Tourism And Green Investments

“Tourism is a powerful force progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured. Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism.”- António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General. Tourism is defined by the World Tourism Organization as a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which involve tourism expenditure. The tourism sector is a major global driver of economic growth and lifeline for numerous families and communities. The number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide has remained below pre-pandemic levels, totaling 295 million in 2022. However, brightest days are forecast as the figure is expected to grow to 320 million in 2023. As Caribbean tourism destinations slowly emerge from the effects of the pandemic, preliminary data from member countries of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) reveal that the region outperformed the rest of the world in the first half of 2021. Statistics from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) indicate that Caribbean destinations received an estimated 32.0 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, 4.4% or some 1.3 million more than the 30.7 million of 2018. The CTO estimates that global visitors to the Caribbean region spent between $36.5 billion and $37.5 billion in 2022, an increase of 70 to 75% compared with 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for tourism players to re-imagine and retool workers in the industry as the restrictions regarding travel have been lifted. World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27th. This Special day is set aside to create awareness among the society globally on the significance of tourism, and it’s social, political, financial and also cultural worth and value. The occasion tries to address common difficulties stated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is also to feature and recognize the commitment the tourism industry can make in achieving these objectives. This year’s theme for World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Green Investment”. Each year thousands of visitors flock Jamaica and other Caribbean islands for sun, sea, and relaxation on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Disturbingly, most Jamaicans have limited beach access in an island with so many white-sand pristine beaches. This is problematic and the powers that be should revisit the policy concerning access to public beaches. Evidently tourism is very important to Jamaica’s economic sustainability. In 2022, Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors, a 117 per cent increase over 2021, with estimated foreign exchange earnings of roughly US$3.7 billion. The Jamaican tourism industry accounts for 32 per cent of total employment and 36 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) according to many studies. Tourism directly employs 175 000 Jamaicans and generates indirect employment for another 354 000 Jamaicans. Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals. The United Nations (UN) states that global tourism workforce will require millions of hospitality graduates annually between now and 2030. Additionally, the UN adds that a further 800,000 jobs a year will require specific vocational training. This revelation from the UN aligns perfectly with Jamaica’s education system which over the years has fostered and maintained a robust technical and vocational, educational and training programme. Those students who are on Pathway II will pursue courses in technical and vocational avenues. Interestingly, many technical and vocational institutions also have a school garden. School gardens needs to be revitalize as they provide students will practical and well needed skills concerning effective way to promote life-long healthy eating habits. Furthermore, school gardens also provide a clear linkage to the tourism product especially in rural communities. Gone are the days when tourism was viewed as an avenue for school dropouts or for those who are academically challenged. The UN adds that for these reasons, we need to invest in people, as they are the foundation of tourism so that all those who wish to be part of the sector have the same opportunities to access quality tourism training, anywhere in the world. The UN theorizes that the need to reduce emissions provides an investment opportunity of $24.7 trillion in the green buildings sector of emerging market cities by 2030, in which hotels, resorts, and restaurants account for $1.5 trillion. In addition, tourism faces a lot more investment opportunities related to new solutions and technologies to decarbonize the sector as well as to ensure climate-resilient infrastructure through adaptation solutions. Green Investment. Tourism in rural areas can particularly benefit traditionally disadvantaged groups such as women who make up 54% of the workforce in the tourism sector compared to 39% for the whole economy youth and Indigenous people. As the global community observes World Tourism Day we must be mindful that access to training especially for women is a critical component scaffolding sustainable development and the green investment. In order for tourism to be seen as inclusive we must also hear the voices of those who are in the trenches doing the work. Unfortunately, too often those who are privileged speak on the behalf of those who are most vulnerable and this is troubling. Tourism should no longer be viewed through the lenses of sun, sea and sand. The 21st century visitor is much more empowered and as such will be and is in fact demanding a wider more holistic experience for his/her tourism dollar. The notion of green investment that speaks to activities that are focused on projects or companies that are committed to the preservation of natural resources must not only be said but should become a reality. Projects such as those involved in clean air and water as well as alternative energy sources are both socially and environmentally responsible and responsive investments. Undoubtedly, a number of collaborative efforts with private/public partnerships should be encouraged to explore opportunities in the area of green investments. Needless to say that trickledown effect that defines tourism must also be felt in the rural communities. We should envisage tourism not in the traditional areas such as Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril but the entire island should be part of the broader more inclusive vision for tourism. In order for tourism to enter the next phase infused with green investments communities must become a central focus and must reap tangible benefits in order to buy into the tourism vision. Collaborative Effort. In order to actualize green investments in tourism a collaborative effort is required. Having said so, we must encourage more Tourism Action Clubs in many of our schools at the secondary level. These clubs need to be reenergized and given more support from external stakeholders in order for them to become an integral part of the tourism product. Regardless of where we reside on this planet we have been experiencing the negative impact of climate change. Sadly, many islands, especially the Pacific Islands are facing existential threat due to climate change and rising sea levels. Caribbean government should also redouble their efforts to ensure that air travel within the region is more readily available. Unquestionably, green investments are important because the world is transitioning to green practices, including waste recycling and power generation through wind and solar. In order for a more sustainable future in tourism stakeholders must revisit their tourism products in light of the vast potential available in green investments. Happy and Sustainable World Tourism Day. In the words of Zurab Pololikashvili, tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives. The power of tourism is enormous. But it is not a force that can be taken for granted. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldTourismDay #beachaccess #Jamaica