IS THE GLOBAL VILLAGE NO MORE

Posted on 07/12/2016 | About Canada

There have been numerous events in the past few weeks that have had and will have a direct affect for travellers and those working in the travel industry. From the Brexit vote to all the police and black victim shootings in the United States, to the controversy surrounding Toronto’s Pride Festival, makes me worry about a more isolationist approach when it comes to relations between countries and various interest groups within communities. The global village Marshall McCluhan spoke about decades ago has now turned into a battlefield. Why the mayhem?

Communication vehicles like social media, satellite television and the internet should be breaking down barriers not building them up. Yet 2016 has been an exceptionally deadly year when it comes to terrorism and violent acts. No country is immune and that includes Canada.
I was saddened by the vote in Britain, in which, by a slim count, the voters decided to leave the European Union. It is their choice but just like in the Quebec Referendum many, at least I believe, act on emotion and don’t think through all the practicalities. Now, but you are on your own negotiating new trade agreements, air agreements, tariffs, currency, entry and participation in various international organizations and so on. Many woke up the next morning saying, “What now?”
For Canadians the immediate effect is the British pound has lost its value against the Canadian and many other currencies. Those planning a trip to Britain are happy it will now be cheaper and agents, airlines and tour operators will reap the benefits. But that blip in travel will be short-lived I suspect.
The more important and longer lasting repercussions will be felt for generations. I feel for the under 25’s as they wholeheartedly decided to vote to remain in the European Union as did Scotland. They grasp that the world has changed and there are all sorts of opportunities outside their own border – both for pleasure travel but also for work opportunities. Those hopes are now dashed as it will be extremely hard to get work now that they aren’t part of the union.
I think of my own daughter. She graduated from university with a design degree back in May. She has been fortunate and has been offered a full-time position in September at a children’s design company in Copenhagen, a major centre for international design. Getting a work visa is extremely difficult as more and more countries are clamping down on immigrants, refugees, and work applicants. Denmark is definitely one of those countries. Through my extensive travels over the years she now has a more worldly view and appreciation of other cultures and for her own career views the whole world as potential employers not just Canada.
I have always preached to my kids that Canada is one of the best countries but seek out opportunities no matter where they are in the world. Travelling is the best education and allows you to understand other cultures.
I truly hope Britain leaving the European Union doesn’t spur on others. Countries can still keep their identities but we need for these strong economic and cultural relationships to continue in the future. The more we talk, trade, travel with one another the better chance of less hostilities breaking out.
It was encouraging to see Prime Minister Trudeau sign a new trade agreement with Ukraine. In the overall scheme of things it will have little effect on Canada’s bottom line but it signals to the world that free trade agreements and closer ties with countries is a good thing.
On a much smaller but no less important scale we had the fall-out from the enormously popular Pride Parade and the Black Lives Matter group. There has been lots of she said/he said type of accusations. The fact is Black Lives Matter cannot tell the Pride organizers to not allow Police organization related floats in future parades. Police are a vital part of the community and after many years of tension between the LGBTQ community and police it’s a positive step to have the police floats and its members in the parade. On the other hand Pride organizers should listen to the concerns of Black Lives Matter and why they feel black LGBTQ members feel excluded.
Let’s be inclusive and not exclusive in our dealings with people. For those in the travel industry who work with the LGBTQ community the Pride Festival is also a huge event that brings in thousands of visitors. So it hits the bottom line of some agents and tour operators if people start going elsewhere.
The horrific shootings, the police in Dallas, the black men shot by police in Louisiana and Minnesota, the dozens of protests across the US against police violence against black individuals has reached an uncomfortable fever pitch.
No doubt people all over the world are seeing the images and especially any black person outside of the US may be thinking twice about visiting the United States. Again this would have a huge effect on tourism revenues.
Both the black community and the police need to review ways of working together not against one another. We can’t be smug in Canada as we have had similar incidents (profiling was still done until recently in Toronto.
Violence and terrorism have a huge impact on travel. If people don’t feel safe they won’t travel to that destination. That means a loss in revenue which translates into loss in jobs.
People can do better. Society can do a lot better. Let’s stop this senseless violence. Focus on better relations starting with your neighbours and build it up from there. We need to encourage and keep people travelling – the worst thing to do is stop travelling and give in to the terrorists and whackos out there.
The travel industry has a critical role in being the building blocks to greater understanding and global relations. Talk travel. Talk culture. Talk a brighter future for all.