Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and is one of the most important growth drivers. Read more about transformational travel if You Want to Study Tourism.
Just a few years ago, experiential travel was the hot new thing in tourism. It combined authentic cultural experiences with one-of-a-kind activities, whether that took the shape of a cooking class, a beachside yoga session, or a friendly tour guide pointing out their city’s best-kept secrets. And while experiential travel is still a top favourite among travellers, there’s a new approach that takes this concept even further: transformational travel.
Combining the authenticity of experiential travel with the social consciousness of eco tourism—while adding in a dash of wellness and a few breathtaking adventures to the mix—transformational travel is all about creating lasting experiences. What does this new movement have to offer, and why is it taking the industry by storm? Here’s a look into what makes transformational travel so special.
1. Transformational Travel Is Meant to Promote Lasting Change
If you’re passionate about travel, you might already be well aware that travelling to a new place can help promote personal growth and discovery. Trying new experiences, meeting new people, and learning about other cultures helps to broaden our understanding of the world as well as our understanding of ourselves. This is what many avid travellers love most, and it’s also a concept that lies at the heart of transformational travel. A tour company offering transformational trips isn’t just looking to show tourists the top attractions in the area: it’s looking to broaden their perspective and challenge them in whole new ways.
Transformational travel is all about personal growth and discovery
Above all, transformational travel is about inspiring lasting and positive change. If you decide to plan transformational trips after you study tourism, then your main goal will be to craft an experience that travellers will feel and remember long after their trip. Whether helping someone conquer a fear of change, unearth a new passion, or let go of past worries, transformational travel can have a lifelong impact.
2. Transformational Travel Positively Impacts Local Communities
Travellers aren’t the only ones who benefit from transformational travel. In fact, the communities they visit are also positively affected as well. Transformational travel might include volunteering at a local wildlife reserve or touring a permaculture farm. Guests can contribute to the communities they visit, while also connecting with locals as they develop a genuine understanding of local culture. Whether travellers are getting in knee deep with a cause they care about, or simply minimizing their environmental impact, they go with the intent of having a positive impact on their destination.
Transformational travel is meant to make a difference
3. Pros with a Tourism Management Diploma Can Get Creative When Planning Transformational Trips
Because of the deeply personal nature of transformational travel, it’s anything but a one-size-fits-all concept. For some travellers, undergoing a digital detox and enjoying a trip of quiet contemplation might be the environment that inspires the most change. For others, a challenging hike or heart-pounding adventure might offer the kind of jolt they need to commit to a path they’ve wanted to pursue for a long time.
Journaling and other contemplative activities are great for transformational travel
For this reason, grads of travel and tourism management courses can get creative when planning transformational travel trips. Would a client benefit from Wifi-free establishments to help them break away from their workhaholic habits? Would they enjoy a life coaching session as part of their trip? Should challenging hikes or other experiences be added in? By using your judgement and the training you received as part of your education, you can work on crafting the perfect trips for your clients.
Yoga sessions can be a great addition to transformational travel trips
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