billion (USD). For the world’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS), 30% of their export revenues come from tourism. In Palau, an island nation in the Pacific, tourism is responsible for 90% of all exports. For these nations, tourism is key to their growth.

#5. Tourism plays a role in gender equality

In most parts of the world, women fill the majority of the tourism industry. Unfortunately, they tend to hold more jobs on the lowest rung and many perform unpaid labor in family tourism businesses. That said, the wage gap is smaller according to UN Women . Women earn 14.7% less than men and fill more leadership roles than in other fields. Tourism is a field ripe for opportunities and strategies that can further empower women.

#6. Tourism is good for rural areas

“Rural tourism” has become increasingly popular as tourists from busy cities long for more natural environments. They seek out unique experiences such as staying on a farm, going for days-long hikes with guides, rock-climbing, and more. These visits create jobs for people living in these rural areas and show authorities that these places are worth preserving and investing in. It also presents opportunities for tourists to learn more about an area in its natural state and form a closer connection with the people who live there.

#7. Tourism can play a role in fighting against climate change

When you think of entities contributing to climate change, you might not think of tourism, but the industry contributes 8% of all global greenhouse gases . That’s driven by planes, other transportation, and the consumption of goods and services. As tourism grows, the impact on the climate will grow, too. Luckily, the industry is fighting back. The World Travel and Tourism Council is a major leader and developed a plan in 2019 to become climate neutral by 2050. It’s also a top priority for the World Tourism Organization, which is a United Nations entity.

#8. Tourism encourages conservation

One way tourism can help nature is through conservation. Nature-based tourism is very popular, which gives authorities a strong incentive to protect nature such as old-growth forests , lakes, coastlines, state parks, gardens, and wildlife. Tourists want to scuba-dive in gorgeous clear water, walk through woods , and camp in the wilderness. Costa Rica is a good example of a nation realizing that conservation can draw tourists. After a deforestation trend, the country reversed course and gained twice the forest cover it had in three decades. In 2019, this brought in the US equivalent of $6.14 billion.

#9. Tourism preserves culture

Tourism helps culture in a few ways. One is through the support of artisans who sell their wares to visitors. Markets and shops are a draw to many tourists interested in souvenirs for people back home or as a way to remember their trip. Tourists also often visit cultural sites and watch local music , dance, theater, and other performances. These sustain intangible culture, which gives regions their unique identity and protects the multiculturalism of our world.

#10. Travel has many benefits

You know how tourism affects the economy, climate change, and culture, but what about the tourists themselves? There are many benefits to traveling if a person is privileged enough to do it. Adam Galinsky, a professor from Columbia Business School studies the link between international and creativity. He says that experiences in other countries can increase a person’s cognitive flexibility, though it depends on how a person engages. Travel is also known to boost a person’s happiness and lower their stress. Few can afford a luxury travel experience, but even visits to local cultural sites or natural areas can benefit a person’s well-being. You can learn more about tourism and its benefits in a free online course.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty. "10 Reasons Why Tourism Is Important." The Important Site, 2021-06-08, available at: https://theimportantsite.com/10-reasons-why-tourism-is-important/ .

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National Travel and Tourism Strategy Overview

2022 national travel and tourism strategy.

The Strategy focuses on U.S. government efforts to promote our nation as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of its communities, and to foster a travel and tourism sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the Strategy aims to increase not only the volume but also the value of tourism.

Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.

Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.

Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on underserved communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they expand their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service on federal lands and waters that showcase U.S. assets while protecting them for future generations.

Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

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Tourism that was once done for recreational purposes only has now become a huge industry for countries. It can be said the impact of globalization has converted tourism into a part of a country’s industries that generate revenue. The importance of tourism has increased tenfolds since the normalization of travel bloggers through social media. The increasing influx of tourism before the coronavirus pandemic has proven to have many benefits for countries.

Some countries like United States, Maldives, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France, Spain, etc. are hot tourist spots that generate a large amount of revenue through their tourism industry. The countries that are most famous for their tourism earn around hundreds of billion dollars. USA, France, and Spain collect the highest tourism revenue. It does not matter if a country is big or small, tourism has nothing to do with the size of the country. Various factors determine the tourist influx in a country.

Safety or security.
Destination spots like museums, historical buildings, monuments, famous buildings, etc.
Scenic beauty.
Activities to attract tourists i.e. sports, plays or theatres, concerts, architecture, mountain climbing, other recreational activities, etc.
Cultures and yearly festivals like Holi or Basant.
The hospitality of the local people.
Ease of visa process and approval.
Expenses and retail.
Facilities for the tourists like hotels, accommodation, transport services, and travel guides.

Many countries have developed their tourism industry to the extent that it provides Almost all of the facilities to the tourists. This is the reason that they entertain tourists from all around the world throughout the year. On the other hand, countries like Pakistan have natural scenic beauty to attract tourists but the resources are not much. However, these countries are developing their assets and working on the Tourism industry and have succeeded to some extent.

Table of Contents

Types of Tourism

There are two types of tourism based on the nature of tourism and tourists’ residence.

Domestic or Local Tourism: It refers to the tourism that occurs within the country. E.g. people visiting different cities or areas of the country they live in.
International Tourism: It refers to the activities of tourists when they visit outside of their country of residence. E.g. A Pakistani visiting Turkey or Germany.

The importance of tourism – be it domestic or international tourism – is essential for the economy and culture of a country it benefits a country in various ways.

Importance of Tourism for Countries and their Economy

The importance of tourism for a country is equivalent to the import/export industry of a country these days. Many countries like the Maldives heavily depend upon their tourism industry and entertain tourists all year long. The lives of locals and their livelihood have evolved around tourism and tourists. Here is how tourism is important for countries and helps in improving a country’s economy.

1. Cultural Exchange

Tourism involves the to and fro movement of tourists in different countries. When tourists visit a different country unlike their resident country, they experience different cultures. These tourists when like some aspect of a culture, they adopt the culture in bits and pieces. They bring their culture and take local’s culture back to their home country. This way a cultural exchange takes place through tourism. It helps to normalize different cultures all around the world and increases acceptance of differences.

2. The Infrastructure of a Country

Countries that depend greatly on the tourism industry also invest a huge percentage of their revenue in the country’s infrastructure development to attract more tourists in the future. They provide advanced facilities like modern transportation, accommodation, airports, recreational activity spots, amusement parks, hospitals, restaurants, etc. to the tourists. This is done to provide a better experience to the tourists which opens doors to more tourists. These tourists spend their money in the country. Moreover, not only tourists but local people also enjoy and spend their money on these services that is good for the country’s economy.

3. Startup of Small Businesses

The areas that are densely visited by tourists require more facilities for the tourists. Therefore, the locals of that area start up their small businesses to entertain the tourist and earn their livelihood. These small businesses are often food ventures, small restaurants or food stalls, tour guides or travel guides, and small shops selling specialty or the area. Tourists are attracted by these facilities and visit more often. This not only benefits the government but also help local earn a livelihood for their households.

4. Country’s Repute Enhances

A country’s repute depends mainly on what the international community says about it. Tourism is an easy and best way to invite foreigners into your country and let them see for themselves what your country really looks like. With the normalization of vlogging and blogging, many content creators visit different countries and document their experiences. These content creators attract more tourists to a country through their content. This is why countries these days spend a lot on their tourism industry. Many countries that were famous for a negative aspect have cleared their name in the international community through tourism.

5. Opportunities for Local Citizens

Tourism serves as a great opportunity for locals to learn new cultures and new skills. The tourists who visit a country bring their skillset to the country. These skills are adopted by the locals either through proper training or mere observation. For example, tourists that come to a sporting event bring new skills that can be adopted by the locals. Moreover, locals get the opportunity to establish their entrepreneurship and launch new services and products. Underdeveloped countries especially are benefited from tourism because the locals get to enjoy the opportunities that the government is unable to provide. This is why the importance of tourism is taken seriously by the locals.

6. Job Opportunities for Locals

When the influx of tourists is increased in a country new businesses and services are established to entertain tourists. These businesses – either big or small – provides job opportunities for the locals. This way the financial conditions of the locals and their skillset are increased, consequently, benefiting the country’s economy.

7. Steps for Environmental Protection

Different countries have unique animal or plant species that cannot be found in any other country of the world. The experts from these branches of science visit different areas for exploration and to study these species. Sometimes, these mere tourist visits can convert into scientific researches that generate huge revenue for the country. Therefore, countries have become careful about the destruction of these species and have put bans on environmental destruction. Because many businesses are linked to the wellness of the environment of the country, the governments and authorities end up protecting the environment. This way even the countries that do not take environmental protection seriously have to work https://skylandstourism.org/why-is-tourism-important/ on the environment by protecting the natural resources and species present in their countries.

8. Protection of Cultural Heritage

Many countries like Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, etc. have huge cultural and historical influence that has left them a lot of cultural heritage. This cultural heritage is appreciated by many. Therefore, the tourists who want to have an original experience of different cultures visit these countries. Since the protection of cultural heritage is linked with earning revenue, countries protect their historical, sacred, and cultural sites. They spent money on the renovation and maintenance of these historical buildings, sites, to attract tourists. In the process of restoration of these buildings, the tradition is also kept preserved.

Tourism is a big revenue-generating industry in many countries and has become a big portion of their GDP. It not only benefits the country but also benefits the locals in earning well for themselves. On a global level, it ensures the flow of cultures between different countries resulting in promoting acceptance and tolerance. Because of the economic and social benefits, the importance of tourism will continue to grow.

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The impact of tourism: How can we all do this better?

John perrottet, beril benli.

Tourism is growing, and growing fast. After surpassing 1 billion international visitors in 2012, we are expecting 1.8 billion by 2030. Tourism is growing faster than the global economy and, for the first time, the statistics for 2015 are expected to show that there were more trips taken to the developing world than to the developed world. But what does this actually mean? Growth, on its own, is not enough. Destinations and their stakeholders are responsible for ensuring that growth is well-managed; that benefits are maximized; and that any negative externalities are minimized. This requires a continuous process of planning and management that evolves and that can be measured over time. For the World Bank Group, our clients and our development partners, this process of planning and management is a central interest. How can we help these processes to deliver more and better development impact? What kinds of interventions or types of assistance will deliver the best results? How do you define the best results – for whom? – and how do we measure them? Being able to demonstrate how the tourism sector contributes to the Bank Group’s twin goals of eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity is an imperative for all stakeholders. It’s relevant for national governments, sub-national state agencies, businesses (both multinationals and SMEs), multilateral development banks, NGOs, academics and think tanks. Moreover, it’s vital in helping guide future planning and development, gaining access to and applying for funding, and demonstrating progress to constituents at all levels.

Despite the great breadth and depth of existing impact information, however, serious concerns remain about the accuracy, complexity, gaps, comparability and sustainability of the types of the impact analyses that have been carried out. The Bank Group’s Sustainable Tourism Global Solutions Group recently convened a thought-leadership event in Washington to begin a preliminary discussion about how all stakeholders can come together to try and address some of the current shortcomings. During the “ Measuring for Impact in Touris m” event, we heard about a wide range of challenges for those working in this area and we began to map out the greatest gaps and issues. As Anabel Gonzalez, the Senior Director of the Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, said at that conference: “We want to be better at monitoring and evaluating our impact, we want to learn from others, and we want to contribute more effectively to tourism development. I believe these are goals most of you will share. We invite you to join this discussion – and be frank, open and provocative.”The findings can be found in our report, “ Towards More Effective Impact Measurement in the Tourism Sector: Observations and Key Issues ,” which highlights a number of priorities. Some of those challenges concern the availability, quality and consistency of data; the high cost of impact measurement for SMEs; the proliferation of different systems; issues of attribution; quantifying notions of “value”; and the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences. Some key areas for immediate follow-up and further analysis were also identified. They include:

Exploring the theory of change by examining more closely the proposition that, when tourism growth occurs, those living in extreme poverty benefit and by digging deeper into what tourism growth really means for the poor, especially in terms of employment.
Assessing the impact value of different types of tourism.
Assessing and developing the role of technology for data collection, impact measurement and communication.
Evaluating the use of training for better communication – including assessing what has been tried and what has worked and considering how it could be scaled up.
Analyzing the necessity and practicality of improving collaboration among various actors, and assessing the alignment of frameworks along with proposals for greater alignment.
Developing ideas and proposals for the enhanced sharing and pooling of impact data.
Developing ideas and proposals for greater inclusion of SMEs.
Competitiveness
Digital Development
Urban Development

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The Importance of Tourism on Economies and Businesses

Published: 3/26/2019 12:21:08 PM

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Tourism is vital for the success of many economies around the world. There are several benefits of tourism on host destinations. Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens.

The number of jobs created by tourism in many different areas is significant. These jobs are not only a part of the tourism sector but may also include the agricultural sector, communication sector, health sector, and the educational sector. Many tourists travel to experience the hosting destination’s culture, different traditions, and gastronomy. This is very profitable to local restaurants, shopping centers, and stores. Melbourne, Australia ’s population is greatly affected by tourism. It has a population of around 4 million people and around 22,000 citizens are employed by the tourism sector only.

Governments that rely on tourism for a big percentage of their revenue invest a lot in the infrastructure of the country . They want more and more tourists to visit their country which means that safe and advanced facilities are necessary. This leads to new roads and highways, developed parks, improved public spaces, new airports, and possibly better schools and hospitals. Safe and innovative infrastructures allow for a smooth flow of goods and services. Moreover, local people experience an opportunity for economic and educational growth.

Tourism creates a cultural exchange between tourists and local citizens. Exhibitions, conferences, and events usually attract foreigners. Organizing authorities usually gain profits from registration fees, gift sales, exhibition spaces, and sales of media copyright. Furthermore, foreign tourists bring diversity and cultural enrichment to the hosting country.

Tourism is a great opportunity for foreigners to learn about a new culture, but it also creates many opportunities for local citizens . It allows young entrepreneurs to establish new products and services that would not be sustainable on the local population of residents alone. Moreover, residents experience the benefits that come with tourism occurring in their own country.

To learn about the countries earning the most from international tourist arrivals, click on the link below!

Countries Earning the Most from International Tourism

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What is the impact of tourism on development?

Image: Passengers walk across an air bridge as they disembark a flight at Changi Airport in Singapore. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash.

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} John Perrottet

.chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} Explore and monitor how .chakra .wef-15eoq1r{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;color:#F7DB5E;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-15eoq1r{font-size:1.125rem;}} Economic Progress is affecting economies, industries and global issues

A hand holding a looking glass by a lake

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

Stay up to date:, travel and tourism.

-Exploring the theory of change by examining more closely the proposition that, when tourism growth occurs, those living in extreme poverty benefit and by digging deeper into what tourism growth really means for the poor, especially in terms of employment.

-Assessing the impact value of different types of tourism.

-Assessing and developing the role of technology for data collection, impact measurement and communication.

-Evaluating the use of training for better communication – including assessing what has been tried and what has worked and considering how it could be scaled up.

-Analyzing the necessity and practicality of improving collaboration among various actors, and assessing the alignment of frameworks along with proposals for greater alignment.

-Developing ideas and proposals for the enhanced sharing and pooling of impact data.

-Developing ideas and proposals for greater inclusion of SMEs.

The Bank Group is committed to advancing this agenda . As an international organization heavily invested in the sector, with a deep motivation to deliver change for the world’s poorest people, we aim to take a leading role in a number of key areas. Other major stakeholders have also shown their support. Harvard University and the University of Sussex have asked to host follow-up events. Wyndham Hotels, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Environment Program, the World Wildlife Fund and Sustainable Travel International have sought specific collaboration and partnership opportunities. The Bank Group will continue to convene meetings, promote dialogue, conduct research and publish relevant information – focusing our interventions on those areas where we’re well-placed to fulfill the twin goals of eliminating extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Tourism: The Advantages, Disadvantages and How to Properly Travel

The Advantages

For developing countries, the advantages of tourism tend to be primarily monetary. A large scale tourism industry prevents larger, more harmful businesses from working off the land. Small tourist companies that reign on the land stops large capitalistic corporations from polluting the air or gentrifying people’s homes.

The tourism industry encompasses many different travel areas, which allows the majority of a country’s population to be employed . These employment places include hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants, tour companies, souvenir shops, and equipment shops, among others.

Profit earned from tourism can be reinvested into the country for better infrastructure, education, funding conservation efforts and creating more responsible ways of touring. Without tourism, many countries would not have the same level of access to education and infrastructure. Moreover, tourism allows hosts and visitors to share cultures and meet diverse groups of people. Through respectful interactions, a broader view of the world from both parties can be achieved. By reinvesting the money earned back into the country, tourism and its attractions can grow, creating a positive cycle for the country.

The Disadvantages

With the way the tourism industry is currently run, the disadvantages of tourism may greatly outweigh the advantages in a country. The first factor to take into consideration is environmental damage. When a country has a high tourist attraction, the number of people occupying a space increases immensely. As a result, the release of carbon monoxide gases can increase due to plane and car use affecting the country’s environment. Many countries with ancient ruins or natural attractions are also in danger of destruction or erosion with significant foot traffic and human interaction. Additionally, flora and fauna can decrease in areas or change their growth and migration patterns when there is an overflow of humans interact. Foot traffic and continuous touching can also slowly degrade the stability of ancient structures.

One of the advantages breached upon the sharing of cultures. While this is a great interaction of beliefs and customs, it can become destructive to a host country’s culture. One of the ways cultures can be disrespected is through the commercialization of countries’ cultures . When tourism booms, large industries swoop in and sell figures of the cultures’ icons or traditional wear, disrespecting the countries’ indigenous beliefs and can be harmful to the people living there. Moreover, poor behavior from tourists who don’t respect the spoken or unspoken codes of conduct held by indigenous peoples also undermines the sacred beliefs held within the country.

Also, for many countries, tourism is a seasonal occurrence. For people that work in the tourism industry, their jobs are only viable for a certain number of months, and after the season has ended, many are left without income. Many of these jobs also lack the benefits that other sector jobs supply. Tourism workers are often left without insurance or pension. Not to mention, foreign businesses tend to overtake the companies present in these countries, forcing small businesses to shut down. As a result, foreign businesses keep the majority of profits from tourism, while local businesses lose their income. This hurts small businesses and local economies.

As previously stated, the profit gained from tourism is often reinvested into the industry. However, with unequal infrastructure development, the tourism industry can inadvertently sustain itself without aiding a country’s other vital sectors. As such, many countries end up developing tourism hot spots while the rest of the country suffers. In these countries, there are visible socioeconomic gaps between the wealthy and the poor. Focusing mainly on the tourism industry and places of mass attraction leaves disadvantaged communities at risk of financial instability. Moreover, countries solely invested in tourism are vulnerable to quick economic falls as its working sectors are unevenly balanced. If a natural disaster, political unrest or unprecedented pandemic were to strike, the country would lose a massive income, causing an economic recession that some countries may significantly struggle to bounce back from.

Ways to Respectfully Travel

The most important step to being a respectful tourist is to be an educated tourist. Understanding and respecting the culture and the people of the country is vital. By not undermining tourism countries’ culture and beliefs, the people living there will be more welcoming to tourists, and cultures can flourish without fear of commercialization.

Being environmentally conscious is also important to the survival of these countries. Respecting a country’s land and structures preserve the countries’ beauty and keep the land clean and prepped for further development. Many countries are more environmentally strained, so reducing pollution or your carbon footprint in a foreign country can help ease the strain.

Supporting the small and local businesses found in these countries can help keep local communities employed and support the overall economy. As local businesses grow, more people will have the opportunity to be employed outside of the tourism sector, and the economy will be able to grow within itself.

By learning the advantages and disadvantages of tourism, and how one can improve the practice of traveling, the tourism industry will be able to change for the better and support the countries that host people from all over the world.

– Marlee Ingram Photo: Flickr

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Tourism Can Help Lead the World to Recovery

About the author, zurab pololikashvili.

Zurab Pololikashvili is Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

26 September 2020 T he COVID-19 pandemic has hit global tourism harder than any other major economic sector. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus and keep their citizens safe, countries around the world introduced restrictions on international travel, bringing tourism to a standstill almost overnight. Indeed, at the peak of this lockdown, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) found that 100 per cent of global destinations had either closed their borders to tourists completely or introduced strict measures such as compulsory quarantine for new arrivals.

The sudden and unexpected fall in tourist arrivals also placed on hold the many social and economic benefits that tourism delivers. Globally, tourism supports one in ten jobs, and 80 per cent of the sector is made up of small businesses, including family operations. At the start of the crisis, UNWTO set out three possible scenarios for tourism in 2020, depending on when and how widely travel restrictions would be lifted. While it looks like we will avoid the worst-case scenario, we nevertheless expect global tourist arrivals to be down by as much as 70 per cent this year compared to 2019.

The knock-on effect will be significant. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that tourism’s woes will cause global GDP to decline by as much as 1.5 per cent to 2.8 per cent . Furthermore, the fall in tourist numbers will likely translate into as many as 120 million lost jobs. And, as always, the most vulnerable will suffer the most, including women and youth, for whom tourism is a leading source of opportunity, as well as those working in the informal economy.

Developing countries at greatest risk

No country has been left unscathed by the pandemic, including with regard to tourism. The effects, however, will be most profoundly felt in those destinations that are most reliant on tourism for livelihoods and economic well-being. For the majority of the world’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as well as the least developed countries, most notably within Africa, tourism is a lifeline. On average, tourism accounts for 30 per cent of export revenues for SIDS , and in some cases this is much higher. Indeed, in Palau—the newest UNWTO member State, having officially joined in 2019— tourism generates 90 per cent of all exports .

The 112th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, held in Tbilisi, Georgia, 16 September 2020. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on “ COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism ” makes clear, the true cost of the pandemic’s impact on tourism cannot be measured in GDP or employment figures alone. Due to its unique cross-cutting nature, touching upon nearly every part of modern society, tourism is an essential contributor to the wider mission of the United Nations, including achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Again, as a leading employer of women, tourism leads the way in the journey towards gender equality. At the same time, tourism is a leading contributor to the promotion and protection of cultural and natural heritage, which is in jeopardy, including the ecosystems and wildlife that draw visitors to developing countries.

Building cooperation and a united response

Before the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, UNWTO recognized both the unique vulnerability of tourism and also the sector’s unique potential to drive wider societal recovery once the health crisis had been tackled. The visit of a UNWTO delegation to WHO headquarters in Geneva laid the foundations for the international, multi-organizational cooperation that has defined tourism’s response to an unprecedented challenge.

This, in turn, came on the back of heightened advocacy for tourism at the very highest political level, most notably at the European Commission at the start of the year, to make sure the sector is at the centre of the planned European New Green Deal, as well as at the most recent meetings of the G20 nations. This has allowed UNWTO to become an increasingly prominent voice within the United Nations. When the crisis hit, we were able to make sure that tourism was part of the conversation at both the governmental and United Nations levels.

The Global Tourism Crisis Committee, convened virtually in March and then meeting five times as the crisis evolved, brought together leading voices from member States and from the private sector. Only UNWTO was in a position to unite such a diverse sector. This Crisis Committee channelled these diverse voices and concerns into a clear plan of action, the UNWTO Recommendations for Recovery . These Recommendations have been embraced across the public and private sectors and now inform recovery plans in every global region.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, 29 August 2020. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Sustainability takes centre stage

Central to the Recommendations is the principle that sustainability and inclusivity are at the heart of both the recovery process and the tourism sector that emerges out of this crisis. The pause in global tourism presents the global community with a chance to reassess its priorities. It also allows us to put the principles that are central to the work of UNWTO—namely that tourism works for people and planet, and should be open to all and benefit all—front and centre of everything we do.

The number one priority, however, is to build trust and confidence. Only by making people feel safe and encouraging them to travel again will the benefits that tourism offers start to return. UNWTO, as the specialized United Nations agency for tourism, must lead by example. To this end, as soon as it was safely possible, in-person visits to member States resumed: to the Canary Islands and Ibiza in Spain, to Italy, and to Saudi Arabia. The decision was also made to hold a hybrid Executive Council meeting, the first in-person meeting of the tourism sector and the United Nations to be held since the start of the pandemic. This brought together 170 delegates from 24 countries, sending a clear message that safe international travel is now possible in many parts of the world, thus providing a vital confidence boost for the sector.

As tourism restarts in many parts of the world, with growing numbers of countries easing travel restrictions, the sector’s position within the work of the United Nations has never been more relevant. UNWTO leads the restart guided by the principles of the Tbilisi Declaration , signed by our member States in Georgia at the close of the UNWTO Executive Council (15–17 September 2020). The Declaration recognizes the importance of tourism to livelihoods, to economic prosperity and opportunity, and to preserving our shared and unique culture. Signatories also committed to building back better, prioritizing sustainability and equality, and ensuring that, as tourism builds a brighter future, nobody is left behind.

The UN Chronicle  is not an official record. It is privileged to host senior United Nations officials as well as distinguished contributors from outside the United Nations system whose views are not necessarily those of the United Nations. Similarly, the boundaries and names shown, and the designations used, in maps or articles do not necessarily imply endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

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The Importance of Tourism in Any Country – Economy, Infrastructure & Business Opportunities (With Infographic)

Tourism is the act of traveling within your own country, or to an international destination, for either the purposes of business or pleasure. It has become a major source of income for a lot of countries, especially those with a young or developing economy.

We’ve put together this resource on tourism and its importance in the global economy. As well as the different types of tourism throughout the world, exploring the importance of each type.

Winter Tourism

Winter tourism is one of the most popular types of tourism. Skiing holidays, for example, have been popular since the 1860s and the industry continues to grow.

Many countries that are the hubs of winter tourism are in Europe, with particular states in the United States and Canada being go-to destinations. Switzerland is the cradle of winter tourism and continues to be the most popular destination.

Mass Tourism

Mass tourism is the concept of tour companies, hotels, and airlines working in conjunction to provide tour packages. This type of tourism involves being able to book your flights, your place to stay, and all the extras all in one go with one payment.

This form of tourism has become incredibly popular, especially with younger people wanting to travel, as it is usually a lot cheaper than buying everything separately. Travel agents often run a variety of mass tourism options – but these opportunities have mostly shifted online.

Niche Tourism

Niche tourism refers to a type of specialty tourism that focuses on a specific concept or topic. This can be food, sports, sex, war, or wildlife tourism. Each of these tours will focus on their individual concepts.

This type of tourism is fairly new, and more and more terms and types of niche tours are appearing every day. As people become more involved and interested in these unique topics.

Many countries and towns are narrowing their focus to niche tourism, to grow these specific niches where they can’t grow their general tourism market. For example, wildlife safaris in various African countries, and rugby championships draws huge crowds of tourists to the host countries. As well as cooking classes, cafe-crawls, and food-tastings in places with strong food culture.

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is the concept of respecting and improving the environment and destination you travel to. This includes maintaining the cultural dignity of the people as well as their ecological environment and biodiversity.

This can be seen as a type of tourism where you emerge yourself into your destination, instead of just viewing it from a foreigner’s point of view. It is not a separate tourism type, but rather a part of various other types of tourism when they’re done right.

Ecotourism is similar to sustainable tourism but is different in the fact that groups, usually very small, travel to pristine and protected areas. These tours focus on being low impact and aim to leave the smallest footprint on the area.

These types of tours help fund conservation, educate the traveler, and directly benefit the local economy and development. They also help empower local communities. These tours want you to leave with your memories, without harming the destination’s environment.

As awareness of global warming and carbon footprints grow, ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger travelers. People want to explore and experience new places, without feeling that their presence is damaging.

Volunteer Tourism

Volunteer tourism is exactly what the name suggests. Instead of traveling with the aim to lounge around on a beach or ski down some majestic slopes, tourists travel to help less fortunate communities and countries.

‘Voluntourism’ has been criticized recently as an expression of a white savior complex , without being legitimately helpful to the people volunteers are intending to help. And it definitely can be damaging.

But thankfully, volunteer tourism also has some definite benefits, present in well-run volunteer programs. These include an influx of finance that would otherwise not have been directed to that community, as well as improved cross-cultural understanding.

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is when people travel for medical procedures. In many countries, surgeries and procedures are expensive or require you to join an extended waiting list. This is why residents of such countries will travel to have these procedures done in a foreign place.

East Asia, Cuba, and Canada are a few of the more popular destinations for this kind of tourism. They provide high-quality care and procedures, but at a fraction of the cost compared to countries such as the United States or the U.K.

Experiential Tourism

Experiential tourism is a fairly new concept and can also be called “Immersion Tourism”. It involves traveling to a country and actively and meaningfully experiencing it from the perspective of its history, food, people and culture.

Experiential tourism often involves the development of deep knowledge or a new skill. For example, rather than just tasting the local cuisine, immersion tourists learn to cook authentic dishes from a local, learning about the traditions and culture around it.

For tourists, it’s about making the most out of every trip. For companies in the tourism industry, the focus is on personalization and offering authentic experiences.

Dark Tourism

Dark Tourism is an incredibly unique way of exploring a country, as you will visit the more “underground” sites of a city or country. These include battlegrounds, scenes of horrific and famous crimes, or areas where mass genocide occurred.

Examples of dark tourism are traveling to Jewish concentration camps in Europe, or the Killing Fields in Cambodia. One of the most popular examples is exploring the underground catacombs that worm their way underneath Paris.

Doom Tourism

Doom Tourism, or “Last Chance Tourism”, is a concept that involves traveling to ecological areas of the world that are near destruction. Places such as the Great Barrier Reef are under threat, and more and more people want to see them before they disappear.

The effects of this type of tourism are both positive and negative. The positive side is that it constantly raises awareness of the plight of these areas. But the negative side is that the influx of visitors, and the carbon footprint they leave, exacerbates the problem.

Religious Tourism

Religious tourism is the act of traveling to religiously important areas, structures and buildings across the globe. Many believers across all religions take part in religious tourism, as it helps strengthen their faith and belief.

As you can see, there are many different types of tourism, and it is difficult to define it, but it is simply an individual traveling to another country, or within their own country, to either relax, explore, help or discover something new.

Why is Tourism Important for Any Country?

Tourism has always been a booming sector across the globe. No matter where you live, there will always be a group of people, big or small, who want to visit your home country. Therefore, tourism is a very important aspect not only for a country’s economy but also their global standing.

There are many factors as to why tourism is important, and they mainly focus on the economical side of it. Tourism brings in wealth, exposure, growth, and employment to name a few. Below we look at these factors a bit more in-depth.

Influx of Wealth

The biggest advantage of tourism is the influx of money into a country’s economy. This is especially important in countries whose economy is new or weaker than others. For instance, many countries in Africa, especially, rely heavily on the tourist industry.

Tourists from “first-world” countries bring in cash that is stronger than the local currency and are therefore willing to spend more of it. This then has many layers of advantages.

This money is not solely spent on tourist activities that help local tour operators, vendors, etc. The money is also spent on hotels, food, and transport, therefore helping local businesses across the board.

In 2019, tourism directly contributed to global GDP by 2,892 billion dollars . This is after seeing consistent growth over the last decade, with an increase of 5.2% from 2018. That’s substantially more growth than most sectors see, and hugely beneficial across the board.

Diverse Income

Many countries rely heavily on a few industries, and their economy suffers heavily when these industries become strained. Tourism offers a constant flow of income into a country and is often – except in times of crisis – more reliable.

Tourism helps ease the strain of a suffering industry and stops it from having a massive effect on the country’s economy. This is almost a safety net for countries and is of massive economical benefit, especially for new and developing economies.

Jobs are possibly the most obvious advantages of tourism in any country. This spreads all the way from the pilots who fly the tourists into dishwashers at restaurants who see a rise in customers at the height of the tourist season.

Tourism also creates many new jobs, as local people start their own businesses in the tourist industry , and hire locally. The secondary effects aren’t as obvious, but local produce growers, for example, benefit due to the increased need for what they grow or sell.

In 2019, the 10 countries with the highest direct contribution of tourism to employment saw over 87.5 million jobs in the sector. And while these are the countries with the highest contribution, they are only 10! Hundreds of millions of jobs around the world depend on it, both formally and informally.

Infrastructure

One of the most important benefits of tourism is the construction and improvement of local infrastructure. The increased spending helps local communities improve the conditions of their roads, parks, community areas, schools, and hospitals.

The tourist industry will struggle to run smoothly in any country if the infrastructure of the country is lacking. For example, it is difficult for produce to reach restaurants if the roads are severely damaged or undrivable.

Social Advantages

The importance of the tourism industry extends to social advantages as well. Tourism creates a source of pride for local communities and their traditions. Tourists want to experience the “real” side of a country, and that allows locals to showcase their traditions and keep them alive in an ever-changing world.

This expands to local heritage sites and buildings, as they become hubs for tourists exploring the country. And that, in turn, keeps the sites from being destroyed, securing the local community’s traditions in the process.

Environmental Benefits

Most of the world is trying to turn the corner and become more environmentally friendly. Encouraging tour operators and businesses in the tourist industry to differentiate themselves by being much more environmentally aware.

These businesses, in turn, support local environments by adding an environmental twist to their packages, which then helps protect these areas. These practices encourage visitors to respect the areas they are in.

Business Opportunities

Tourism, especially in developing economies and countries, allows entrepreneurs to develop new businesses and products. These opportunities would usually not be viable if they relied on the local communities alone.

The money that tourists bring in allows businesses to grow quickly. Especially if they offer a unique service or product that fulfills a tourist’s needs. Which, once again, may not apply to local communities.

Tourism can play a massive part in the economy of small and developing countries and is sometimes the main source of income in a country. Therefore, tourism is an incredibly important aspect, almost a need, across the planet.

In 2019, the top 10 countries with outbound travel and tourism expenditure contributed 890 billion dollars to the global economy! That’s a lot of money spent outside of the tourists’ home country while traveling. This money directly impacts local businesses and individuals.

Impact of Covid-19 on Tourism 2020

The novel coronavirus has greatly impacted the tourism industry , as every country can confirm. The forecasted revenue from travel and tourism in 2020 has seen a 37% decrease – and depending on the next few months, this number could still drop substantially.

Employment losses may be the most dire effect of the coronavirus in the travel industry. Predicted employment loss in the industry approximates 75 million jobs.

Last Thoughts on the Importance of Local Tourism

There are so many different kinds of tourism. Some are emerging in an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, while others have been around for centuries.

While all of these can have a negative impact, their positive impacts on local economies and people are immeasurable. So many opportunities and developments depend on this global industry.

The coronavirus has had a terrible impact on tourism. But the industry’s vital role in the economy of so many countries attests to the fact that travel and tourism will continue, strong as ever.

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Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

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Publications.

Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic, please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

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22nd general assembly of the united nations world tourism organization, world tourism day 2017 official celebration.

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Unwto regional conference enhancing brand africa - fostering tourism development.

Tourism is one of the Africa’s most promising sectors in terms of development, and represents a major opportunity to foster inclusive development, increase the region’s participation in the global economy and generate revenues for investment in other activities, including environmental preservation.

January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

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Tourism Planning: Importance, Benefits, Types & Levels

Planning is to prepare a Road Map to achieve goals.

Faludi, in 1973, defined tourism planning as "Planning is a very important part of the process by which governments manage tourism at the national, local and organizational levels".

What is Tourism Planning?

The upkeep and expansion of the tourism sector in a particular area is referred to as tourism planning. Planning for tourism is, of course, a crucial component.

Creating strategies and plans to increase, develop, and stimulate tourism for/in a destination may be summed up as tourism planning. The primary motivation behind establishing and implementing strategies for the tourist industry is to generate money, which will eventually raise the GDP of a nation or region.

What is the need for Tourism Planning?

For the expansion of the sector important to plan tourism activities for the following reasons:

It is necessary to plan tourism activities on different levels and in various manners to promote tourism and boost the economy.
To provide quality to both tourists and residents.
It involves making major decisions which cannot be taken spontaneously.

What are the components of Tourism Planning

Exploration phase/ Preparatory
Planning phase/Feasibility/
Zoning phase/Formal planning
Design and implementation phase
Operational phase

Most nations that have successfully planned their tourism can be found online and are regarded as incredible holiday destinations. People go to these nations hoping their travel vlogs will increase their subscriber count on YouTube. That is an indication of success in the modern day.

Benefits of Tourism Planning

Tourism destination planning should be a vital component of every destination's tourism development plan to get the best outcomes and please all stakeholders. While some places do a great job of maintaining sustainable tourism, others (typically developing countries) need to recognize the significance of comprehensive tourism development planning.

Tourism planning can benefit various parties involved from the industry in the following ways:

It boosts revenue and employment thanks to tourist spending.
It safeguards cultural and natural assets so that visitors can enjoy them.
It broadens the comprehension of cultural diversity
It constructs new infrastructure, such as sewage systems, roads, etc., for the community.

Impacts of Tourism Planning

The impacts of tourism destination planning can be sorted into seven general categories:

Environmental
Social and cultural
Crowding and congestion
Community attitude

According to Inskeep, six "golden standards" should be followed when creating a strategy for tourist planning and policy (1991).

1. Goal Oriented: Tourism Planning should be oriented to achieve broad national and community goals.

2. Integrative: Integrating tourist policy and planning into the economy, land use and infrastructure, conservation, and environmental planning.

3. Market Driven: Planning for successful tourism growth in a cutthroat international market.

4. Resource Driven: Developing tourism that capitalizes on the location's inherent advantages while preserving and improving the features and experiences of existing tourism resources.

5. Consultative: Considering broader community attitudes, needs, and desires to determine what the population will accept.

6. Systematic: utilizing primary or secondary information to support planners conceptually or predictably, incorporating knowledge from other tourist locations

Levels of Tourism Planning

Planning and policy for the tourism industry occur at several levels. This can be done in a top-down approach, with international or national bodies, or a bottom-up approach from a local level.

1. International Tourism Planning: Tourism planning at the international level typically involves international transportation services, the movement and scheduling of tourist tours between different countries, the development of significant tourist attractions and facilities in neighboring countries, as well as the working strategies and promotional programs of many nations.

2. National Tourism Planning: Tourism policy, infrastructural facilities, and a physical structure plan, which includes significant tourist attractions, chosen tourism development regions, international entrance points, facilities, and services, are all addressed at the national level of tourism planning. Additionally, it is concerned with the quantity, types, and quality of lodging and other essential tourist facilities and services; the country's major travel routes and their regional connections; tourism organization

rights, laws, and investment policies; marketing and promotion strategies for the industry; education and training initiatives; and environmental, economic, and sociocultural analysis.

3. Regional Tourism Planning: Regional planning considers factors such as regional policy, regional entrance points, transportation facilities, and services; the types and locations of tourism attractions; the quantity, varieties, and places of lodging and other tourist facilities and services; and the sites of tourist development regions, such as resort areas.

They will also oversee sociocultural, environmental, economic, and impact analyses, regional education and training programmes, marketing strategies, investment policies, organizational structures, legal frameworks, and implementation strategies, including project plans and zoning ordinances.

4. Local Tourism Planning: Participants at the local level will think about the analyses, outputs, outcomes, and assessment of tourism planning at the ground level.

Types of Tourism Planning

Before creating a comprehensive plan to market the destination, the following types of tourism planning are taken into account:

Spatial Tourism Planning: Spatial tourism planning attempts to thoroughly process social, environmental, and economic change to bring about certain ends. Drawing plans, maps or diagrams are put together to decide where socio-spatial activities can occur.

Sectoral Tourism Planning: In this kind of planning, the regions are divided into sections, and each section is called a sector. It concentrates on a manageable area and takes into account the specific infrastructure, land use, transportation, and environmental requirements of that region. Depending on the nature of the products or services provided, economic, social, and administrative activities are grouped into sectors.

Complex Tourism Planning: When various regions are considered for the purpose of tourism planning, it is known as complex tourism planning. These regions are to be developed comprehensively because of the significant interest shown by international tourists. There is a possibility that these regions are located far away from one another.

Integrated Tourism Planning: Integrated tourism refers to making tourism the primary industry in a given area by systematically and comprehensively promoting all available economic, social, and tourism resources.

Sustainable Tourism Planning: Sustainable tourism planning involves striking the correct balance between the requirements of people and the environment. It entails stating the community's mission, vision, and unique selling point or identity in clear terms. With the help of this type of destination planning in our local communities, we are better equipped to plan for the long term, and respond to changing target markets, trends, and emergencies like the Covid-19 outbreak. Additionally, it guarantees that resources are allocated properly while ethically and sustainably establishing local communities. This method of tourism planning benefits people and places in positive ways on all fronts—socially, economically, culturally, and environmentally—puts sustainability at its core.

Centralized Tourism Planning: Centralized tourism planning is done by a single authority, usually the state or central government.

Decentralized Tourism Planning: Organizations are interested in developing tourist spots and planning the various activities visitors can enjoy. (Joint Venture).

They take assistance from government. Suggested Read: Sustainable Tourism

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. why is tourism planning important.

A1. Destination development plans should include tourism planning since it promotes a destination's long-term viability and encourages cooperation among important stakeholders..

Q2. What are the features of tourism planning?

A2. Three general principles of planning for tourism can be specified as anticipation, regulation and monitoring.

Q3. What are the barriers to tourism planning?

A3. A3. According to earlier research conducted in several nations, a common pattern of issues has emerged. For instance, financial constraints, a lack of knowledge, an insufficient amount of time, and other issues have prevented local governments from incorporating tourism into their development plans.

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How Tourism Benefits Nature and Wildlife

The Great Barrier Reef. Yellowstone. The Amazon Rainforest. One of the top reasons that tourists are drawn to destinations such as these is because of their rich biodiversity and unique landscapes.

According to Brand USA, 2 of the top 5 motivators for selecting vacation spots are ecotourism and nature. Wanderlusters are seeking experiences that reflect the true essence of the places they are visiting. In other words, they want to visit places with unspoiled environments and thriving native wildlife.

We often hear about all of the ways that humans are destroying wild places and jeopardizing the health of the planet – and rightfully so. Over 75% of land environments have been severely altered by humans and species are facing extinction at up to 1000x the natural rate. While there’s no denying that irresponsible tourism contributes to this devastation, we shouldn’t overlook the important role that sustainable and well-managed tourism plays in advancing conservation and protecting our world’s treasured ecosystems. These benefits have only been further evidenced by the current COVID-19 crisis and the resulting halt in tourism.

In this blog post we’ve highlighted just a handful of the different ways that tourism benefits nature and wildlife. Read on to learn more!

Increasing Community Support for Conservation

Over the last decade, nature-based tourism has become increasingly popular. In total, wildlife tourism now supports nearly 22 million jobs around the world and contributes more than $120 billion to global GDP.

This growing interest in wildlife tourism, and the economic benefits that come along with it, can change community attitudes towards conservation. Without tourism, local communities may merely view wild animals as a danger to their farms and families, and only value natural resources for consumption. But when animals and natural areas bring tourism dollars and jobs to their community, it can help residents see the importance of keeping their natural assets intact and healthy.

In Cambodia, for instance, ecotourism is motivating communities to conserve critically endangered bird species, such as the giant ibis and white-shouldered ibis. Thousands of tourists come from across the world to see these rare and iconic species. The birding operator Sam Veasna Conservation Tours incentivizes community-based conservation in the region by training and employing locals as guides and ecotourism providers, and requiring visitors to donate to village development projects. In return for this income and employment, community members agree to not hunt or cut down trees. To date, Sam Veasna’s visitors have contributed over $500,000 to local communities, making a strong case for the importance of protecting their unique birdlife.

Creating Sustainable Livelihoods

Beyond changing mindsets, tourism can prevent ecosystem degradation by creating more sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Jobs as guides, cooks, or housekeepers offer alternative income sources to environmentally-destructive activities such as logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, quarrying, or illegal hunting.

In Rewa, Guyana, poor job security led villagers to illegally harvest and trade wild animals. As a result, wildlife species such as arapaimas, giant river turtles, and giant otters were beginning to disappear. In 2005, the village opened a community-run eco lodge to improve livelihoods while protecting its ecological diversity. By employing community members as sport fishing guides and boat captains, the lodge allows villagers to maintain rainforest-based livelihoods without causing damage to the ecosystem. Thanks to tourism, arapaimas, turtles, and otters are now common in the Rewa River. Not to mention, visitors contribute far more money to the local economy than wildlife exploitation did. In fact, research shows that globally wildlife tourism is 5x more lucrative than illegal wildlife trade!

Raising Environmental Awareness of Tourists

Tourism not only bears the capacity to shift local mindsets and behavior, it can also raise environmental awareness among tourists. From camping to beach lounging, tourism provides countless opportunities for individuals to learn about the natural world and experience it firsthand.

When people connect with nature during their travels, it can lead them to appreciate it more and become invested in protecting it. Tours, parks, and other travel experiences often facilitate this type of environmental learning through interpretive techniques such as educational brochures, exhibits, or guided excursions. Whale watching, for instance, has been shown to raise visitors’ knowledge of aquatic mammals and increase their support for whale conservation. And on the Great Barrier Reef, guided boat tours and marine biology talks have been found to influence visitor behavior and minimize the damage that they cause to the reef.

In Chilean Patagonia, interpretive panels have been installed along one of the world’s most iconic trekking circuits in Torres del Paine National Park. The panels, which were designed by the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund , educate visitors about the wetland ecosystem they’re traversing, and provide information about the plants and animals found there.

A hiker reads about the types of wildlife that reside in Torres del Paine National Park. Photo: Torres del Paine Legacy Fund.

Prompting Conservation Policies & Protected Areas

Tourism can also provide a compelling incentive for governments and organizations to institute environmental policies and conservation measures. This includes the creation of national parks, nature reserves, and other protected areas to preserve their biodiversity and correspondingly boost their tourism appeal.

Due to the popularity of coastal tourism in particular, reef-based activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips and whale watching are a particularly important source of economic revenues. In fact, it is estimated that coral reefs generate $36 billion in global tourism value per year. Many countries rely on the income that comes from marine-based tourism and see the importance of protecting their coastlines, coral reefs, and beaches.

In the Galapagos, for instance, marine-based tourism is worth over $178 million per year, and supports over a third of all jobs. The islands are a hotspot for large and rare marine life, including the highest abundance of sharks on the planet. Thanks to spending by divers and other marine tourists, a single shark in the Galapagos is worth about $5.4 million over its lifetime, while a dead shark only brings in $200 to fishermen. Realizing the economic importance of its life below water, the government introduced no-fishing zones in 2016 to prevent the extraction of sharks and safeguard the island’s marine tourism value.

Mountain gorillas are another species that has benefited from tourism-motivated conservation policies. These endangered apes can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits start at $600 and the economic value of gorilla tourism is estimated to be as much as $34.3 million . This has led to policies and strategies that support conservation, such as veterinary interventions, intensive law enforcement, community conservation projects, regulated ecotourism, and transboundary collaboration among government institutions and NGOs. Thanks to these efforts, the number of gorillas within the Virunga Mountain region rose from 240 in the 1980s to 604 in 2016 . Now they are the only wild ape population whose numbers are increasing !

Financing Conservation

But simply establishing protected areas isn’t enough on its own. Ensuring the conservation of the sensitive environments and vulnerable species that these areas aim to protect requires effective management and conservation measures.

However, this is easier said than done. Around the world, many protected areas are under-funded. In fact, the global funding gap for effectively managing these sites is estimated to be up to $440 billion dollars per year. Tourism plays an essential role in bridging this gap by providing an additional source of funding. Proceeds from visitor entrance fees, operating permits, accommodations, and guiding services can help pay the salaries of park rangers and guards, and fund necessary management activities such as ecosystem monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, invasive species eradication, and environmental educational programs.

In Africa, tourism is an important source of funding for land and wildlife conservation. SANParks, the public entity responsible for managing South Africa’s national parks, raises more than 80% of its funding from tourism. Chumbe Island Coral Park, a marine protected area off the coast of Zanzibar, takes this model a step further and is funded entirely by ecotourism income. Thanks to effective management, Chumbe Island is home to one of the most pristine coral reefs in the region.

In addition to financing protected areas, tourists and tourism businesses may also contribute directly to local conservation initiatives. In St. Kitts, local tourism businesses donated $18,500 to fund the planting of fruit trees to protect coastal areas. At Vail Resorts, guests are invited to donate $1 when they purchase a season pass, lift ticket, hotel stay, or shuttle ride. In 2019, Vail’s program raised over $975,000 for on-the-ground conservation efforts that help restore habitat, improve forest access, and preserve land.

Carbon offsetting is another way that individuals and businesses can contribute to environmental conservation projects, while also mitigating their own emissions. Luxury tour operator TCS World Travel, for instance, partners with Sustainable Travel International to offset the carbon emissions generated by their jet trips. Through this partnership, TCS supports the Madre de Dios project which protects critical rainforest habitat and endangered species in the Peruvian Amazon.

Aiding Ecosystem Monitoring

While park rangers and guards play a critical role in patrolling sensitive environments, tracking ecosystem health, and warding off threats, it is often impossible for them to monitor such vast areas by themselves. The mere presence of tourists in natural areas can protect wildlife by providing an extra set of eyes on the ground.

In Africa, safari vehicles and guests deter poachers from wildlife conservancies, helping to safeguard highly targeted species such rhinos. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical role that tourism plays in deterring poachers and creating safe havens for wildlife. As visitation has come to a halt, rhino poaching has reportedly increased in tourism hotspots.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s “Eye on the Reef” program is an even more intentional effort to engage tourists and operators in ecosystem monitoring. The program engages divers and marine tourism providers in watching over the Great Barrier Reef by reporting the coral, fish, pollution, and invasive species they see via a citizen science app. Sustainable Travel International is currently developing NEMO, a similar reef monitoring program for use on the Mesoamerican Reef.

There are countless other citizen science programs that aim to fill different research gaps, and that visitors can participate in during their trip. Whale watchers, for example, can contribute to whale identification and tracking by submitting their photographs of humpback whales via the HappyWhale website. To date, more than 260,000 photos have been submitted to HappyWhale, and more than 38,000 individual whales identified.

Tourism businesses may also aid researchers in collecting environmental data. In Nevis, the Four Seasons Resort helps researchers study the migration patterns of critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles that nest on the island’s beaches. Resort guests help look for nesting sea turtles which are then fitted with a satellite transmitter and released into the sea. To date, 21 turtles have been released through this program.

Supporting Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration

Along with putting on their scientist cap, visitors and tourism businesses can support conservation by participating in ecosystem restoration.

In Bonaire, local dive operators are lending a hand in restoring the island’s coral reefs by training tourists and divers on basic reef restoration techniques. Once they are trained, visitors can help maintain coral nurseries and outplant coral fragments onto degraded reef sites. To date, more than over 22,000 corals have been outplanted onto Bonaire’s reefs.

Visitors and tourism businesses can also participate in the removal and eradication of non-native species which devastate local habitats. In Mexico, divers and guides lend a hand in hunting invasive lionfish which are a serious threat to the Mesoamerican Reef. After they are captured, the fish are grilled up and served to tourists as a special local dish.

Visitors and tour guides can also help restore ecosystem health by cleaning up the environments they visit. For example, more than 86,000 scuba divers have removed litter from the oceans as part of Project Aware’s “Dive Against Debris” program.

Advancing Green Technologies & Fueling Innovation

Because of its economic importance and influence, tourism can trigger environmental innovation through the advancement of green infrastructure, processes, and technologies. For instance, tourism can lead the way in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, like wind and solar farms, on remote islands or rural areas that would not usually be exposed to clean energy.

In Aruba, tourism is the primary economic activity, representing 73% of GDP. Realizing that the future of its tourism industry depends on environmental sustainability, Aruba’s public and private sector have invested in innovative solutions. Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, for instance, is considered an eco-pioneer in the Caribbean due to the novel sustainability initiatives that it not only implements, but also develops. Among its achievements, the property heats its water via solar panels, installed exercise equipment that produces electricity, utilizes water saving devices in its bathrooms, and reuses greywater to irrigate its gardens. The resort aids the sustainability transition on the island by offering tours of their grounds and sharing their practices with others.

In Oregon, tourism supported the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure along the state’s rural roads and scenic highways. The state’s tourism commission, Travel Oregon , helped facilitate the installation of electric vehicle charging stations near tourism businesses and developed Electric Byway itineraries. Now, Oregon is home to one of the largest networks of electric vehicle fast charging stations in the country!

Still Progress To Be Made

But of course, all of the benefits above will only occur when tourism happens in a well-managed and sustainable way. As we’ve gained a better understanding of how humans impact the natural world, there have definitely been great strides towards making tourism more eco-friendly. However, our work is far from done. There’s still a lot of room for improvement by everyone involved in tourism – businesses, governments, communities, and tourists – to maximize tourism’s benefits for the planet.

To learn more about how we are helping to amplify the environmental benefits of tourism and ensure that tourism safeguards local ecosystems through our work, click here .

Free Sustainable Travel Tips List

June 26, 2020
Blog , Nature & Wildlife

Fact-checking warnings from Democrats about Project 2025 and Donald Trump

This fact check originally appeared on PolitiFact .

Project 2025 has a starring role in this week’s Democratic National Convention.

And it was front and center on Night 1.

WATCH: Hauling large copy of Project 2025, Michigan state Sen. McMorrow speaks at 2024 DNC

“This is Project 2025,” Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, said as she laid a hardbound copy of the 900-page document on the lectern. “Over the next four nights, you are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document. Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has warned Americans about “Trump’s Project 2025” agenda — even though former President Donald Trump doesn’t claim the conservative presidential transition document.

“Donald Trump wants to take our country backward,” Harris said July 23 in Milwaukee. “He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. Like, we know we got to take this seriously, and can you believe they put that thing in writing?”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, has joined in on the talking point.

“Don’t believe (Trump) when he’s playing dumb about this Project 2025. He knows exactly what it’ll do,” Walz said Aug. 9 in Glendale, Arizona.

Trump’s campaign has worked to build distance from the project, which the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, led with contributions from dozens of conservative groups.

Much of the plan calls for extensive executive-branch overhauls and draws on both long-standing conservative principles, such as tax cuts, and more recent culture war issues. It lays out recommendations for disbanding the Commerce and Education departments, eliminating certain climate protections and consolidating more power to the president.

Project 2025 offers a sweeping vision for a Republican-led executive branch, and some of its policies mirror Trump’s 2024 agenda, But Harris and her presidential campaign have at times gone too far in describing what the project calls for and how closely the plans overlap with Trump’s campaign.

PolitiFact researched Harris’ warnings about how the plan would affect reproductive rights, federal entitlement programs and education, just as we did for President Joe Biden’s Project 2025 rhetoric. Here’s what the project does and doesn’t call for, and how it squares with Trump’s positions.

Are Trump and Project 2025 connected?

To distance himself from Project 2025 amid the Democratic attacks, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he “knows nothing” about it and has “no idea” who is in charge of it. (CNN identified at least 140 former advisers from the Trump administration who have been involved.)

The Heritage Foundation sought contributions from more than 100 conservative organizations for its policy vision for the next Republican presidency, which was published in 2023.

Project 2025 is now winding down some of its policy operations, and director Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official, is stepping down, The Washington Post reported July 30. Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita denounced the document.

WATCH: A look at the Project 2025 plan to reshape government and Trump’s links to its authors

However, Project 2025 contributors include a number of high-ranking officials from Trump’s first administration, including former White House adviser Peter Navarro and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

A recently released recording of Russell Vought, a Project 2025 author and the former director of Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, showed Vought saying Trump’s “very supportive of what we do.” He said Trump was only distancing himself because Democrats were making a bogeyman out of the document.

Project 2025 wouldn’t ban abortion outright, but would curtail access

The Harris campaign shared a graphic on X that claimed “Trump’s Project 2025 plan for workers” would “go after birth control and ban abortion nationwide.”

The plan doesn’t call to ban abortion nationwide, though its recommendations could curtail some contraceptives and limit abortion access.

What’s known about Trump’s abortion agenda neither lines up with Harris’ description nor Project 2025’s wish list.

Project 2025 says the Department of Health and Human Services Department should “return to being known as the Department of Life by explicitly rejecting the notion that abortion is health care.”

It recommends that the Food and Drug Administration reverse its 2000 approval of mifepristone, the first pill taken in a two-drug regimen for a medication abortion. Medication is the most common form of abortion in the U.S. — accounting for around 63 percent in 2023.

If mifepristone were to remain approved, Project 2025 recommends new rules, such as cutting its use from 10 weeks into pregnancy to seven. It would have to be provided to patients in person — part of the group’s efforts to limit access to the drug by mail. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge to mifepristone’s FDA approval over procedural grounds.

WATCH: Trump’s plans for health care and reproductive rights if he returns to White House The manual also calls for the Justice Department to enforce the 1873 Comstock Act on mifepristone, which bans the mailing of “obscene” materials. Abortion access supporters fear that a strict interpretation of the law could go further to ban mailing the materials used in procedural abortions, such as surgical instruments and equipment.

The plan proposes withholding federal money from states that don’t report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention how many abortions take place within their borders. The plan also would prohibit abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid funds. It also calls for the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the training of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, omits abortion training.

The document says some forms of emergency contraception — particularly Ella, a pill that can be taken within five days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy — should be excluded from no-cost coverage. The Affordable Care Act requires most private health insurers to cover recommended preventive services, which involves a range of birth control methods, including emergency contraception.

Trump has recently said states should decide abortion regulations and that he wouldn’t block access to contraceptives. Trump said during his June 27 debate with Biden that he wouldn’t ban mifepristone after the Supreme Court “approved” it. But the court rejected the lawsuit based on standing, not the case’s merits. He has not weighed in on the Comstock Act or said whether he supports it being used to block abortion medication, or other kinds of abortions.

Project 2025 doesn’t call for cutting Social Security, but proposes some changes to Medicare

“When you read (Project 2025),” Harris told a crowd July 23 in Wisconsin, “you will see, Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare.”

The Project 2025 document does not call for Social Security cuts. None of its 10 references to Social Security addresses plans for cutting the program.

Harris also misleads about Trump’s Social Security views.

In his earlier campaigns and before he was a politician, Trump said about a half-dozen times that he’s open to major overhauls of Social Security, including cuts and privatization. More recently, in a March 2024 CNBC interview, Trump said of entitlement programs such as Social Security, “There’s a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” However, he quickly walked that statement back, and his CNBC comment stands at odds with essentially everything else Trump has said during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump’s campaign website says that not “a single penny” should be cut from Social Security. We rated Harris’ claim that Trump intends to cut Social Security Mostly False.

Project 2025 does propose changes to Medicare, including making Medicare Advantage, the private insurance offering in Medicare, the “default” enrollment option. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks and can also require prior authorization, meaning that the plan can approve or deny certain services. Original Medicare plans don’t have prior authorization requirements.

The manual also calls for repealing health policies enacted under Biden, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. The law enabled Medicare to negotiate with drugmakers for the first time in history, and recently resulted in an agreement with drug companies to lower the prices of 10 expensive prescriptions for Medicare enrollees.

Trump, however, has said repeatedly during the 2024 presidential campaign that he will not cut Medicare.

Project 2025 would eliminate the Education Department, which Trump supports

The Harris campaign said Project 2025 would “eliminate the U.S. Department of Education” — and that’s accurate. Project 2025 says federal education policy “should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated.” The plan scales back the federal government’s role in education policy and devolves the functions that remain to other agencies.

Aside from eliminating the department, the project also proposes scrapping the Biden administration’s Title IX revision, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also would let states opt out of federal education programs and calls for passing a federal parents’ bill of rights similar to ones passed in some Republican-led state legislatures.

Republicans, including Trump, have pledged to close the department, which gained its status in 1979 within Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s presidential Cabinet.

In one of his Agenda 47 policy videos, Trump promised to close the department and “to send all education work and needs back to the states.” Eliminating the department would have to go through Congress.

What Project 2025, Trump would do on overtime pay

In the graphic, the Harris campaign says Project 2025 allows “employers to stop paying workers for overtime work.”

The plan doesn’t call for banning overtime wages. It recommends changes to some Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, regulations and to overtime rules. Some changes, if enacted, could result in some people losing overtime protections, experts told us.

The document proposes that the Labor Department maintain an overtime threshold “that does not punish businesses in lower-cost regions (e.g., the southeast United States).” This threshold is the amount of money executive, administrative or professional employees need to make for an employer to exempt them from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In 2019, the Trump’s administration finalized a rule that expanded overtime pay eligibility to most salaried workers earning less than about $35,568, which it said made about 1.3 million more workers eligible for overtime pay. The Trump-era threshold is high enough to cover most line workers in lower-cost regions, Project 2025 said.

The Biden administration raised that threshold to $43,888 beginning July 1, and that will rise to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. That would grant overtime eligibility to about 4 million workers, the Labor Department said.

It’s unclear how many workers Project 2025’s proposal to return to the Trump-era overtime threshold in some parts of the country would affect, but experts said some would presumably lose the right to overtime wages.

Other overtime proposals in Project 2025’s plan include allowing some workers to choose to accumulate paid time off instead of overtime pay, or to work more hours in one week and fewer in the next, rather than receive overtime.

Trump’s past with overtime pay is complicated. In 2016, the Obama administration said it would raise the overtime to salaried workers earning less than $47,476 a year, about double the exemption level set in 2004 of $23,660 a year.

But when a judge blocked the Obama rule, the Trump administration didn’t challenge the court ruling. Instead it set its own overtime threshold, which raised the amount, but by less than Obama.

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Destination Economic Benefits

The tourism activity in a destination is often a driver of development, triggering desired investments and employment opportunities. In order to contribute to the desired development objectives of destinations while fostering sustainability, it is important to regularly monitor and evaluate the economic benefits, among them the return on its investment, the direct and indirect employment effects, on taxes earned from tourism businesses, and any increase in asset value (land and infrastructure prices). In addition, tourism causes often indirect economic benefits through the development of support services and increased opportunities in other industries ranging from food and agriculture to crafts and construction. Indicators of the economic effects of tourism activity in a destination range from measuring employment, business investments, tourism revenues, community expenditures to aspects of leakages. Many of these aspects are considered in the Tourism Satellite Account, the statistical framework that is used as a standardised tool to measure the direct economic contributions of tourism consumption to a national economy.

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Don't get tricked: How to check if your Social Security number was part of data breach

Websites that only require name, birthday date and birth place can help you figure out if a person's information was stolen and don't require them to submit their ssns..

An estimated 2.9 billion records, including names, addresses and Social Security numbers may be affected after National Public Data confirmed it suffered after a massive data breach involving the personal information of millions of Americans.

Still, despite privacy concerns, Americans shouldn't offer to submit their Social Security numbers to websites just because they claim they can help identify if they're a victim of a recent breach.

Social Security scams are nothing new. On any given day, someone might receive a call where the operator on the other end claims to be an agent with the FBI who has a warrant for their arrest and demands they hand over their Social Security number, bank information and other personal details to clear up the matter.

But what about when a website claims it can help someone identify if their data was stolen in the recent breach?

Some websites claim they can help victims identify if their information was stolen. It may not be a scam, but people still shouldn't submit their Social Security numbers and other identifying information to random websites that may not be legitimate resources.

Here's what to know.

Why you should be worried: What to do about the massive National Public Data breach

Why shouldn't you give over your Social Security number?

Banks, schools, new employers, accountants and landlords do require Social Security numbers. But you should not submit your Social Security numbers to people, businesses or websites you do not trust.

"The most important thing for the public to always be aware of is the need to protect their personal information," said Darren Lutz, a spokesperson for the Social Security Administration, told USA TODAY.

Experts, like James E. Lee, chief operating officer at Identity Theft Resource Center, "certainly don’t recommend" people enter their Social Security numbers on websites that enable people to search if their personal information was affected or leaked, CNBC reported.

Fraudsters can do a lot with that number and some identifiable information, like the following, according to AARP :

Open credit accounts in the victim's name
Use the victim's information to collect unemployment insurance
Circumvent the victim's benefits

Some websites are reputable and will allow people to check if their data was stolen without requiring them to submit a Social Security number.

The following are reputable websites that don't require Social Security numbers to be submitted, according to CNBC:

NPD.pentester.com — Only requires people to submit their first name, last name, state and birth year.
NPDBreach.com — People can search for their information using their full name and zip code, SSN or phone number.

Credit reports can show signs of fraud

People wondering if their identity may have been stolen can check their credit reports for signs of fraud, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Credit reports help people monitor for unfamiliar or unexpected activity. People can request a credit report once a year from the following locations, according to CNET :

A person can also regularly check their my Social Security account for suspicious activity, Lutz said.

"If a person has not yet applied for benefits, they should not see information about payment amounts on their my Social Security account and will be able to access their Social Security Statement to receive estimates of their future benefits," he said.

If suspicious activity is found on reports, people can place a credit freeze to protect themselves from identity theft and further misuse of stolen information, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

How to report suspected fraud

Anyone who believes their identity was stolen should contact the Federal Trade Commission at idtheft.gov , or call them at 1-877-438-4338, Lutz said.

The victim should then do the following:

File a police report where the identity theft took place, and keep a copy of the report
Contact a fraud unit
Monitor their credit report periodically

Victims can reach out to the following fraud units, according to Lutz:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

The company that is called is required to alert the other two companies listed.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter , Instagram and TikTok : @juliamariegz

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After a global contraction of 3.4% in 2020 and a rebound of 5.5% in 2021, the world economy is projected to grow by 4% in 2022 and then 3.5% in 2023. Given its importance as a major export category (prior to the pandemic tourism was the third largest in the world, after fuels and chemicals), and recognizing its role as a source of employment ...
Tourism's Importance for Growth Highlighted in World Economic ...
10 Nov 2023. Tourism has again been identified as a key driver of economic recovery and growth in a new report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With UNWTO data pointing to a return to 95% of pre-pandemic tourist numbers by the end of the year in the best case scenario, the IMF report outlines the positive impact the sector's rapid ...
Tourism Can Help Lead the World to Recovery
The knock-on effect will be significant. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that tourism's woes will cause global GDP to decline by as much as 1.5 per cent ...
The Importance of Tourism in Any Country
Therefore, tourism is a very important aspect not only for a country's economy but also their global standing. There are many factors as to why tourism is important, and they mainly focus on the economical side of it. Tourism brings in wealth, exposure, growth, and employment to name a few. Below we look at these factors a bit more in-depth.
Sustainable tourism
Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States ...
Tourism Planning: Importance, Benefits, Types & Levels
1. Goal Oriented: Tourism Planning should be oriented to achieve broad national and community goals. 2. Integrative: Integrating tourist policy and planning into the economy, land use and infrastructure, conservation, and environmental planning. 3.
How Tourism Benefits Nature and Wildlife
How Tourism Benefits Nature and Wildlife. The Great Barrier Reef. Yellowstone. The Amazon Rainforest. One of the top reasons that tourists are drawn to destinations such as these is because of their rich biodiversity and unique landscapes. According to Brand USA, 2 of the top 5 motivators for selecting vacation spots are ecotourism and nature.
Not all Fiji tourism is done right. What to know before visiting
The country committed to a sustainable tourism industry as stated in its 2021 tourism development plan, which focuses on environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
How it all went wrong for tourism
Summer 2024 will be remembered as the season that tourism got nasty. With locals protesting against tourists in Europe, and overcrowding an issue everywhere from city centers to national parks ...
Fact-checking warnings from Democrats about Project 2025 and ...
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has warned Americans about "Trump's Project 2025" agenda — even though former President Donald Trump doesn't claim the ...
Tourism Seasonality
The tourism activity in a destination is often a driver of development, triggering desired investments and employment opportunities. In order to contribute to the desired development objectives of destinations while fostering sustainability, it is important to regularly monitor and evaluate the economic benefits, among them the return on its investment, the direct and indirect employment ...
California Dems want to help undocumented immigrants buy homes
Harris, in her DNC acceptance speech Thursday said the country can "live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants, and reform our broken immigration system."
Maricopa Community Colleges Ranks Among Forbes Best In-State Employers
"This accolade not only validates the hard work and dedication of our employees, who are the heart of our system, but the service and support we provide to thousands of students each academic year." Why it Matters: Maricopa Community Colleges plays a key role in driving workforce development for the nation's fourth most populous county ...
Data breach: How to check if your Social Security number was affected
Don't get tricked: How to check if your Social Security number was part of data breach Websites that only require name, birthday date and birth place can help you figure out if a person's ...
Best Places to Work: Field Nation
This year marks Field Nation's fourth Best Places to Work award. Some of the benefits the Minneapolis-based company offers its employees are: d edicated dollars toward learning and development ...