The Intersection of Politics and Tourism: Understanding the Impact of International Relations on Travel

 

Politics and travel are often intertwined, with the political climate of a destination often having a significant impact on the tourism industry. From international agreements and trade agreements to the governance of specific countries and incidents of terrorism and political unrest, political factors can all influence the demand for travel to a particular destination. In this blog post, we will explore how politics shape the global tourism industry and discuss the impact of political instability on destinations around the world. We will also examine the role that political ideologies play in the regulation of the tourism industry and how tourism can be used as a tool for diplomacy and international relations. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip abroad, this blog post will provide insight into how politics influence the tourism industry and the factors to consider when choosing your travel destinations.

One notable example of political factors impacting the tourism industry is the Schengen Agreement in Europe, which has greatly facilitated international travel by simplifying border regulations. According to the European Commission, the Schengen Agreement has resulted in shorter waiting times at borders, increased tourism, and economic benefits for the EU. The deregulation of the airline market in Europe in the 1990s, which led to the development of low-cost carriers, has also made travel more accessible and affordable for more people.

Terrorism and political unrest can also have a major impact on tourism demand. For instance, after the 9/11 attacks, there was a temporary downturn in international tourism, as prospective tourists became hesitant to book long journeys. According to a report by the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals decreased by 6% in 2002 due to the 9/11 attacks. Similarly, the Arab Spring and subsequent unrest in North African countries led to a decrease in demand for travel to these destinations, with tourists opting for perceived "safer" Mediterranean destinations instead. This is known as a substitution effect.

The political governance of a country can also affect its appeal as a tourist destination. Countries with authoritarian governance and strict regulations tend to discourage tourists from visiting, while countries with liberal ideologies and less interference in tourism regulation are more attractive to travelers. Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia (2011-2018), emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for tourism, stating that "Tourism is an important sector for our economy, and we must create an environment that is welcoming and conducive to tourism. As a nationalist government, we are committed to supporting and stimulating inbound and domestic tourism in our country." Dictatorships and countries with authoritarian governance tend to inhibit demand, as they often have strict regulations regarding visas and border entry, as well as restrictions on the right to paid holidays. In contrast, countries with liberal ideologies tend to have less interference in tourism regulation, while nationalist governments may seek to stimulate inbound and domestic tourism to boost patriotism and pride in their country.

A study on the political ideologies of tourism found that "countries that are traditionally thought of as socially democratic have been evolving in recent years to regulate tourism in ways that are more liberal in nature than socially democratic." These different approaches to tourism regulation can have practical implications for the industry. For example, liberal governments are more likely to support private tourist companies and have less interference in the sector, while socialist or communist governments may exert more control and regulation over the industry. The political ideology of a government can also impact legislation related to tourism and the flow of foreign investment in the industry. Nationalist governments may also seek to stimulate inbound and domestic tourism to boost patriotism and pride in their country.

On the other hand, according to the study on the political ideologies of tourism, "countries that are traditionally thought of as social democratic have been evolving in recent years to regulate tourism in ways that are more liberal in nature than social democratic." In contrast, communist ideologies tend to be burdensome and inhibit growth in the tourism industry, often prioritizing the promotion of socialist achievements rather than attracting tourists.

The recent political crisis in Kenya provides a current example of how politics can negatively impact the tourism industry. Protests and political rhetoric have damaged investor confidence, leading to a decline in tourists visiting the country and a drop in hotel bookings. Hoteliers have warned that if the situation persists, hotels will be forced to shut down due to a lack of customers, resulting in hundreds of job losses. The car importation industry has also been affected, with sales declining by 60%. "Bad politics is not good for tourism and a volatile environment is not conducive for tourists, hence affecting the industry," said Sam Ikwaye, executive of the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers Coast branch. "Kenya risks being slapped with travel advisories if the demos continue."

It is not just Kenya that is at risk of being impacted by political instability. According to the study on the political ideologies of tourism, "Political Ideologies As Shapers Of Future Tourism Development," "the authors expect greater politicization of tourism, active tourism 'wars' between countries, greater control of governments on populations, thriving nationalism, 'aggressive' environmentalism." 

The authors of the aforementioned study predict that in the future, there will be greater politicization of tourism, with "active tourism 'wars' between countries" as governments compete for tourists. There may also be greater control exercised by governments over their populations, as well as a rise in nationalism and "aggressive" environmentalism. These trends highlight the importance of considering the political landscape when analyzing the tourism industry and its future developments. However, tourism can have a positive impact on international relations, as it allows people from different countries to interact and learn about one another. As James Buzard, a literary historian points out, "international travel can help build solidarity with other countries." This is evident in the popularity of NATO in the United States, which is partly due to the fact that Americans have long visited Europe in search of cultural treasures and have therefore come to view these nations as part of a shared community.

In conclusion, politics plays a significant role in shaping the global tourism industry. From international agreements and trade agreements to the political governance of specific countries and incidents of terrorism and political unrest, political factors can all impact the demand for travel to a particular destination. It is important for governments to consider the potential effects of their policies on the tourism industry, and for tourists to be mindful of the political climate when choosing their travel destinations.