Who am I?
I am a white cis woman with German and American citizenship, 26 years old and in a relationship. I am passionate about salsa dancing and social innovation.
Why am I interested in tourism?
Since I was little, I have flown many kilometres a year to visit family in the US. I also feel the urge to explore faraway places for myself – an urge I share with many (equally privileged) people. However, tourism as it is practised now cannot continue as it is, because it is harmful to people and nature. Therefore, I find social innovations essential for the tourism sector.
Dear sis,
I’m sending you sunny greetings from Bali! It’s amazing how much the island has changed since my semester abroad in 2015:
McDonalds and all the big fast food chains no longer exist, the temple sites are only open for religious ceremonies and the rubbish in the sea has disappeared because food is now served in banana leaves like it used to! There is also very little party tourism, because everything has become more expensive since people are paid fairly for their work. The Balinese can now – also because of easier entry conditions – travel to places far away, just like you and me. So the standstill of international tourism has also brought positive change!
The day after tomorrow I’ll be heading home again… See you in a few weeks when I arrive safely in the harbour with the ReNewEnergy boat.
Hati hati and all the love!
– Original version: German –
Wishes and hopes behind the image of the future:
1. “For the future of tourism I hope that…”
all people have equal “access” to tourism (not primarily the Global North due to entry conditions, financial inequalities, etc.).
2. “If I could wish for anything at all, I would…”
like to have a kind of tourism in which tourism and the preservation of nature and culture can go hand in hand.
3. “If I were a powerful politician, I would…”
try to not have my own country be too dependent on tourism.
Further images of the future of tourism:
