New Delhi/Geneva. After the long shock of the Corona epidemic, the global travel and tourism industry has made a strong comeback. The continuous increase in the number of international flights, hotel bookings and tourists proves that the tourism sector is completely back on track. However, behind this economic boom a very worrying and unequal picture has emerged. The latest Travel and Tourism Development Index and report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has revealed the bitter truth that as the pace of revival of tourism has increased globally, local communities are not getting its real economic benefits. World Economic Forum (WEF) analysts say a large portion of the record earnings from international tourism remains concentrated in the accounts of multinational companies, major airline chains, luxury hotel groups and global online travel agencies (OTAs). On the other hand, at the natural, historical and cultural sites where tourists are flocking in large numbers, the natives are facing the brunt of uncontrolled crowding, rampant inflation, shortage of resources and environmental degradation. Local populations marginalized despite record revenues: Key findings of the report According to the WEF report, international tourist arrivals in many countries are boosting gross domestic product (GDP) figures, but inclusive growth is missing on the ground: Economic Leakage: Out of every $100 spent by a tourist in developing and popular tourist countries, only $5 to $10 actually stays in the local economy. The remaining amount, about 90 per cent, goes back to foreign airlines, global tour operators and multinational hotel brands. Unorganized and low-paid employment: Most of the jobs available to local youth are seasonal, low-paid and without any social security. Control of high-level managerial positions and profits on investments remain in the hands of external organizations. Threat to traditional livelihoods: Large-scale development of resorts and infrastructure in many coastal, mountainous and rural areas is causing local farmers, fishermen and traditional artisans to lose their land or have limited access to natural resources. The blow of overtourism: The skyrocketing cost of living and the pressure on infrastructure The report highlights that the sudden boom in tourism has created a serious crisis of 'overtourism' in many major cities and destinations of the world: Housing Crisis: Residential properties are being converted into short-term rentals (homestays/Airbnb) in cities like Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam to India's Goa and Manali. There has been a huge rise in local rents. It is becoming impossible for local residents and the middle class to afford house rent in their own city. Inflation in daily life: Due to the high purchasing power of tourists, the prices of fruits, vegetables, ration and transport have increased manifold in the local markets, which has a direct impact on the monthly budget of common citizens. Scarcity of resources: Severe water shortage, crumbling sewerage systems, traffic jams and uncontrolled dumping of garbage have seriously damaged the local environment and quality of life. Need for policy change: Advise to adopt 'Value over Volume' model The World Economic Forum has strongly recommended to the governments and tourism policy-makers of all countries to make radical changes in their strategies. The organization believes that the time has now come when the tourism success of a country can be determined only by "head count of tourists" Not to be judged on the basis of headcounts: Community-led tourism: Local panchayats, municipalities and local residents should have the main decision-making authority in formulating and managing tourism plans. Mandating local supply chains: It should be statutorily mandated for large hotels and resorts to source at least 50 per cent of their total food items, decorative items and services from local farmers, artisans and self-help groups. Local use of tourism tax: Environment and entry taxes imposed on tourists should be used directly for the city's public infrastructure, water conservation and waste management, and not be absorbed into the general treasury. Unless the tourism industry directly economically empowers the local people while protecting their quality of life, culture and environment, no revival of the sector can be considered sustainable. The real development of tourism is only where along with the enjoyment of the guests, the well-being of the host is also ensured.
