TSTT launches 'Tourism Visioneer' to combat the phenomenon of tourism-phobia

31-07-24

In the context of the growing challenge facing global tourism to mitigate its negative effects on local communities, the Tourism and Society Think Tank (TSTT) has presented an innovative proposal at the II Boot Camp Explorer Buñol DTI, held on July 26 in the city of Buñol (Valencia), Spain. This challenge, aggravated by post-pandemic tourist overcrowding, has given rise to a phenomenon known as tourismophobia, which affects cities around the world.

To address this problem, TSTT has launched the “Tourism Visioneer” initiative, a global technical and academic community that seeks to transform the relationship between tourism and local communities.

The proposal is based on a comprehensive vision that combines academic knowledge, local entrepreneurship, and methodological and technological solutions. The objective is to maximize the benefits of tourism for residents, generating new opportunities and mitigating negative impacts.

Components of the Tourism Visioneer Initiative

The “Tourism Visioneer” initiative is made up of a network of tourist destinations, universities, open labs, and technological solutions. Their approach focuses on addressing tourismophobia through inclusive governance and smart, regenerative and circular tourism planning. At the II Boot Camp Explorer Buñol, coordinated by David Vicent Gandía, the following tools and proposals were presented:

1.  TV Science and Academy: Coordinated by Daniela Flores from Brazil and Rosa Murgas from Colombia, this tool offers academic mobility and research programs to promote scientific solutions and regenerative tourism. Its objective is to strengthen collaboration between universities committed to the positive impact of tourism.

2.  TV Open Local Impact Labs: Under the direction of Engineer Natalia Castro, these territorial laboratories promote entrepreneurship in the green, orange, circular and regenerative economy. They use innovation to develop new business and employment models in tourist destinations, transforming negative impacts into opportunities for the local community.

3. TV Intelligent Solutions: Natalia Andreu presented advanced methodologies such as the SIT-RC (Regenerative and Circular Tourism Intelligence) system, designed to measure the impacts of tourism on regeneration and the environment. This system optimizes production chains and offers technological solutions for smart destinations, such as the phygital IT store and associated companies such as Global Journey.

4. Tourism Visioneer Bootcamps and Co-Creation Programs: These events encourage collaboration between residents and tourists to develop inclusive initiatives that harmonize the interests of both groups and promote harmonious coexistence.

A paradigm shift in tourism

David Vicent Gandía, coordinator of the Tourism Visioneer community, stressed the importance of rethinking tourism in an era of geopolitical uncertainty and global challenges such as climate change and automation. According to Gandía, it is essential that tourism becomes an opportunity-generating activity, rather than focusing solely on the number of tourists. It is about maximizing direct and indirect benefits for local families, promoting an economy based on regenerative and circular principles.

Next steps and webinar for presentation on August 30

The Tourism Visioneer community will hold an online event on August 30, open to destinations, universities and companies interested in adopting these values. The event will focus on demonstrating how tourism can be a source of welcome and benefits for the local population, rather than generating rejection.

To register for the event, those interested can access the form through the link provided by TSTT. This is an opportunity to join a movement that seeks to transform tourism into a positive and regenerative force for local communities.

Tourism Visioneer's proposal represents a significant step towards a more conscious and balanced tourism, aligned with the principles of sustainability and community well-being. With the collaboration of various global actors, it is hoped that this initiative will contribute to solving tourismphobia and building a more inclusive and beneficial future for all involved.

For further information: comm@tourismandsocietytt.com