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Social Tourism: Cultivating Cultural Exchange and Inclusive Growth

The transformative power of social tourism: promoting cultural exchange and economic growth, introduction social tourism.

Social tourism, a concept often overlooked in traditional travel discussions, holds the key to fostering cultural awareness, empowering communities, and driving inclusive economic growth. In this article, we delve into the essence and explore its potential to transform societies.

By consciously developing  initiatives, we can unlock a multitude of benefits for both tourists and hosts.

In the dynamic landscape of global travel, social tourism emerges as a catalyst for change. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of social tourism, delving into its origins, benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations. As we navigate the transformative power , we uncover its potential to foster cultural awareness, empower communities, and drive inclusive economic growth when conscientiously developed.

Section 1: Understanding Social Tourism and Its Evolution

once a niche concept, has evolved into a powerful force shaping the travel industry. This section provides insights into the origins, tracing its roots from elite luxury travel to democratized leisure and tourism. We explore the pillars and objectives initiatives, emphasizing sustainable development through meaningful host-tourist engagement.

Background on Origins Social Tourism

Social tourism has humble beginnings, tracing its roots to a shift from elite and luxury travel to democratized leisure and exploration.

The concept emerged as a response to the growing need for inclusivity in the travel sector, recognizing that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the enriching benefits of tourism.

Pillars and Objectives

To comprehend the true scope of social tourism, we need to explore its pillars and objectives. These initiatives aim not only to provide recreational opportunities

but also to contribute to sustainable development through meaningful engagement between hosts and tourists. This section will delve into the principles that guide successful  projects.

Section 2: Benefits and Positive Impacts

This section dissects the economic, social, and environmental advantages. From income generation and job creation to the preservation of cultural heritage, customs, and arts,cemerges as a powerful agent of positive change. Environmental protections and destination improvements take center stage, showcasing the shared value where both tourists and hosts gain intercultural awareness.

Economic Perks Social Tourism

One of the primary advantages lies in its potential to generate income, create jobs, and stimulate local business growth.

By encouraging travel to less-explored regions, social tourism becomes a catalyst for economic development, breaking the traditional tourism mold that often concentrates wealth in popular destinations.

Social/Cultural Exchange

Beyond economic benefits, social tourism facilitates a rich exchange of cultures. It becomes a vehicle for the preservation of heritage, customs, and arts.

This section will highlight instances where  has played a pivotal role in sustaining and celebrating the uniqueness of various communities.

Environmental Protections

As we explore the positive impacts, it is essential to discuss the environmental benefits. Responsible initiatives can contribute to destination improvements, ensuring that the ecological balance is maintained, and the natural beauty of a place is preserved for future generations.

Shared Value

The beauty lies in the reciprocity between tourists and hosts. This section will emphasize how these interactions lead to increased intercultural awareness, fostering understanding and empathy between diverse communities.

Section 3: Challenges and Ethical Considerations

As gains momentum, it brings along a set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. This section addresses the need to prevent exploitation and cultural disruption, managing environmental impacts , and overcoming accessibility constraints across disabilities, age, and income. Striking a balance between authenticity and commercialization becomes paramount in ensuring the sustainability.

Preventing Exploitation

While brings numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. This section will discuss the importance of preventing exploitation and cultural disruption, emphasizing the need for ethical practices in the development and execution  initiatives.

Managing Environmental Impact

With the rising tide of tourism, there is an increasing concern about its environmental impact. This part of the article will explore strategies for managing and mitigating these impacts, ensuring that social tourism remains sustainable in the long run.

Accessibility Constraints

Inclusivity is a cornerstone , but accessibility constraints can hinder its reach. We will discuss the challenges posed by disabilities, age, and income disparities and explore ways to overcome these barriers.

Promoting Authenticity

As social gains popularity, the risk of commercialization looms large. This section will delve into the importance of

promoting authenticity and maintaining the cultural integrity of host communities amid the commercialization of tourism.

Section 4: Implementing and Participating in Social Tourism

Effective implementation requires collaborative efforts from government, the private sector, and local communities. This section explores successful partnerships and highlights the role of volunteer programs in providing ethical options for participants. Responsible travel guidelines are presented for tourists, ensuring a harmonious and respectful experience for all involved. The section concludes with a glimpse into the future, exploring potential innovations in the realm.

Partnerships Social Tourism

Effective requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, and local communities. This section will explore successful models of partnership and highlight the role each stakeholder plays in the development initiatives.

Volunteer Programs Social Tourism

Volunteer programs can be a powerful tool for fostering. This part of the article will provide insights into the opportunities available and guide readers on finding ethical volunteer options that contribute positively to host communities.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

For social tourism to be truly transformative, tourists must play their part. This section will outline responsible travel guidelines, helping tourists make informed choices that align with the principles.

Future Outlook and Innovations

To conclude the practical aspects, we will explore the future outlook of this transformative concept. From technological innovations to evolving travel trends, we will discuss how social tourism can adapt and thrive in the years to come.

In summary, the potential  is vast and transformative. By unlocking economic opportunities, fostering cultural exchange, and addressing ethical considerations, the power to reshape the travel landscape.

This article serves as a call to action for stakeholders to embrace and develop responsibly, ensuring that its benefits are realized without compromising the integrity of host communities.

As we navigate the future of travel, let be a guiding force towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rich world.

FAQs on Social Tourism

1. what exactly is social tourism.

Unpacking: A Simple Guide

Discover the essence of social tourism in straightforward terms. This FAQ breaks down the concept, explaining how it goes beyond ordinary travel to foster cultural awareness, empower communities, and drive inclusive economic growth.

2. How Did Social Tourism Evolve Over Time?

Evolution: From Elite to Inclusive

Explore the journey  from its origins, shifting away from exclusive luxury travel to becoming an inclusive leisure and tourism option. This FAQ sheds light on the transformative path that has made a powerful force in the travel industry.

3. What Are the Pillars and Objectives of Social Tourism Initiatives?

Core Principles: Understanding the Pillars

Delve into the foundations initiatives. This section elucidates the core pillars and objectives that guide the development, emphasizing sustainable practices and meaningful engagement between hosts and tourists.

4. What Positive Impacts Does Social Tourism Bring?

Unlocking Benefits: Economic, Social, and Environmental Perks

Explore the tangible benefits of social tourism. From generating income and jobs to preserving cultural heritage, this FAQ outlines the economic, social, and environmental advantages that arise when communities engage in meaningful  initiatives.

5. What Challenges Does Social Tourism Face?

Navigating Challenges: Ethical Considerations Explored

Uncover the potential challenges and ethical considerations associated with. This section addresses issues such as preventing exploitation, managing environmental impacts, and maintaining authenticity amid commercialization.

6. How Can Social Tourism Be Implemented Responsibly?

Building a Responsible Foundation: Partnerships and Programs

Learn about the practical aspects of implementing  responsibly. This FAQ highlights the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities. It also explores volunteer programs and responsible travel guidelines for tourists.

7. What Does the Future Hold for Social Tourism?

Future Outlook: Innovations Shaping

Look into the crystal ball of social tourism. This section provides insights into potential innovations and trends that could shape the future, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and evolving force in the travel industry.

8. How Can Individuals Contribute to Social Tourism?

Everyday Impact: Personal Involvement and Responsible Travel

Explore how individuals can contribute. From choosing ethical travel options to being responsible tourists, this FAQ offers practical advice for those looking to make a positive impact through their travel choices.

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Social Tourism

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Social tourism refers to initiatives aimed to include groups that would otherwise be excluded from tourism. As a field of study, its origins date back to the 1950s: one of the earliest definitions refers to social tourism as “the relationships and phenomena in the field of tourism resulting from participation in travel by economically weak or otherwise disadvantaged elements in society” (Hunziker 1951 : 1). Hunziker argued that social tourism represented a pathway to increased social integration and understanding of other cultures. More recently, other scholars have defined it as tourism with an added moral value, of which the primary objective is to benefit the host or the tourist populations (Minnaert et al. 2011 ). In practice, social tourism usually refers to budget-friendly domestic holidays. In some cases, day trips to theme parks, museums, and attractions are funded or made available at highly reduced rates by charities or agencies in the public sector.

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Cisneros-Martínez, J., S. McCabe, and A. Fernández-Morales. 2018. The contribution of social tourism to sustainable tourism: A case study of seasonally adjusted programmes in Spain. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 26 (1): 85–107.

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Hunziker, W. 1951. Social Tourism: Its Nature and Problems . Berne: International Tourists Alliance Scientific Commission.

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McCabe, S. 2009. Who needs a holiday? Evaluating social tourism. Annals of Tourism Research 36: 667–688.

McCabe, S., L. Minnaert, and A. Diekmann. 2011. Social tourism in Europe: Theory and practice . Bristol: Channel View.

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Minnaert, L. 2021. What, and who, is social tourism? The roles of the public, private and voluntary sector in social tourism provision in Flanders, Belgium. In Social tourism: Global challenges and approaches , ed. J. Lima and C. Eusébio, 157–167. Wallingford: CABI.

Minnaert, L., B. Quinn, K. Griffin, and J. Stacey. 2010. Social tourism for low-income groups. In Tourism and inequality , ed. S. Cole and N. Morgan, 38–57. Wallingford: CABI.

Minnaert, L., R. Maitland, and G. Miller. 2011. What is social tourism? Current Issues in Tourism 5: 403–415.

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Lynn Minnaert

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Minnaert, L. (2022). Social Tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_182-3

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Abercrombie

Social Tourist

Social Tourist is the creative vision of Hollister and social media personalities, Dixie and Charli D’Amelio. The lifestyle brand creates trend forward apparel that allows brand lovers to experiment with their style, while exploring the duality of who they are both on social media and in real life.

What Does Social Tourism Mean and How it is Redefining Travel? 

What does social tourism mean? 

How is it usually financed , what is the objective of social tourism , how can we help social tourism , real-life examples, final thoughts .

The tourism industry offers an abundance of benefits. It encourages economic growth, creates jobs, and brings massive amounts of revenue to some of the most popular tourism destinations. However, it’s not always beneficial directly to the local communities, and it’s not always accessible to all . 

On average, from every $100 spent by travelers in developing countries, only $5 stays in the local economy , resulting in significant tourism leakage . The widely-adopted traveling practices such as booking hotel accommodations, buying mass-produced souvenirs, or choosing international food chains rather than local restaurants often cause long-term harm to the community. 

Not to mention the issues of over-tourism that disrupts the daily life of the locals, increases pollution, and harms the environment. 

Fortunately, trends are changing in the tourism sector. Travelers are becoming increasingly aware of the consequences of over-tourism and how this issue is impacting the destinations they visit – which is why more and more people are starting to adopt social and sustainable tourism . 

Social tourism is a growing trend that prioritizes building positive relationships between visitors and host communities and developing “ programs, events, and activities that allow all population groups to enjoy tourism ”. 

Take a look below to learn what social tourism entails and how it’s redefining travel. 

Social tourism is a broad concept that encompasses countless events and activities. Different holiday types, such as working holidays , for instance, can fall under the category of social tourism. Activities you engage in at the destination, the type of destination you choose, and even the type of accommodation you book or some unique client group a tourism organization works with could all be labeled as social tourism. 

In a nutshell, social tourism focuses on providing economic, social, and cultural benefits to travelers and their host communities. 

On the one hand, travelers can participate in social tourism by contributing to their destinations – volunteering, participating in local projects, helping build homes for disadvantaged local groups, supporting local artists and crafters, donating, and more. 

On the other hand, some travelers can be the beneficiaries of social tourism . Countless government and private tourism organizations provide travel opportunities to those groups that wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy traveling – impoverished families, people with disabilities, children, and seniors, for instance. 

Moreover, some popular travel destinations are starting to invest in building a more accessible infrastructure that improves the traveling experience for all. You’ll find wheelchair-accessible beaches in Cyprus , braille-etched railings at Castel Sant’Elmo in Naples, and “ touchable paintings ” at museums worldwide. 

Considering that social tourism can take many forms, it’s not surprising that it’s known under many different names – sustainable tourism, accessible tourism, tourism for all, enlightening tourism, and responsible tourism , among others. 

Social tourism can be financed in one of several ways, depending on its particular type. If you want to contribute to the destination you’re visiting, you’d most commonly have to finance any activities and events you participate in out of pocket . 

You could join a charitable organization that covers expenses for certain activities, such as building homes for the locals, for instance, where it might cover the costs of the materials. However, you’d still likely have to pay for any other travel-related expenses yourself – accommodation, transportation, food, and more. 

Social tourism events and activities for children, impoverished families, people with disabilities, and others, on the other hand, are most commonly fully financed by local and federal governments , employers, non-profit organizations, and charities . On occasion, the participants could even receive a small spending allowance that enables them to fully enjoy their travels. 

The main objectives of social tourism include: 

• Supporting local communities – leaving a positive mark on the communities in your travel destinations; 
• Discovering new destinations – visiting places off the beaten path and going to less traveled-to countries; 
• Learning about new cultures – getting to know the locals, their languages, cultures, traditions, and history; 
• Providing economic benefits to host countries – shopping local, investing in arts and crafts from the local artists, improving the local economy; 
• Making travel accessible to all – allowing everyone to experience the wonders of traveling, regardless of their socio-economic group, age, health, or more. 

Ultimately, the main goal of social tourism is connecting travelers with their host countries, helping build international relationships, and making travel more enjoyable and more responsible. 

There are multiple ways to promote and support social tourism: 

• Support charities and non-profits – many social tourism charities rely on contributions from individuals to create immersive programs and activities that help tourists and host countries; 
• Make donations – donate to relevant organizations that support local communities in your favorite travel destinations or those that offer travel opportunities to underprivileged groups in your area; 
• Volunteer – join volunteer groups that connect you with locals; 
• Avoid popular destinations – go off the beaten path and travel to lesser-known destinations; 
• Talk to your local government representatives – as many social travel activities are government-funded, you can talk to the local representatives to find the best ways to support social tourism. 

You don’t have to go out of your way to support social tourism. Even minor changes to your typical traveling habits could help – booking accommodation with a host family instead of a hotel, buying souvenirs from local artists, eating at small local restaurants, recycling while traveling, and more. 

As evidenced so far, Social Tourist isn’t just a Charlie D’Amelio’s apparel brand. It’s an increasingly important concept that presents immeasurable benefits to travelers and their host communities. Therefore, it’s not surprising that we’re seeing more and more real-life examples of social tourism. 

Take a look at just a few organizations that are helping make social tourism mainstream. 

Make a Difference (MAD) Travels 

Make a Difference (MAD) Travels is a unique social entrepreneurship based in the Philippines. It offers sustainable, one-of-a-kind travel experiences to international tourists who want to make a difference. It focuses on building relationships between travelers and their destinations of choice , leading exciting off-the-beaten-path tours, introducing travelers to the local cultures, and offering educational courses and experiences. 

What’s more, MAD Travels enables you to support local communities even from a distance. You can support communities in Zambales or Rizal by gifting a tree planted on your behalf or shopping for local Filipino products like organic honey or bamboo straws directly from the Mad Travels site. 

Awaken 

Awaken is all about traveling with a purpose. Based in Ecuador, it started as an at-risk youth foundation and has evolved into a social tourism organization that helps you support the communities you visit while enjoying immersive travel experiences. 

The organization’s main aim is to support children and their parents who come from juvenile detention centers and immerse them back into society. By joining one of Awaken’s programs, you can travel to some of Ecuador’s most mesmerizing destinations, join volunteer groups, go on active tours, and learn all about the local people, culture, and history. 

Invisible Cities 

Invisible Cities is a UK-based social enterprise that supports homeless people through travel. Currently available only in some of the biggest cities in the UK, including Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and York, it helps teach homeless people how to become walking tour guides in their cities. 

Invisible Cities offers comprehensive skill-building training and encourages its guides to deliver authentic tours focusing on the monuments and locations they have chosen. 

The organization aims to dispel myths and stereotypes regarding homelessness and improve the lives of those impacted by it. 

Operation Groundswell 

Operation Groundswell offers immersive programs across Central and South America, East Africa, and Asia, redefining backpacking experiences and allowing you to get truly immersed in the cultures you’re exploring. 

Started by a group of backpacking enthusiasts, it’s grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind. You can join open, pre-planned programs or even design your own custom experiences. Choose the regions you want to visit, select the theme you’d like to learn more about (such as human rights, health, environment, or education), and design an active holiday you’ll never forget. 

Good Travel 

Good Travel promotes travel experiences that lead to a positive social, economic, and environmental impact. To that end, the organization collaborates with local businesses that give back to their communities, partners with international non-profit organizations, and donates to countless global charities. 

Each trip is designed to fit the Good Travels ethos, offset our carbon footprint, support marginalized groups, boost the local economy, and deliver memorable travel experiences. 

Although there are many pre-planned trips to countries like Peru, New Zealand, Fiji, and others, you can also develop a personalized itinerary that suits your traveling preferences. 

Okavango Craft Brewery 

Okavango Craft Brewery in Northern Botswana is a unique addition to the list. Not specifically created as a social tourism organization but rather a great local brewery with a cause, it enables you to support Okavango’s people and elephants and enjoy good beer made from locally-sourced ingredients. 

As you enjoy your dinner and drinks, you’ll help the brewery support the NGO EcoExist non-profit organization that helps promote a sustainable existence between farmers and elephants in areas with high elephant-human conflict. If you’re traveling in the area, pay the brewery a visit to help support the farmers that allow you to enjoy local beers. 

Have Fun Do Good 

Have Fun Do Good (HFDG) is an organization developed for adventure-seekers who want to do good on their travels. Whether staying close to home or traveling to far-off destinations, HFDG helps you create immersive travel experiences and join volunteer programs that enable you to make a difference. 

You’ll get to meet new people, explore beautiful locations, learn about new cultures, and support international charities. 

HFDG offers small group travel experiences and corporate events that can improve your team-building and help your business support good causes. 

International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO)

International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO) is one of the largest (and oldest) social tourism non-profits, established in 1963. It promotes responsible, accessible tourism for all that benefits individuals and communities across the globe. 

The organization has five primary goals to improve: 

• Accessibility; 
• Fair business; 
• Environment; 
• Solidarity; 
• Quality of life. 

ISTO aims to make leisure, holidays, and tourism accessible to all – the youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and others. It partners with local businesses and governments to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy tourism without limitations while simultaneously supporting and benefiting the local populations, their cultural heritage, and their environment. 

Elevate Destinations 

Elevate Destinations operates under the belief that travel is sacred, and as such, it should always have a positive social and environmental impact. Therefore, it offers memorable travel experiences that help you find greater meaning in the world while connecting with coglobal communities, supporting the environment, and preserving our natural surroundings. 

Elevate Destinations offers immersive, family-friendly trips, adventurous travels for adrenaline-seekers, learning journeys, charity challenges, donor travel experiences, and more for individuals and organizations alike. 

Moreover, it’s developed a new travel program, “Buy a Trip, Give a Trip”, that allows you to support local youths. The program gives local children an opportunity to visit some of the most popular tourist sites in their own countries. 

Responsible Travel 

Last but certainly not least is Responsible Travel , an organization that focuses on nature preservation and empowering local communities. It prioritizes responsible travel, reducing carbon emissions, developing accessible travel opportunities, and organizing volunteer events that allow you to give back to the communities you’re visiting. 

It also has a “Trip for Trip” program that allows you to send a disadvantaged child on a day trip when you book your own holiday, all at no additional cost. 

Social tourism is quickly taking off, becoming one of the biggest tourism trends of the decade. Allowing you to visit some of the most astonishing destinations, support your host communities, preserve nature, and make travel accessible to all, social tourism is making a world of difference one trip at a time. 

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Marc Truyols has a degree in Tourism from the University of the Balearic Islands. Marc has extensive experience in the leisure, travel and tourism industry. His skills in negotiation, hotel management, customer service, sales and hotel management make him a strong business development professional in the travel industry.

Mize is the leading hotel booking optimization solution in the world. With over 170 partners using our fintech products, Mize creates new extra profit for the hotel booking industry using its fully automated proprietary technology and has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue across its suite of products for its partners. Mize was founded in 2016 with its headquarters in Tel Aviv and offices worldwide.

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Social Tourism: What Is It and How Does It Work?

December 12, 2022

Mark Miller

Social tourism can be defined as where travelers visit places to immerse themselves in culture, history, architecture, etc. They travel to these areas to interact with and learn more about that region’s people and traditions. It is an interaction between travelers and local people. Today, we’ll look over how social tourism is revolutionizing the future of travel. 

What Is Social Tourism?

Social tourism has been around for a while, but the trend has just lately begun to take hold – at least locally.

Social tourism is a kind of tourism that takes visitors to local communities with the purpose of not only experiencing the moment but also helping the areas they visit.

This help can take the shape of volunteering, such as planting with locals or house-building; skill sharing through learning sessions between communities and their visitors; donations, via whatever the tourists bring; and income generation, as many social tourism organizations allot a portion of their tour fees to their partner community.

What Are the Goals of Social Tourism?

Social tourism is growing in popularity around the world. It aims to create positive change and development in developing countries through sustainable and responsible tourism. Here are some primary goals of social tourism:

• Supporting local communities: Creating jobs, family incomes, and new infrastructure for locals.
• Improving environmental and wildlife conservation: Social tourism fosters partnerships with local environmental and social conservation organizations, using its funds and support.
• Improving cultural relations: Social tourism advocates for peace between different cultures and nations, promoting understanding and cooperation between locals and travelers.
• Gain more knowledge about new cultures: Social tourism provides the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, opening the traveler’s mind.
• Build better relationships: We hope that social tourism helps travelers improve their interpersonal skills through interactions with locals and each other.
• Think of social tourism as the best of both worlds – the adventures and excitement of traveling the world with the peace and solidarity of giving back to those in need.

Ways to Support Social Tourism

There are multiple ways to promote and support social tourism: 

• Support charities and nonprofit organizations: Through social architecture organizations and charities and nonprofit organizations. These can be small local charities or big international ones.
• Volunteer in local communities: This is one of the most popular ways for travelers to give back to the communities they visit. From teaching English to building houses, there are opportunities for anyone to volunteer.
• Give donations: You can also donate money to organizations that support social tourism. By giving financially to these organizations, not only do you encourage their initiatives, but also you inspire many others to do the same.
• Avoid popular or overcrowded tourist places: The less popular the tourist sites are, the less crowded they are, and the more money goes to the locals in those areas. 
• Using local transportation instead of taxis, cabs, or private buses will ensure that more money goes to the locals as well.
• Speak with representatives from your local government: Since the government pays for social travel activities, you can talk to the local representatives to find the best ways to support social tourism in your area.
• There is phenomenal change on the horizon for tourism and its sustainability worldwide – especially in developing countries. There’s no doubt that social tourism will become mainstream soon, so keep an eye out and support causes you believe in.

Supporting social tourism can be done without special effort on your part. Even modest adjustments to your usual travel routine might make a difference, such as staying with a host family rather than a hotel, purchasing gifts from local artists, dining at small local eateries, recycling while traveling, and more.

Sustainability and Social Tourism

For many indigenous communities, forming sustainable relationships with social tourism organizations improves their day-to-day life – from talent sharing to money generating.

“Voluntourism,” “responsible tourism,” and “transformative travel” are all labels given to the activity as it rises in popularity. But the core concept stays the same. The goal of social tourism is to make travel more meaningful.

Examples of Social Tourism Initiatives

International social tourism organisation (isto).

The International Social Tourism Organization (ISTO) was founded in 1963 and is one of the biggest (and oldest) social tourism nonprofits. It encourages responsible, accessible tourism for everyone, which benefits people and communities worldwide.

The organization’s key improvement objectives are as follows:

• Accessibility
• Fair business
• Environment
• Quality of life

ISTO’s mission is to make leisure, vacation, and tourism accessible to everyone, including kids, elders, individuals with disabilities, and others. It collaborates with local companies and governments to offer opportunities for everyone to experience unrestricted tourism while supporting and benefitting local inhabitants, native heritage, and the environment.

Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental protection and community empowerment. It emphasizes ethical travel, lowering carbon emissions, creating accessible travel possibilities, and arranging volunteer activities that enable you to reach out a helping hand to the places you visit.

Good Travel

Good travel encourages travel that has a beneficial social, economic, and environmental effect. To that aim, the group works with local companies that give back to their communities, collaborates with international nonprofit organizations, and offers to many worldwide charities.

Lough Ree Access For All

Through its wheelchair-accessible boat cruises, Lough Ree Access For All gives people who use wheelchairs the opportunity to enjoy life on the water, which many of us may take for granted. This illustrates how social tourism may function as an approach to social tourism.

Author Notes

Social Tourism is more than just your run-of-the-mill travel. The word “social” may describe tourists who stay in homestays or visit small towns and villages to taste the local lifestyle. But social travel is much more than that. Social travel can, for people willing to consider it, change their lives and the lives of others.

Social tourism provides travelers with authentic local experiences while helping the communities they visit to improve their lives. Whether through volunteering, donations, or providing jobs, social tourism creates positive impacts worldwide. Do you participate in social tourism? Is this something you should explore when traveling? Why (or why not)? Let us know in the comments below!

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POT launches a new campaign entitled “Poland. More than you expected”

The Polish Tourism Organisation has launched a large campaign under the name “Poland. More than you expected”. Its aim is to promote the Polish tourism offer by surprising the public with the diversity and wealth of attractions which, at first sight, may not be associated with Poland. POT wants to show audiences that world-class attractions can be found in Poland, which is a destination still waiting to be discovered.

The campaign is carried out on 14 foreign markets, i.e. Spain, Italy, the UK, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, as well as in selected US states (New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida and California). The main media channels are GDN, horizontal portals, YouTube and Facebook. The target group is the residents of selected foreign markets aged 25-45 years and over, using tourist and lifestyle websites, interested in exploring cities and food, nature, active leisure and cultural tourism.

“We wanted the new campaign to be different from the previous ones. We intend to surprise tourists with the spectacular Polish attractions that may not come to mind when thinking about Poland. Our creative line is modern, transparent and follows on from social media feedback. We plan to keep the slogan “Poland. More than you expected” in our communications for longer. Its idea is very well illustrated by our video, inspired by the formula of blind tests, which have recently been quite popular,” says Rafał Szlachta, President of POT.

The campaign is implemented in cooperation with eSky.pl and SOJERN. The video was produced by the Pro Loko agency. The promotion campaign will run in November and December 2021.

Polish Tourism Organisation Młynarska Str. 42 01-171 Warszawa.

NIP: 525 21 50 196 Regon: 016213775

phone.: +48 22 696 94 00 +48 22 696 94 01 +48 785 802 187 [email protected]

Contact for media [email protected] tel.: 22 696 93 33

Supervising institution:

Our Websites

• Poland's Official Travel Website
• European Destinations of Excellence
• Discover Beautiful East
• Best Tourism Products 2008-2015

• PL - polski

The registration of tourist entities for the Polish Tourist Voucher has started

Starting today, entrepreneurs can register for the Polish Tourist Voucher programme using the Social Insurance Institution’s electronic platform (PUE ZUS). The programme is a form of support for the national tourism industry and for Polish families. Tourist entrepreneurs or organisations of public benefit that provide hotel services or organise tourist events on the territory of Poland may register for the programme. We also have great news for the families as well. The activation of the Polish Tourist Voucher will be launched within a week - after midnight between July 31st until August 1st.

In order to join the programme, register at the Social Insurance Institution’s Electronic Services Platform . Tourist entrepreneurs and public benefit organizations may submit a “Declaration of a tourist entrepreneur or public benefit organization in order to join the Polish Tourist Voucher Programme” through the Social Insurance Institution’s electronic platform ( PBT ). This will enable them to be included on the list of tourist entities authorized to accept payments using the voucher.

The declaration to join the Polish Tourist Voucher programme may only be submitted electronically. The application is available in the [General] section, in the side menu, in the [Tourist Entity] tab.

The person who makes the declaration will become the manager of the tourist entity in the Social Insurance Institution's system. In the [General] roles, in the tab [Tourist Entity], [List of Tourist Entities] the manager can add additional managers.

Currently, the manager also has the option to:

• introduce changes to the data related to the tourist entity,
• to resign from the programme,
• to re-register the tourist entity after resignation,
• to add or remove a receptionist, i.e. the person handling the voucher payment.

Please note

• The person who wishes to act as the manager must have a profile on the Social Insurance Institution’s electronic system (see the instruction) .
• The person who wishes to act as the receptionist must have a profile on the Social Insurance Institution’s electronic system (see the instruction) .

The PTO will publish a list of registered tourist entities entitled to accept payments with a voucher on the following websites:  www.bonturystyczny.gov.pl ,  www.pot.gov.pl  and  www.polska.travel .

In order to use the voucher to pay for a tourist service, provide the dedicated number assigned to the voucher to the persons handling the payments for the hotel service or a tourist event, followed by a one-time authorisation code.

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‘Turn the building off and on’: social media schadenfreude over Co-op Live arena

Failure of Manchester venue to open has angered those who paid for travel and hotels for cancelled events

T he repeated failure of the new Co-op live venue to open in Manchester has led to shows being cancelled at the last moment, gigs rescheduled, and has caused huge inconvenience to people who had booked non-refundable travel and hotels to enjoy events they had been looking forward to.

It has, of course, though, allowed the British public to also enjoy one of its greatest pastimes – hilarious schadenfreude on social media. Not least because its general manager, Gary Roden, was forced to resign over the issues, not long after he hadn’t exactly endeared himself to organisations such as the Music Venue Trust by suggesting that many grassroots music venues are often “poorly run” and that was a factor in the new venue not wanting to take part in a levy scheme to help keep smaller venues open.

The fact that people were turned away at the last minute while queuing to see A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie last Wednesday was an opportunity to bring out the BBC presenter Maryam Moshiri’s legendary viral sweary countdown .

Co-op live boss 5 seconds before event starts pic.twitter.com/c9AhVOHpKc — SHVTTS (@shvttsrenegade) May 1, 2024

Some people questioned who exactly had been in charge of getting the venue ready.

quality control performing the final checks at co-op live pic.twitter.com/9Z4BrIMo3b — Lucy (@LMAsaysno) May 2, 2024

Or who might be in charge.

The technical control room at Co-op Arena: pic.twitter.com/ySHSziym58 — linus karp (@linuskarp) May 1, 2024

That wasn’t the only time people made comparisons with Liz Truss, who may not have been prime minister for very long but certainly is one of the most gif-able politicians of recent years.

The Co-op live manager when they’re asked to put on a successful event: pic.twitter.com/agyzXKKaII — 🐝 Dan (@YankeeDandle85) May 1, 2024

If it wasn’t Liz Truss behind the disaster, perhaps Donna from Doctor Who had chucked her coffee into yet another complicated bit of machinery.

The electricians at Co-op Live pic.twitter.com/FfvClQol1r — Wholala: A Doctor Who Podcast 🪐 (@WholalaPod) May 1, 2024

Or maybe the venue is just sulking.

Co Op Live every time an event is due to start: https://t.co/MIm0517fdn pic.twitter.com/GMCF9ITxda — Lydia (@LydiaMizon) May 1, 2024

Co-owner OVG’s chief executive, Tim Leiweke, recently told the Financial Times when asked about construction delays that “Brexit is real, inflation is real, interest rates are real. We have also happened to have the rainiest winter in the history of Manchester ,” but it still takes some effort to be one of the worst-rated UK venues on the internet when you haven’t even put on a show yet.

there’s not even been a show and co-op live still manage to have the worst reviews on an arena i’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/GaQEF6UBwo — georgina (@georgin09264697) May 1, 2024

And the suspicion that the root cause might be a Saturday night TV prank by Ant and Dec is never far away.

“now drop a piece of the air conditioning and tell everyone to go home” https://t.co/JX02efkUF7 pic.twitter.com/pi7AWZtL9b — fairy ♡ (@yesandgrande) May 1, 2024

There had been some questions about whether the city was the right location for this venture, when it already has the Manchester Arena. The fact that cancelled Co-Op Live gigs are being moved there only highlights that.

Manchester Arena watching the Co-Op Live opening shenanigans pic.twitter.com/pJ3XnoSY6N — Lee Rainford (@hisroyalginger) May 1, 2024

Perhaps the best way forward now would be to launch something known to have low-budget production values. After all, if Glasgow’s Willy Wonka disaster could be recreated in Los Angeles , why not near the Etihad Stadium?

live photos of the first gig at the co-op live pic.twitter.com/MhXeX2LNtb — Callum (@CallumKiing) May 1, 2024

Or that old IT standby.

Have you tried turning the building off and on again? — Andrew Ellis (@Ellis_Samizdat) May 1, 2024

And then every now and then someone realises the potential personal impact on them, and the laughter suddenly stops.

Laughing at all the Co-op live memes and then realising that’s where I’m seeing Charli pic.twitter.com/jFt92rzlGH — D✭minic (@dmcrtt) May 2, 2024

• Greater Manchester
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