The term “social tourism” refers to the practice of making travel and participation in tourist activities available to people and communities in a manner that is both accessible and within their financial means. Individuals or organizations that would not be able to pay the expenses associated with conventional forms of travel are the primary targets of social tourism.
The concept of social tourism may also be seen as the use of tourism as a tool for the purpose of fostering greater social inclusion, expanding access to tourist opportunities for marginalized populations, and lowering the rate of social exclusion. In this essay, we will investigate the concept of “social tourism” and discuss the positive effects that it has on society.
Who is a social tourist?
A person who goes to a location for the purpose of pleasure or vacation but does so with the intention of making a constructive contribution to the social and economic development of the place to which they are traveling is considered a social tourist. Visitors that engage in social tourism have the intention of contributing to the long-term social, cultural, and economic viability of the places they visit.
People who engage in social tourism are typically individuals or groups who come from low-income backgrounds or who face social exclusion, such as the elderly, the disabled, or those who live in communities on the margins of society. Social tourism can also refer to people who travel to less developed countries.
The characteristics of a social tourist
Social consciousness
Awareness of the social and economic issues that exist in the destinations that are visited Social tourists are aware of the social and economic issues that exist in the destinations that they visit, and they strive to address these issues through the activities that they participate in while traveling.
Involvement in the Community
Social tourists take part in activities that are beneficial to the community in which they are staying. These activities may include volunteering, patronizing locally owned companies, or attending cultural events.
Sustainability
Social travelers give sustainability and eco-friendliness the highest priority in the activities they participate in while on vacation. They want to have as little of a negative influence on the environment as possible and encourage ethical tourist activities.
Immersion in the local culture
Social travelers are curious in the history, customs, and practices of the places they visit, and want to gain this knowledge. They want to engage in conversation with the residents of the area and get an understanding of their way of life.
Benefits of social tourism
Economic benefits
Economic advantages include an increase in tourist earnings, the creation of new job possibilities, and the promotion of the expansion of existing local enterprises. Social tourism may encourage local economic growth.
Social benefits
Social tourism may play a role in fostering social inclusion by making it possible for underserved populations, such as the elderly, the handicapped, or families with limited incomes, to participate in tourist activities.
Cultural benefits
The facilitation of encounters between visitors and members of the local community may provide a number of cultural advantages, including the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding. This might contribute to the maintenance of the local cultures and customs.
Environmental benefits
Environmental advantages include the promotion of sustainable tourist practices including responsible waste management and the protection of natural resources. Social tourism offers these environmental benefits. This may contribute to the protection of the environment and the promotion of environmentally responsible forms of tourism.
Examples of social tourism
Community-based tourism
Tourism that relies on the engagement of local communities and encourages them to work within the tourist sector is known as community-based tourism. Homestays, cultural tours, and other types of tourist activities that incorporate the local population are examples of what this might entail.
Volunteering tourism
Volunteer tourism, often known as voluntourism, refers to the practice of volunteering for charitable organizations or environmental causes while traveling. Volunteering for causes such as the protection of endangered species, the construction of houses for low-income communities, or the instruction of English in rural schools are examples of such causes.
Accessible tourism
Tourism that is accessible entails making travel options available to persons who have physical or mental impairments. Making tourist infrastructure and activities accessible to those with mobility or sensory impairments is one example of what this entails.
Sustainable tourism
Promoting responsible tourist practices, such as reducing trash, preserving natural resources, and supporting local businesses are all examples of what is meant by the term “sustainable tourism,” which refers to tourism that does not harm the environment.
Conclusion
The term “social tourism” refers to an approach that is intended to foster social inclusion, economic development, and tourist activities that are environmentally responsible. Individuals or groups that travel with the intention of making a good contribution to the growth of the community in which they are staying are known as social tourists.
The practice of social tourism has several advantages, including positive effects on the economy, society, culture, and the natural environment. With the encouragement of responsible tourist practices and the opening of tourism-related doors to underserved communities, social tourism has the potential to contribute to the development of a tourism sector that is more equitable and environmentally conscious.
