Tourism's Future - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 464

decreasing economic well-being and in many cases, even unemployment. This was not how it was

supposed to turn out. We have seen, in response to this threat, a strong reluctance to spend, even by
those who have the resources. Although the resulting increase in saving rates may provide the
investments necessary for modernization and long-term economic growth, the more immediate
impacts on leisure and tourism spending are already being felt.
In the area of physical (as opposed to economic) security, we have known for some time that risk of
physical danger is certain to diminish the prospects of a given tourism destination or travel-related
firm. War in the Middle East has affected tourism both locally and worldwide. Terrorism aimed at U.S.
air carriers has diverted traf c to competitors. Concern for health is of increasing importance,
particularly for older travelers. In a different but related vein, the threat of AIDS and other diseases has
added yet another dimension of concern, only this time for younger segments of the population. We
note without exaggeration that the wise tourist visiting certain regions of the world now seeks a
traveling companion having a compatible blood type in case a blood transfusion is required. Such
concern and attention to detail with respect to health care while traveling should not be dismissed as
an aberration of the few.
The events of September 11, 2001, have vividly reinforced the critical signi cance of safety and
security to people

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s desire to travel and, thus, to the well-being of the tourism industry. It follows that
a primary goal of all sectors of the industry, as well as its government partners, must be to restore a
pervading sense of con dence to travelers regarding all aspects of the travel experience.

'

Tourism-Driven Migration

'' Migration and the formation of emigr e communities can be a big driver of subsequent travel.''

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John Kester, UNWTO 28

While those in the developed world try to preserve their level of well-being, many millions in
developing nations seek to better their lives. As fading borders increasingly facilitate population
movements within trading blocs, there will be those who will first request, and then demand, the right
for such freedom of movement to be extended. Recent events in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya provide
current evidence of the strength of this market. The day is not far off when freedom of movement of all
peoples of the world may be termed a Although this certainly does not mean that

this right will be granted, it will undoubtedly be asserted. Clearly, the implications of this still weak but
emerging pressure go far beyond the concerns of those in the leisure and tourism field. This said,
however, it is very clear that should such pressures succeed in even a modest way, the entire landscape
of leisure and tourism could change dramatically.

'' basic human right. ''

The Digital Nomad 29

Making use of the opportunities offered by mobile and online usage will be key in airline and
customer interactions in the future.

Marcus Casey, Lufthansa 30 —

have grown up with the
Internet and are now traveling; their appetite for connecting with people and content at all times will
be a major driver of changing tastes. They will base travel decisions on whether lodging has WiFi
capability and whether they can get a cell signal from their car or canoe.
We are rapidly reaching a point in time whereby seamless travel is not only an opportunity but will
indeed become an expectation. Such digitalization again raises the question of how F2F (face-to-face)
travel agents can evolve.

The travel experience will become increasingly digitized. Digital nomads