Category Archives for Travel Diplomacy

Daily chart: Flying cheap, via The Economist

The complex minds over at The Economist put together a chart to show the world’s biggest markets for low-cost airlines.  I think the USA would really benefit from a super cheap, Ryanair style airline, no?  It truly baffles my mind that it can cost over $500 to fly from JFK to MIA.  If we can dream it we can do it.  Just kidding.  But seriously.

Flying cheap

The biggest markets for low-cost airlines 

LOW-COST airlines like Ryanair and Southwest Airlines have swollen to formidable size in recent years by offering a very different approach to that of more traditional full-service airlines. With their single-class seating, range of ancillary charges and pared-down approach to all things aviation-related, these budget carriers have become a familiar, often bemoaned, feature of holidays and business trips around the globe. In British airports, for example, more than 50% of all passengers last year squeezed into seats on low-cost carriers. But Britain only comes seventh on a list ranking countries on that criterion. Click me to read the rest.

Travel sustains worldwide economies

One of the most pivotal moments in my career occurred at an Orient-Express Hotels event in 2011.

Hotel Ritz Madrid

The Hotel Ritz Madrid

I was still working full-time for Forbes Media and one of the lifestyle journalists sent me an invitation to an NYC luncheon for the Hotel Ritz Madrid, a very famous hotel in Spain. Of course, I decided to attend; I wanted to become a travel writer and I knew nothing about travel writing or the tourism industry.

At the luncheon, the GM presented a Powerpoint that showcased the exquisite Hotel Ritz in all of its splendor. As he talked about Spain’s tourism, I was floored by the following statement:

“Tourism is the second largest industry in Spain, after gasoline.”

“Whaaaat??” I thought to myself at the time. Ah. Tourism is political because it has significant economic power. Finally, I found my niche in the tourism industry. I suddenly realized its importance: tourism builds economies, and countries all over the world depend on the industry for survival. Now I’m excited.

Before that moment, travel was simply a luxury and lifestyle topic in my mind. Upon realizing that travel had a legislative side, I began to figure out my passions and my destiny.

Tunisia is a perfect example of a country that needs tourism to sustain its economy. The passages below are from a recent article titled “Tunisia to tourists: Never mind the Salafis, feel the warmth”, by A. Craig Copetas, via Quartz, qz.com:

Tunisia tourism

Tunisia’s turquoise waters

“The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it,” was Rudyard Kipling’s foremost recommendation to adventurous 19th century tourists intent on visiting troublesome locations like the ruins of Carthage in the French Protectorate of Tunisia. Some 150 years later, Tunisia’s prime minister, Hamadi Jebali, recently told holidaymakers that the new prime directive for enjoying a vacation in his roiling Islamic North African nation is ”not being afraid of the beards.”

Calling all travel agents: Tunisia needs tourists, and Jebali’s proclamation is the latest salvo in a global marketing campaign launched last summer called Tunisia, Where Dreams Come True:

“The jihadist nightmare engulfs the entire region,” says the Maghreb nation’s ambassador to France, Adel Fekih. “We must fight this internationally. This is not a local brawl. Our development as a nation is linked to tourism.”

Read the rest of the Quartz article here, at qz.com.

Iceland, Forbes and RealClearPolicy

RealClearPolicy included my recent Forbes article on Iceland in their Friday roundup!

I’ve been reading the RealClear site since college…so I’m super happy.;)  Read the article at www.realclearpolicy.com.

Screen Shot 2013-02-22 at 12.54.53 PM

Policy at its finest: the success saga of Iceland

My newest article @Forbes.com reports on Iceland’s miraculous economic recovery.

Click here to read the piece!

Iceland is numero uno on my list of must-see destinations…I am determined to get over there by the end of the year.

Iceland_Scott Dunn

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland: via scottdunn.com

The essence of travel diplomacy

Travel is a key component of strong, influential and effective diplomacy.

As one of the largest and most profitable industries in the world, tourism has the power to make or break international economies.  The article below is from Diplomat Magazine, a decades old British publication that reports on international affairs and diplomatic relations.  The article reviews the history of the ancient art of negotiation and explains how travel and new media are integral to the success of “people to people” diplomacy.

Citizen to Citizen Diplomacy, via Diplomat Magazine

By Caroline Clennell Jaine

People around the world are connected to each other like never before.  Three hundred million bloggers account for over a million posts every day, and ‘Twitterers’ increasingly micro-bIog important moments of their lives, which can be followed by strangers on the other side of the planet.  I have written about our new-found human network many times before, but what does it mean for diplomacy?

Citizen to Citizen Diplomacy. Photo Credit: DiplomatMagazine.com

Citizen to Citizen Diplomacy. Photo Credit: DiplomatMagazine.com

Egypt produced the world’s first known diplomats over three thousand years ago, and Ancient Egyptian rulers were also responsible for one of the first recorded international peace treaties – their Kadesh treaty with the Hittites of 1258 BC, copies of which survive to this day, inscribed on stone tablets.  The origin of modern European diplomacy can be traced back to the Italian Renaissance, with the first embassies being established in Northern Italian city-states during the thirteenth century.  Until relatively recently, ambassadors were noblemen who required large residences and who held lavish parties.  But as modern diplomats will testify, there is neither the budget nor the necessity for such grandeur in today’s world!

Historically, travel was the preserve of the elite – rarely did ‘ordinary’ people connect internationally.  Before the invention of mass media, high-level handshakes sealed deals of which the public remained largely ignorant.  But with global communication and low-cost travel, the world has got smaller and people have got closer.  Perhaps governments do still need an elite service of interlocutors for those crucial contacts and collaborations; but given the rise not just in connectivity but in the power enjoyed by the ordinary citizen, are we not entering a new era of interpersonal diplomacy that could prove equally effective in addressing the challenges of international relations?

Click here to read the rest of the article in Diplomat Magazine and peruse the site at diplomatmagazine.com.

The World’s Most Ethical Destinations

A split tree in Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica

Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica

I always pay close attention to strategic political policy that aims to boost tourism for travel destinations. 

Many international economies would completely collapse without the business of tourism, so let’s celebrate those who are doing it right.  The following passages are from The World’s Ten Best Ethical Destinations, via Ethical Traveler:

“All of us are part of a social revolution that is transforming the planet. Environmental and human rights movements in places like Asia, the Middle East and Latin America now hinge on our ability to communicate—in real time—with allies all over the world.  But as we navigate the global village on our tablets and smart phones, let’s not forget the power of actual, physical travel.  The ability to travel swiftly and safely between lands and cultures is almost as recent a development as social networking, and as crucial a tool for positive change.”

Whoa!  Awesome.

And, why I love the tourism industry in a nutshell…

“Travel is one of the world’s largest industries.  Where we go—where we spend our travel dollars—has real economic and political significance.  Mindful travel can bring many benefits, both personal and global.  By choosing our destinations well and remembering our roles as citizen diplomats, we can create international goodwill and help change the world for the better.”

Tourism Policy.

“Every year, Ethical Traveler reviews the policies and practices of hundreds of nations in the developing world.  We then select the ten that are doing the most impressive job of promoting human rights, preserving their environment, and upholding civil society—all while creating a sustainable, community-based tourism industry.  By visiting these countries, we can use our economic power to support best practices.”

Via Ethical Traveler, the winners: (in alphabetical order, not in order of merit):

  • Barbados
  • Cape Verde
  • Costa Rica
  • Ghana
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Mauritius
  • Palau
  • Samoa
  • Uruguay

Here’s to keeping up the good work.;)

Tips for the “Accidental Ambassador”

Ethical Traveler recently published Thirteen Tips for the Accidental Ambassador, ethical advice for properFlags of the World attitudes and thought processes when traveling to other countries.

Every time I enter a new country, I make sure I know the following: the currency, the main language, religious beliefs, a bit of current and historical politics (only a few facts and figures), and the policy on tipping.  My philosophy is that if you have this basic foundation, you’re good to go.

Here are Ethical Traveler’s tips for the Travel Diplomat:

  • 1

    Be aware of where your money is going, and patronize locally-owned inns, restaurants, and shops. Try to keep your cash within the local economy, so the people you are visiting can benefit directly from your visit.

  • 2

    Never give gifts to children, only to their parents or teachers. When giving gifts to local communities—from schoolbooks to balloons, from pens to pharmaceuticals—first find out what’s really needed, and who can best distribute these items.

    [See: "A Fistful of Rupees: Coping With Begging on Third World Trails"]

  • 3

    Before visiting any foreign land, take the time to learn basic courtesy phrases: greetings, “please” & “thank you,” and as many numbers as you can handle (those endless hours in airport waiting lounges, or aboard trains and boats, are all opportunities for this). It’s astonishing how far a little language goes toward creating a feeling of goodwill.

  • 4

    Remember the economic realities of your new currency. A few rupees, baht or pesos one way or another is not going to ruin you. Don’t get all bent out of shape over the fact that a visitor who earns 100 times a local’s salary might be expected to pay a few cents more for a ferry ride, a museum entrance, or an egg.

  • 5

    Bargain fairly, and with respect for the seller. Again, remember the economic realities of where you are. The final transaction should leave both buyer and seller satisfied and pleased. Haggling for a taxi or carpet is part of many cultures; but it’s not a bargain if either person feels exploited, diminished, or ripped-off.

  • 6

    Learn and respect the traditions and taboos of your host country. Each culture has its own mores, and they’re often taken very seriously. Never, for example, pat a Thai child on the head, enter a traditional Brahmin’s kitchen, or refuse a cup of kava in Fiji!

  • 7

    Curb your anger, and cultivate your sense of humor. Anger is a real issue for westerners—even the Dalai Lama remarks on this. It’s perversely satisfying, but it never earns the respect of locals, or defuses a bad situation. A light touch—and a sense of cosmic perspective—are infinitely more useful. As former Merry Prankster Wavy Gravy says: “When you lose your sense of humor, it’s just not funny anymore.”

  • 8

    It makes an enormous difference if you arrive with a sense of the social, political, and environmental issues faced by the people you are visiting. Our site will direct you to good profiles of most travel destinations; we also recommend you read the political and historic sections of your guidebook (Lonely Planet, Moon Publications, and Rough Guides are especially good for this). Many countries offer English-language newspapers, as well.

  • 9

    Learn to listen. The ability to listen is the essence of diplomacy, on both the personal and international levels. Many of the world’s conflicts arise when people feel marginalized. Travelers from the USA in particular should be aware that many people—especially in developing countries—believe that having the ear of an American is tantamount to having the ear of America. So wherever you’re from, listen well—and with respect—to all points of view.

  • 10

    Learn to speak. People from wealthy and powerful countries often express their opinions as if they are the absolute truth. Such preaching invites anger and resentment. We suggest tempering conversations with phrases like “I believe,” or “My view is,” rather than, “Everybody knows….”

  • 11

    The single most useful phrase any traveler can learn: “Can you please help me?” Rarely, in any country or situation, will another human being refuse a direct request for help. Being of service, and inviting others to reciprocate, is what the phrase global community is all about.

  • 12

    Leave your preconceptions about the world at home. The inhabitants of planet Earth will continually amaze you with their generosity, hospitality and wisdom. Be open to their friendship, and aware of our common humanity, delights, and hardships.

  • 13

    Never forget Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.’s best line: “Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.” In other words: go with the flow, and give free rein to your sense of adventure!

The politics of traveling to Myanmar

NYTimes.com

Visiting Myanmar – It’s Complicated, by Joshua Hammer…peruse this pragmatic travel piece from the New York Times on Myanmar and its road to political transformation. 

Positive legislation of late caused a spike in Myanmar’s tourism, allowing travelers from all over the world to see and share the beauty of this revitalized nation.

Myanmar has had some pretty profound changes in its political landscape over the past few months and in response to the country’s turnaround, travel to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has increased dramatically.  President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rewarded Myanmar’s achievements by “easing sanctions on American investments” in Myanmar, a move that signals a positive future for the country and its relationship with the U.S.

Awesome!

New Hope for Zimbabwe Tourism

Zimbabwe’s tourism has seen a sweeping increase in the past few years due to their progressive legislation and resourceful industry partnerships.  Zimbabwe suffered tremendously from poor leadership, an acute drought, starvation, a collapse in agriculture and the disappearance of wildlife.  The nation’s misfortune almost dissolved its entire tourism industry – but just in the nick of time, shrewd political changes were implemented.

Zimbabwe adopted the U.S. dollar, and In 2008 their unscrupulous leader Robert Mugabe was forced to share power with Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.  These changes in legislation engendered a rise in revenue for Zimbabwe’s famous parks and reserves – and travelers are now headed back to Zimbabwe.  Read A New Day for Zimbabwe, by Joshua Hammer in the MAR 2012 issue of Condé Nast Traveler for a closer analysis of Zimbabwe tourism and great travel tips for getting around the country.

Condé Nast Traveler is on the ball

Norway

Condé Nast Traveler‘s recent Q&A with Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenber, profiles the very turbulent waters of tourism in the wake of terrorism.

Norway’s green efforts and dedication to maintaining their naturally exquisite landscape makes them a pioneer in the legislative side of eco-tourism.

Read:  Northern Composure