The "GT" Travel Blog

02/04/2025

AI and authenticity in tourism, hospitality: Why human stories still matter

With artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the rise, how can travel, tourism, and hospitality brands benefit while staying true to themselves and the experiences they offer?

It’s Anishka Narula-Nielsen’s second “Good Tourism” Insight. " "

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/04/authenticity-ai-tourism/

27/03/2025

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A force for good: What can global travel & tourism learn from social enterprises?

Can the local community-based business models of tourism social enterprises be replicated at global scale? Dr Anishka Narula-Nielsen thinks so. It’s her first “Good Tourism” Insight.

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https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/03/travel-tourism-social-enterprises/

25/03/2025

What's going on in the universities?

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The problem with critical tourism studies

Is critical tourism studies losing its edge? Are CTS scholars shying away from the politics at the heart of critical theory?

Prof Mary Mostafanezhad writes a “ ” Insight.

Cc Jim Butcher

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/03/problem-with-critical-tourism-studies/

21/03/2025

Postcard from Benidorm: ‘It takes all sorts, and that’s okay’

Photographer Rob Ball: "Benidorm’s reputation often precedes it [yet] the resort is full of the warmth of people enjoying themselves: the beach alive with tenderness and diversity, the bars with laughter and Sky Sports."

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https://goodtourismtravelblog.com/2025/03/benidorm-all-sorts-okay/

20/03/2025

When you , do you care more about NGOs' concerns or those of your local hosts?

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Is tourism from the developed world compatible with the developing world? Ceri Di**le believes so, and argues that if people could visit developing places without paternalistic pity and prejudice they would help support the sort of development and progress locals want.

" " Worldbytes Worldwrite

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/03/tourism-solidarity-developing-world-ghana/

19/03/2025

What do you think?

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Wishwashing tourism

With ‘greenwashing’ and other forms of empty rhetoric and ineffective policymaking allegedly rampant, is the travel & tourism industry, its students and consultants, engaged in ‘wishwashing’?

11 respondents — educators, executives, experts, and entrepreneurs — took the time to share their thoughts. You can too.

" " Bites

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/03/wishwashing-tourism/

17/03/2025

Apply now for EXO Foundation’s 2025 Sustainability Awards

EXO Foundation's goal is to recognise and reward organisations that are "leading the way in sustainable tourism and environmental protection in Asia".

"Every project, no matter its size, can contribute to a more sustainable future for tourism."

Great prizes for the winners. Please bring this to the attention of anyone who may be eligible.

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/03/exo-2025-sustainability-awards/

" " EXO Travel

03/03/2025

What do your instincts tell you?

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Wishwashing tourism … With 'greenwashing' and other forms of empty rhetoric and ineffective policymaking allegedly rampant, is the travel & tourism industry, its students and consultants, engaged in 'wishwashing': hoping motivations and incentive structures are better aligned to our wishes than what they are in the real world?

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/03/wishwashing-tourism/

" "

28/02/2025

What is good tourism to you?

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What is good tourism?

Welcome to the January-February 2025 wrap of “Good Tourism” & “GT” Travel news, insights, and experiences shared by friends and Partners of The “Good Tourism” Blog. [You too can share.]

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/02/what-is-good-tourism-jan-feb-2025/

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With thanks to

Centre for Responsible Tourism Singapore
SUNx Malta
Track of the Tiger
CABI Tourism Cases
The Association of Southeast Asian Social Enterprises for Training in Hospitality & Catering (ASSET H&C)
Red Rocks Rwanda
Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development
Tourism’s Horizon: Travel for the Millions
EXO Travel
EXO Foundation
Khiri Travel
Khiri Reach
Anurak Community Lodge
Cardamom Tented Camp
Visama Mae Chan
Jaya House Hotels
Jim Butcher
Michael Haywood
Richard Butler
Robin Boustead
Kevin Phun
Willem Niemeijer
Edwin Magio
Wolfgang Georg Arlt
Saverio Bertolucci
Chris Kittishinnakuppe
C Michael Hall
Geoff Lipman
Jonathon Day

27/02/2025

There's nothing like making sense of a place than with a local resident/guide who knows what you're interested in ... with " " ... ...

Khiri Travel unveils new sensory and colonial heritage tours in Southeast Asia

Khiri Travel has launched two major series of Asian tour products ahead of ITB Berlin: city tours that indulge all five senses and multi-day history & heritage experiences.

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/02/khiri-travel-colonial-heritage-tours-se-asia/

" "

24/02/2025

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Richard Butler asks: How do we solve one of the great conundrums of ‘sustainable’ tourism?

The great and powerful C Michael Hall, Geoff Lipman, and Jonathon Day tackle the question, while K Michael Haywood discusses 'mediacracy' in tourism.

Enjoy " " Insight Bites about in and in tourism .

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/02/butler-conundrum-sustainable-tourism/

17/02/2025

Thailand and Laos in 'green season', anyone?

Join our exclusive webinar on February 26th, 2025 to discover the best of Thailand & Laos during the Green Season! Explore hidden gems, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures for unforgettable 2025 itineraries.

📍Europe: 10 AM (GMT+1) https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LShhp01AS86CO-fLpNF46w
📍US: 9 AM (GMT-7) https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mTpIigfhSVW3ZB9xZ1VA0Q

Don’t miss out—register now! ✨

17/02/2025

Don't like the institutions? Build your own.

with " " The "Good Tourism" Blog ...

Khiri Travel has joined a global community of purpose-driven businesses who want to make positive changes around the world.

" " Cc: Khiri Reach

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/02/khiri-travel-joins-the-long-run/

17/02/2025

"Imagine a city where every child can run, play, and dream in lush green parks."

" "

Reclaim the riverside! Family-friendly green spaces in Hanoi

Think Playgrounds - Nghĩ về Sân Chơi trong phố is protecting the unique biodiversity of the Red River through inclusive meeting places on the edge of deprived neighbourhoods in Hanoi, Vietnam.

TPG is an EXO Foundation Sustainability Award winner.

" " in Cc: EXO Travel

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/02/tpg-hanoi-reclaim-the-riverside/

05/02/2025

New four-day in remote northern ... with " " ... ...

Villagers, tour operators collaborate on new community-based Soum-son Trail in Laos

The inclusion and training of villagers in three mountain hamlets is a positive example of responsible travel, according to Camino Women and Khiri Travel who hope that the community-based tourism activity will enhance villagers' quality of life.

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https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/02/soum-son-trail-laos/

03/02/2025

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Share ‘good news’ in travel & tourism Oct-Dec 2024 as you would share a watermelon on a hot summer's day.

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2024/12/good-news-tourism-oct-dec-2024/

Thanks to everyone who contributed to " " in Q4 2024: Shola Osinaike, Alastair Naughton, Jim Butcher, Saverio F Bertolucci, Robin Boustead, Geoff Lipman, John Morris Williams, Richard Butler, Shamiso Nyajeka, Richard A Shepard, Rieki Crins, Willem Niemeijer, Michael Haywood, Dorji Dhradhul, Owen Morris, Edwin Magio, Herb Hiller, John Roberts, Duncan M Simpson, Doreen Nyamweya, and C Michael Hall. And thanks to "GT" Partners: Anurak Community Lodge, Red Rocks Rwanda, Red Rocks Initiative, Khiri Travel, Khiri Reach, EXO Travel, EXO Foundation, Jaya House Hotels, Tourism's Horizon, Visama Mae Chan, SUNx Malta, ASSET H&C, Cardamom Tented Camp, CABI Tourism Cases, Track of the Tiger

20/01/2025

2025 ‘critical’ for tourism climate action: SUNx Malta unveils ‘Baku Declaration’ action plan

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https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/01/2025-critical-for-tourism-climate-action-sunx/

15/01/2025

Have you been to southern Thailand? Where did you stay? Travel with " " ... ...

"The entire Anurak Community Lodge family extend our deepest gratitude to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for the esteemed “Best Responsible Accommodation in 2024” award."

Anurak's ‘Rainforest Rising’ program is reforesting an old oil palm plantation that was once lowland evergreen forest.

https://www.goodtourismblog.com/2025/01/anurak-lodge-thanks-thailand/