After discussing the many different trending topics and issues within the tourism industry, it is now time to reflect on my personal views within the sectors of the industry. From environmental issues, to sustainability, and even the dark and horrifying topics, one was able to make a culmination of their standpoint based on content throughout the semester. As I was personally affected in so many ways by this course, I aim to provide my own philosophy on the industry as a whole. While there are many aspects and viewpoints that other may think, I want to embody my thoughts to encompass my overall feelings. This will help readers to understand the drawbacks I see, while providing insight on what I see in the industry that makes me love it so much.
When someone asks me why I love traveling as much as I do, I typically pause for a minute to gather my thoughts. While this may seem like I am hesitant, there are so many things that come to mind that I cannot just focus on one. Not only does it immerse one with the culture of the world, but it allows for an experience that gives so much from the stand norm of what we are used to. As routine is so prominent in societies across the world, having time away from the reality that you are used to allows one to soak in the wonders this world provides us. From gaining new knowledge to taking time to relax and self-reflect, I think traveling provides us with so many opportunities to better ourselves and this world. Gaining these new experiences provides so many interactions and experiences that allow for societies to act as one. Now what I mean by that is putting any barriers aside to truly embrace the land in which you are able to understand and connect to in that moment. Understanding how other live their lives on a day-to-day basis is so important as it broadens so many new perspectives of others and creates an opportunity for education and experience.
So now understanding how I would travel and why, I honestly have a new perspective that I have come to understand in the last few months. Rather than thinking from a sun and fun point of view, I can’t help to think anyway but connections and experience as my two key aspects in exploration. While I am all for the fun, I think that should be the second priority when going to your destination. Allowing the nature around you to really soak in is what I have come to understand, in addition to understanding the greatness within the area. From historical monuments, to nature preserves and parks, to even beaches lined with sand and beautiful palm trees, it is all about what you gain from the travel you experience. New opportunities to destinations around the world provide the tourist with new ways to live their lifestyle and find the best practices that make them happy overall. I think tourism allows for fulfillment that many people need and struggle to find all over the nation.
In all this good that has arisen to me over this semester within tourism, it has also created awareness that I will forever support and stand by. Knowing that these opportunities to see new places are so rich, not allowing for those visiting or gaining revenue to take advantage of this industry is key. The most important thing while still being able to conduct a strong industry for me is sustainability and environmental impacts. While this can encompass too much, one can see that this prominent in moving any forward especially after this pandemic. The ways that some humans abuse and take advantage of this industry makes me so sad and encourages me to help be the voice we need. As travelers leave their mark, it is unfortunately for the worse most times rather than better. From trash and pollution, to endangering species around the world, we need to gain best practices to preserve the industry for the future. As I stand by UNWTO’s sustainability goals, I believe that following this practices and developments will allow for the continuation of the industry. If we keep destroying what means the most to us in this industry, I’m afraid nothing will be left besides a commercialized version of what was known before.
In understanding the drawbacks that come with traveling, I aim to inform those who think these barriers are preventing them from these experiences are not as important as one thinks they are. Whether it be political indifferences, to cultural indifferences, I think that these should be set aside when aiming for the soul purpose of traveling. These barriers create thinking in many people’s mind swaying them from the experience that a country could offer to you. While not agreeing with a country based on your views is okay, I am saddened to see that this prevents people from seeing some of the most beautiful places across the world. I think is necessary to set this industry aside from all those games that create fear and hate towards the world we live in. Rather than focusing on these drawbacks, taking these travel experiences to understand from others and gain new perspectives is key in my personal opinion.
Over the course of the semester and this current year, something that has been on my mind a lot is the word accountability. While this results in holding someone for their actions, I think this applies to any industry across the board. We have seen the flaws and impacts in the tourism industry and now just putting people in charge of these different sectors who show ethical and progressive leadership is what we need. From preventing oil spills, to cutting down animal abuse at big attractions, to even catching those killing and poaching endangered animals for their own benefit is something that countries around the world must stand up to. Putting the environment first rather than the people is something that most all of the population in this world needs to ponder on. Do we want these experiences for generations to come? If you’re thinking yes, then it’s probably time for some changes to be done by responsible leaders across the world who make decisions with facts, science, and data rather than the economic benefit swirling in the back of their head. There are ways to still protect our industries and many others across the board, while still putting the health and safety of the inhabitants first.
From these feeling on the travel industry, many will wonder what I will do now to see this change. While for one, I will be an advocate. I will walk the walk and talk the talk, meaning that these pros and cons that I see in the industry will be displayed through the actions I take. Whether it be choosing to rent kayaks over gas hogging boats, or choosing to stay away from an endangered place, or even standing up against what many see as impractical, I will always put the issue of environmental protection and sustainability at the forefront of my mind. From supporting leaders who support this change, to protesting against these issues, to even maybe even being the one to call for action in the future, my voice will not go away.
In thinking forward with my role in this industry, I will aim to embody what I support while embracing what it has to offer. Knowing that I want to promote the well-being of the industry and its future, I will use my knowledge to be a leader within any issue that arises. While that may not seem like much, if I could get every person who interacts with me or this post to support the industry the way that I do, I could measure that as success in itself. Knowing that my future travel destinations will be inspired by preservation and experience allows me to have confidence in others around the nation. Despite all the hate and negativity that many bring, it is possible to be the light in this industry to help drive it to its best and utmost capacity. I think that gaining new leadership within the industries and governments around the world in focus to the environment and climate impacts can allow for the much-needed change that many including myself see within the tourism industry. Making this more of a prominent social issue within our culture and community will allow those who need to hear what needs to be done, otherwise we are going to be down a long river with no paddle back.
In conclusion, I want everyone to know who’s reading this post that I will always be an advocate and a leader in demonstrating best practices for the future of this industry and the world overall. Knowing that letting these issues outweigh the good in travel and tourism industry is not what we will stand for. Instead, promoting protection and encouraging education within, while still absorbing the precocious time away from home is key. With that being said, being the best-self for your environment and future generations ahead to learn and grow from these same experiences that you did is crucial. If you can’t promote others to follow best practices and be aware of current implications, then what are you actually doing?Using your voice to protect and embrace the tourism industry is my goal in moving forward from this course and eventually into this field.
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