TOURISTSHIP is a term we created, inspired by the concept of “sportsmanship,” and we have been promoting it since 2021.
Even in popular tourist destinations, local communities are present, and it’s essential to interact with them in a respectful and contribute positively to their lives.
Just as sports rely on sportsmanship, tourism thrives on TOURISTSHIP.
By embracing the principles of TOURISTSHIP, we can shape a future for tourism that fosters a respectful connection between travelers and locals.
Touristship is built on four core principles:
Care : Show consideration for the people, culture, and environment of the places you visit.
Do Good : Make positive contributions to the community you visit.
Interact : Engage meaningfully with locals by creating connections that go beyond mere sightseeing.
Be a host : Welcome tourists with a warm gesture in your everyday life, just as you were welcomed by locals during your travels.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Respect the religion and culture at your destination! Doing a little research beforehand shows your respect!
Be mindful of the environment while traveling. For example, bring your own reusable bottle!
Be mindful of the lives of residents. Especially when walking through residential areas at night, keep quiet.
Try to avoid crowds. It's recommended to make a reservation in advance.
Why not buy something made locally?
Experience the local culture. It will surely change the way you see the world.
Let’s enjoy meaningful moments with locals! When residents have fun with tourists, they’re more likely to warmly welcome future visitors.
Embrace a gracious, welcoming attitude, just as warmly as the locals you met during your favorite trips.
Because we want travelers to reflect on their behavior, and to elevate their actions and attitudes while traveling.
Overtourism has become a widespread issue, affecting not only your country but also destinations worldwide. Although the number of tourists continues to grow, many popular destinations are reaching their limits. In some cases, residents of famous tourist spots have begun saying, “Don’t come to our hometown!”
Has your style of travel ever made residents think, “Don’t come”? Do you consider that people live in the places you visit and approach them with care, a desire to do good, and a willingness to engage? Most people would say no.
If we continue traveling as we always have, tourism itself may suffer. Destinations are becoming worn out, and heritage sites are losing their charm. To protect these places for the future, we must travel with TOURISTSHIP in mind.
Travel opens us up to new worlds, cultures, ways of thinking and helps us confront our own biases.
So, to protect the future of travel, let’s embrace the principles of TOURISTSHIP!
