Sharing a short essay that arrived in my inbox today, courtesy of Dense Discovery — a newsletter about design, tech, sustainability and urbanism curated by Kai Brach, based in Melbourne, Australia. Do we travel for transformation or validation? It's always interesting to hear what thought leaders "outside" the travel industry have to say about the state of tourism, so I'm sharing Kai's article with his permission. There's a few good points in this piece, including how touristic travel (e.g. mass tourism) can import more culture to a destination than it exports. I also agree that seeking validation on social media is drowning out good quality travel content. There's some truth to Kai's point about escapism. Consider this: the biggest competitor to a travel agent is the electronics shop, where consumers can instead buy a new 50" flatscreen TV. In this scenario, which "escapism" is worse? Buying a new TV or booking a trip on a cruise ship? 😅 However, I don't believe that all trave...

Asking myself since last week what I can do, what we all can do more... so here I'd like to start a discussion thread of ways the tourism industry can help Ukraine 💛 💙- and everyone in travel who is affected. Hands-on and real. After all, travel is about people, cultures, peace and freedom. And tech is again a great accelerator for the 🌍 to work together. Personally, I am offering a free guest room in my home to a tourism or any other Ukraine student in need. Maybe there are more of us with a similar wish. So far I have found these platforms / initiatives to join & support, and in travel, I'm sure there is more! Please add in the thread if you know of any or have further ideas: • wehelpukraine.org/ • www.bg4ua.com/ • elinor.network/gastfreundschaft-ukraine/ • refugees.ro/ • www.supportukraine-eberswalde.de/ • www.facebook.com/groups/1012497419668646/ • airbnb.org/get-involved "Peace works better than conflict, and on...