Travel/Tourism
Tourism Doesn’t Just Boost Economies, it Can Also Foster Peace and Equity
With anti-tourism protests erupting in major cities around the world, including Barcelona, Venice, and Athens, it would be all too easy to believe that tourism has become an area of contestation rather than an economic force for good. Dig into the complaints of the protestors – including a reduction in affordable housing, anti-social behaviour, and poorly regulated labour markets, and that belief could become even more entrenched.
But as vocal as anti-tourism protests have been, particularly in Europe, there is still overwhelming evidence to show that the sector remains a net positive. Not only does it provide economic benefits, but it can actually foster peace and equity.
In order for that to happen, however, players within the hospitality sector must play their part too. A key component of that is ensuring that they’re putting out the right kind of messaging to the right audiences.
Fostering peace
A research report compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), for example, found a correlation between peace and tourism. According to the report, the strongest links are between sustainable tourism and what it labels Positive Peace (a concept which can broadly be defined as the societal structures, attitudes, and institutions which create and sustain peace within societies).
For an example of how sustainable tourism can promote positive peace, it’s worth looking at a country like Rwanda. As Vision of Humanity points out, government efforts to clear landmines, conserve wildlife, and promote gorilla trekking have helped it build a tourism industry. That, in turn, means that visitors to the country come away with a completely different view of Rwanda and Rwandans.
Not only does this kind of sustainable tourism encourage people to be more tolerant of others, it also incentivises governments to be more welcoming of international visitors. Additionally, it can result in improved information flows both within a country and across borders. It may even aid cross-border relations with neighbouring countries as they see the benefits and take similar approaches themselves.
Promoting equity
Properly implemented tourism programmes can also improve equity within countries. Job creation and economic opportunities are probably the most obvious ways they can do so, but tourism promotes equity in other ways too.
Increased tourism revenue can, for example, lead to better infrastructure, such as roads, public transportation, and amenities that benefit the entire community. It can also incentivise the preservation of local cultural heritage, which can strengthen community identity and pride.
Tourism can also provide opportunities for young people and women that they might not otherwise have. The same is true for indigenous communities, who will be better placed to preserve their traditions and generate income through cultural tourism initiatives.
Messaging matters
As important as tourism can be for fostering peace and equity, it cannot do so without effective communication and messaging.
“Whether you’re looking to grow tourism numbers or manage relations in an established tourism market, communication is essential,” says Rachel Irvine, CEO of creative communications firm Irvine Partners, which has represented numerous tourism and hospitality groups including Mariott, Raddisson, and BON Hotels. “But it’s especially important if you’re looking to build the kind of tourist environment that fosters peace and justice.”
As she points out, the kind of communication required from stakeholders is multi-faceted.
“Tourism stakeholders looking to take this approach can’t just afford to market to their ideal customer base and hope for the best,” she says. “That just screams the kind of exclusionary tourism that ultimately creates societal problems. Instead, tourism stakeholders must communicate effectively and transparently with local communities. In doing so, they must remember that communication is a two-way exercise and establishing feedback from locals can help identify areas for improvement and address any negative impacts of tourism.”
Communication, she points out, can also be effective in educating visitors about how they can move through tourism destinations in ways that are sensitive to locals.
“Most destinations won’t have to go as far as Amsterdam’s “stay away” campaign,” Irvine says, “but by recognising that they are the conduit between visitors and locals and communicating as such, they can play an important role in ensuring that hospitality continues to be viewed as a net positive.”
Find the right messenger
Of course, striking that balance isn’t always easy, but as Irvine points out, it can be made a lot easier by ensuring that you have the right communications partners onboard.
“A seasoned communication partner with local knowledge and expertise will go a long way to ensuring that you’re viewed as the kind of tourism stakeholder that encourages and helps foster peace and equity,” she says. “Moreover, they’ll be able to help ensure you communicate that intent with actions as well as words.”
The Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, has assured full government support for the N8.5 billion Hill Station Resort revitalization project, embarked on by Hillside Hospitality Limited, an investee company of Strom Infrastructure Investments and Management Limited. The renewed commitment came during a high-level stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at accelerating the historic resort’s transformation.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, in Jos, Plateau State, on Monday, Mr Samuel Jatau, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the project’s significance to Plateau’s development agenda.
“The people of Plateau are diligent, hardworking, and committed. We will support and patronise this development to ensure its success,” he said.
The ambitious project, set to commence construction in March 2025, represents a strategic partnership between the Plateau State Government and Hillside Hospitality Limited. Following the signing of the Heads of Terms Agreement in July 2024, the initiative aims to restore the 1938 structure while introducing modern amenities and luxury facilities.
Speaking on the project’s vision, the Director of Hillside Hospitality Limited, Mr Kolapo Joseph, described the Hill Station project as a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to transform hospitality and tourism in Plateau State.
“This project is about more than just revitalisation, it is a dedicated effort to honour Hill Station’s rich heritage while introducing world-class hospitality standards.
“Our vision is to create a destination that seamlessly integrates luxury, culture, and nature, ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors in the heart of Jos.
“We recognise that Plateau State holds immense potential as a hospitality hub, and we are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure this transformation drives economic growth, generates employment, and instils a renewed sense of pride in the community.
“Through collaboration and strategic investment, we aim to develop Hill Station Resort into a landmark destination that reflects the very best of Nigerian tourism,” he stated.
Mr Joseph expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Plateau State Government and private sector partners, adding: “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in Plateau’s future. We are creating a resort that will attract business and leisure travelers alike, unlocking new opportunities for the local economy while preserving the unique identity of this historic site.
“With the right partnerships, we will position Plateau State as a premier global tourism destination, one that showcases its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.”
In his remarks, another Director of Hillside Hospitality, Mr Hakeem Condotti, highlighted Strom Infrastructure’s deep connection to Plateau State through its involvement with NESCO Nigeria.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving and enhancing historical landmarks while driving economic growth in the region,” he said.
The revitalized resort, scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2025, will feature state-of-the-art conference facilities, premium accommodations, and leisure amenities, positioning Jos as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Two major airlines operating in the Nigerian airspace, Emirates and Air Peace, have signed an interline agreement to allow passengers enjoy frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.
This deal will enable passengers flying from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria enjoy onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna and Owerri, Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Warri.
Emirates operates the Dubai-Lagos route with a Boeing 777-300ER and some of its passengers continue their journeys to the above cities through other airlines, but with this interline agreement, when they land in Lagos, Air Peace will move them to the other cities with ease,
“Emirates is a steadfast partner of Nigeria’s tourism, trade and aviation sectors. This partnership with Air Peace is the next step on this journey, bolstering our connectivity and introducing more travel options for corporate leisure, and travellers visiting friends and family to and from Nigeria.
“We look forward to deepening our strategic partnership with Air Peace in the future to enhance the benefits for our mutual customers,” the Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, Adnan Kazim, said.
Also commenting, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Ms Oluwatoyin Olajide, said, “We are excited about this strategic interline partnership between Air Peace and Emirates, which is a significant step towards enhancing global connectivity for Nigerian travellers.
“It aligns with our mission to provide seamless, world-class travel experiences while expanding our route network and international reach.
“This collaboration not only expands Air Peace’s international reach but also offers Nigerians arriving from Dubai seamless access to key domestic destinations, including Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.
“By improving ease of travel, we are boosting business, tourism, and trade opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
“This partnership also reinforces Nigeria’s aviation sector by enhancing connectivity, efficiency and positioning our country as a critical hub for regional and global travel. At Air Peace, we remain committed to providing greater connectivity, convenience, and world-class service for our passengers.”
The latest forecast from Astons, suggests that the number of applicants looking to secure a Greek Golden Visa in 2024 is set to increase for the fourth consecutive year.
Astons has analysed data around the number of Greek Golden Visa applications submitted on an annual basis between 2019 and November 2024, before forecasting what 2024’s annual application total is set to be once December’s numbers are accounted for.
The analysis reveals that 2024 finished on a high when it comes to demand for Greek Golden Visas.
By November, the estimated total number of applications stood at 8,059, with Aston’s analysis revealing that 995 were submitted in October alone, 914 submitted in November, and a forecasted total of 778 submitted in December.
2024’s enormous demand for Greek Golden Visas was driven by investors looking to get in ahead of significant changes implemented to the scheme which increased the minimum investment threshold to €800,000 across the entire Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, and all major islands.
This isn’t the first time that changes to the Greek Golden Visa programme have resulted in surging levels of demand.
In 2023, Greece raised the threshold for real estate investment from €250,000 to €500,000 in the most attractive and developed regions of the country, including all of central Athens. However, in the Athenian Riviera, certain areas retained a threshold of €250,000, such as the Piraeus region.
As a result of this change, 2022 saw an annual increase of 118.5% in the number of Golden Visa applications, followed by a further +94.8% increase in 2023.
Who is driving demand for Greek Golden Visas?
The high demand for Greek Golden Visas over the past two years in particular is being driven by wealthy US citizens looking to spread their risks and opportunities beyond the borders of North America, with demand being particularly influenced by the increased investment thresholds implemented in 2024.
Astons estimates that Greece is the focus of at least 50% of all Golden Visa applications by US citizens, with investors drawn to the country by the lifestyle offering, not to mention the attractive minimum investment contribution – for which investors get five years of residency for the whole family with a right to renew at the end of that term.
Furthermore, Greece currently has one of Europe’s most lucrative property markets and best performing economies.
Citizenship, residence permit, and real estate investment expert for Astons, Alena Lesina, commented:
“Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that demand for Greek golden visas will remain robust despite the recent changes made. This is because it is still possible to purchase real estate and obtain a residency permit for as little as €250,000, even in the very heart of Athens, provided that the property in question is converted from commercial use to residential. As such, we’re seeing a lot of developers now buying old hotels and office buildings and transforming them into modern residential complexes, complete with stunning swimming pools and terraces.
Another reason to expect further growth in demand for Greek visas in 2025 is the fact that Spain is about to close its own Golden Visa programme which was itself hugely popular. With Spain no longer available to expats, it’s reasonable to expect that Greece, with its similar lifestyle offering and even more affordable accessibility, will become the focus of their attention.”
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