Lessons from tourism economies that serve the community

Applying a tourist tax, like the one in Bhutan, is just one of several ways to rebuild the industry for the better. – Agencies

TOURISM looks to be back with a vengeance this year. International arrivals will reach about 70% of the pre-pandemic level and some places are even struggling with the increased demands. But it wasn’t long ago global organisations advocated for financial support and suggested the crisis was an opportunity to rethink tourism – to make the industry stronger, more sustainable and more resilient in the aftermath.

As tourism emerges out of the pandemic, we should reconsider how to make the sector more responsible toward the people it affects. Unchecked tourism development and over-tourism are likely to return to pre-pandemic levels unless regulations are put in place.