New Delhi, Apr 14:
As the global travel industry rebounds from the setbacks of the pandemic, a new trend is taking shape at
the heart of the sector’s recovery: equitable tourism. This approach prioritizes fairness, inclusivity, and
sustainability, aiming to ensure that the benefits of tourism are widely and equitably shared among all
stakeholders, including local communities, employees, and the travelers themselves.
Equitable tourism is defined by its focus on creating opportunities and distributing benefits fairly across
the travel and tourism industry. It addresses the disparities often seen in conventional tourism, where
large corporations reap significant profits while local communities see minimal economic benefit. This
model emphasizes respect for local cultures, fair wages for all workers in the tourism sector, and the
active involvement of communities in tourism development plans.
The call for equitable tourism comes at a time when disparities within the global tourism market have
become more visible. Often, tourism development leads to gentrification, environmental degradation, and
a dilution of local culture. Local populations sometimes bear the costs of tourism without enjoying its
economic benefits, leading to discontent and resistance. Equitable tourism aims to rectify these issues by
ensuring that tourism development not only respects but actively enriches the destinations and people it
touches.
