Friday, February 24, 2023, marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War (which dates back to 2014). The invasion has caused tens of thousands of deaths on both sides, depending on the news source, and created Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. In all likelihood, hundreds of thousands have died in that span.
In a statement this week, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), said, “The invasion has exacted a terrible price. Millions have been forced to flee their homes—right now around 6 million people, 65 percent of them women and girls, are internally displaced. And the number of casualties keeps growing by the day, including civilian victims as homes and even hospitals are deliberately targeted. The invasion has also created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe not seen in Europe since World War II. And it has undermined the sense of security and trust we depend on to get the world moving again after the impacts of the pandemic.”
Noting that UNWTO members suspended Russia from the organization, while many stakeholders—including transportation companies, hotels and more—"rallied in support of the Ukrainian people,” Pololikashvili added: “The united front that much of the global community has adopted since the invasion is also under attack … That's why UNWTO will continue to amplify tourism's calls for peace and urge an immediate end to all hostilities. We will also be there when the war ends, as it surely will. Then, tourism's unique power, proven time and again, to build trust back, promote dialogue and understanding across borders, and provide opportunities, will be vital to help the people of Ukraine rebuild the country they have already given so much to protect.”
The war in Europe is one of the reasons why travelers’ concern about civil unrest and terrorism nearly doubled in the last six months, jumping to 14 percent in the latest survey from 8 percent in late summer 2022, according to Global Rescue. At the same time, the "Winter 2023 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey" found that fears over COVID have plunged at a rate of 61 percent, down to 13 percent compared to 33 percent in summer.
Labor Issues, Gender Gap Are Top Challenges
Beyond traveler concerns over civil unrest, the biggest challenge to the travel industry, as revealed by STR’s “Hospitality Industry Sentiment” survey, is labor-related issues, which includes both staffing a labor costs. Respondents also showed anxiety over the economy, recessionary headwinds, interest rates, inflation and depreciation of the U.S. dollar.
This week, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shared the findings of its own research of publicly listed leisure travel companies and found a major gender diversity disparity. While the overall workforce is split evenly between men and women, only 7 percent of top leadership positions are occupied by women. One-third (33 percent) hold senior management roles and 42 percent are in mid-level management.
Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said, “This issue goes beyond equity and fairness. Companies need to hold themselves accountable to guarantee progress is made over time. Putting women on center stage of travel and tourism will ensure a better future for the sector.”
There is some good news, however. According to STR’s report, leisure demand and increased guest spending are seen as the biggest strengths of the industry. The survey also found increased interest in “bleisure” travel, as well as strong group and business demand. Guests are also staying longer across the board.
A Focus on Sustainable and Regenerative Travel
People are becoming increasingly interested in sustainable travels—for evidence, just look at the numerous suppliers investing is more eco-friendly operations and experiences.
Among the highlights from this week, United Airlines and its corporate partners have launched an investment vehicle designed to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel by accelerating the research, production and technologies associated with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Elsewhere, The Oetker Collection has joined the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance network. Members are united in their collective approach to responsible hospitality, sharing the belief that the sector can, and must, create a lasting positive impact for the planet and its inhabitants through collaborative action. Beyond this, Oetker’s properties form individual initiatives, such as Jumby Bay Island in Antigua supporting the protection of the hawksbill sea turtle nesting colony.
Also in Antigua, the government has joined the United Kingdom’s ocean conservation program, the Blue Belt initiative. The program seeks to steer progress by addressing challenges faced by the world’s oceans, including coastal management, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution. Speaking during a ceremony, Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Antigua’s minister of sustainability, innovation and the environment, said, “This program [is] a great opportunity to harvest economic benefits and propel Anguilla’s leading role in the sustainable usage of ocean resources for economic growth, improvement of livelihoods, and preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”
“Regenerative” travel is also on the rise. In a recent roundtable, hosted by Signature Travel Network, attendees continually spoke about travelers wanting to experience “authenticity” on their trips—whether that’s getting to know how people live and work within the destination or simply getting off the typical tourist tracks. But we say, what better way to have an authentic travel experience than to give back to the destination?
In the U.S., Visit California and Kind Traveler have kicked off their first statewide regenerative travel program. To highlight the initiative, Visit Greater Palm Springs has launched a new wave of opportunities for travelers to make a positive impact when visiting the destination. To mobilize this new opportunity, participating hotels in the region prioritizing sustainability and community impact are sharing exclusive offers on KindTraveler.com, incentivizing travelers to give back to selected nonprofits.
Calling All Travel Advisors
Last call! Nominations are now open for Travel Agent’s annual 30Under30. You may nominate yourself or pass the word along to a qualified candidate you know—but nominees must be 30 years old or younger by December 31, 2023, currently work at any level as a travel consultant, have completed a significant project for his or her travel agency, and be recognized by leaders of his or her own organization as an emerging leader.
The deadline to be considered for the program is February 28, 2023.
Related Stories
Royal Caribbean to Sail Short Caribbean Getaways for 2024/25
TAP Air Portugal Enhances Popular Portugal Stopover Program