New WTTC Campaign Highlights Social Benefits of Travel & Tourism

LONDON—A major social media campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the wide-ranging social benefits of travel by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The new initiative asks travelers to think about the positive social impact that travel makes to people, places and communities dependent upon the travel and tourism sector for their livelihoods. It also encourages people around the world to share stories of how tourism has made a difference and changed their lives. The campaign tagline “Travel the world. Make a difference,” is inspired by the deeper positive socioeconomic and cultural benefits, which each and every trip can generate.

A specially made video to share the message will go online across social media platforms, asking travelers about their own journeys, which have had a profound impact on their lives and to share their stories using the hashtags #togetherintravel and #aworldofdifference.

It comes after WTTC’s drive to responsibly rekindle the wanderlust of travelers through its successful “Together in Travel” campaign earlier this year, despite the multiple global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Travel gives us memories which last a lifetime and the most amazing experiences to share. But this is just half the story,” said Gloria Guevara, president/CEO, WTTC. “Travel & Tourism has a hugely positive benefit upon the world, far beyond the immediate pleasure it brings to those who are able to explore and discover people, places and amazing experiences for themselves. As our latest campaign shows, the social impact of Travel & Tourism can transform lives of all of those who depend on this sector, alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, protect wildlife and preserve cultures and communities around the globe. It plays a vital part in achieving wider developmental goals.”

She continued, “We want to increase the awareness amongst travelers of the incredible extra benefits of travel, so they are more conscious that their actions and spending go further than they think, as well as how positive an impact every trip can have. While we fully understand that many vulnerable people are unable to travel at this time, others can and will as soon as they are able to do so. With the immense pressures being faced by the global travel and tourism sector due to the current restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now more important than ever that we remind everyone, how traveling can make all the difference in—and to—the world.”