WTD 2009 – Experts Discuss Role of Tourism in Globalization

Many believe globalization undermines cultural diversity through its tendency to homogenize. But this year's World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration included a debate over strategies to partner globalization with diversity through tourism. After all, the panel concluded, diversity can be an economic asset, as different communities serve as resources of “social wealth” that attract increasingly global-minded travelers. In this sense, more concerted efforts need to be made to support diverse communities through targeted reinvestment of tourism-related incomes. The argument runs, not only does tourism help the local communities involved gain from such an approach, it also increases global understanding. In Ghana – which hosted this year's WTD – and all across Africa, regional cooperation recognizing the continent's rich diversity would help capitalize on tourism opportunities created by South Africa's hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Yet, these gains will be limited to the short-term unless the tourism industry can pioneer a response to climate change that recognizes its own stake in sustainable development. – YaleGlobal