Aug 1. Historically and outside business, travel has been rooted in vacations and excursions, with leisure often taking a front seat on the trip. Although leisure pursuits are always part of the draw of the travel experience, a new dynamic is emerging, suggesting that the answer to an industry recently affected by pandemic slowdowns may rebound with global understanding, learning and immersion at the helm.
In 2020, the tourism and travel industries found the sector losing $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs, prompting many to look at long-lasting revival techniques. The World Economic Forum 2021 Travel and Tourism Development index emphasizes the need to embed long-term inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience into the sector. Part of the effort is to become drivers of global connectivity that enhance the economic and social progress of the cultures involved.
Language learning is part of the process. Not only can it enrich the traveler’s experience, but it can act as a real advantage for anyone entering the travel profession. Language learning provides a genuine respect for the cultures visited while adding a nuance of understanding and connection.
With inclusivity as the model, the travel industry has the ability to open up offerings that go beyond the superficial and enter into immersion and understanding with global connectivity and awareness at the forefront. As a result, travel is uniquely positioned to redefine its economic role more responsibly in connection to the cultures and people visited.
Source: Forbes
