Nationalism, geopolitical tensions, cultural gaps and economic crises are reshaping global tourism, research finds

Tourism, which has long been considered a bridge between culture and economy, has undergone dramatic transformation, primarily due to the rise of deglobalization. A new study written by the University of Sharjah has discovered.

Deglobalization is both conceptual and movement. It’s the opposite of globalization. It refers to a lesser-connected world where powerful nations reduce cultural exchanges and impose strict border controls and trade tariffs.

In this study, published in the journal Tourism Management, Deglobalization sees it as a phenomenon that presents “a paradox by highlighting cutting, reducing economic interdependence, and increasing nationalistic sentiment.”

The author of the study, Dr. Salman Yousaf, an associate professor of business administration at the University of Sharjah, said that more and more tourists are experiencing the reality of de-equilibrium, geopolitical tensions, national identity, and geopolitical science. They say they are influenced by the world, which is increasingly shaped by the tensions of the world. Restricted mobility.

Global tourism is experiencing an unexpected reversal, he notes, and tourism, traditionally considered a key driver of globalization, is now witnessing a retreat to more isolated travel behaviour. He added.

Conceptual studies have adopted the original literature on de-mitigation as a social phenomenon and the fact that many countries have previously defended globalization and adopted the use of dodging what is considered an economic collapse. Masu.

In addition to stricter border control and trade tariffs, the US has shown a deeper systematic shift towards protectionism, in fact, a more nationalist and isolated attitude. It is mentioned as an example of deglobalizing countries where there is a significant change. Global politics. ”

Dr. Yousaf has identified four different categories of Deglobalized Tourist. This is an unconstrained explorer, an unconstrained conformatist, a constrained explorer, and a constrained conformatist. These classifications help explain how external barriers such as visa restrictions and internal factors such as hypernationalism redefine travel choices.

For example, Dr. Yousaf refers to diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives and a significant decline in Indian tourists visiting the island nation.

He urges Indian tourists to avoid the Maldives and choose domestic beach destinations like Rakshadweep, and how nationalist sentiment directly influences travel decisions. It says to show.

“…The Indian Tourism Conflict serves as a related case showing the influence of nationalist and political narratives on tourism discourse,” the study said. “On January 4th, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadeep Islands highlights the domestic beauty of India and the need for Indian tourists to visit major outbound destinations It sparked debate on social media.”

Similarly, Dr. Yousaf said that the UK’s Brexit decision is the catalyst behind a significant drop in European tourist arrivals, disrupting cross-border travel, which has traditionally been largely unrestricted. I feel that way. “The UK’s decision to leave the European Union was based on broad public sentiment that the country should regain greater control over citizens’ borders, immigration and employment opportunities.

“The impact of deglobalization on tourism is severe. We are making a major change in national and culturally familiar travel, with tourists prefering destinations tailored to political and social values,” the study said. states.

Dr. Yousaf cites consumer ethnocentrism (the tendency for individuals to favor domestic products over foreign alternatives) as one of the key forces behind the emergence of deglobalized Torism. In tourism, the concept extends to travel options, with tourists saying that they choose destinations that reflect national identity and values. This shift will have a major impact on the global travel industry as destinations that rely on international tourists may need to adapt their strategies, Dr. Yousaf notes.

This study found that socio-psychological factors also play a growth role. They show discrimination, cultural inclinations and safety concerns that they are factors that push many travelers towards destinations that feel more acceptable.

This research resides in what is called “sociocultural dynamics.” Western tourists may feel “forced to comply with a specific dress code when visiting the majority of Muslim countries, host communities.”

“Similarly, Muslim travelers often show preferences for tourist experiences that are consistent with Islamic teaching in terms of halal tourism and halal leisure, whilst visiting non-Muslim majority countries.

Halal in Arabic is an Islamic doctrine that refers to leisure, food and drinks that Islam allows its followers to have. For Muslims, everything outside the realm of halal is considered haram or prohibited.

The study sheds light on what is dubbed as a “rationalized tourism experience” for travelers belonging to “stereotypical or religious groups.” Islamophobia is mentioned in this study as an example of cultural debalization and its negative impact on Muslim tourists.

Furthermore, this study touches on the experiences of Moroccan tourists in the Netherlands, with a significant Moroccan immigrant population. This study, relying on previous literature, reveals how stigma related to Moroccan immigration can build low-value social identities for Arab and Muslim tourists visiting the Netherlands for leisure and recreation. I’m doing it.

“These insights highlight the complex nature of deglobalization, indicating that it is driven not only by physical barriers but also by social and psychological factors,” the study shows. .

The study reports that government-issued travel advisories play an important role in shaping tourism trends. It is often used as a form of political leverage, and these advisories influence public perceptions of safety and desirability, reinforcing the patterns identified in the research.

Dr. Yousaf’s classification of “Deglobalized Tourists” into four different categories is based on external travel and personal preferences. “Understanding the degloblazed tourism segment allows businesses to coordinate their products and ensure inclusiveness while adapting to changing consumer behavior.”

This segmentation provides insight into how political and cultural identities shape travel decisions. In India and many other countries, especially those with nationalist policies and trends towards border control and travel restrictions, nationalist rhetoric has been perceived as having an impact on domestic tourism and has been misaligned with political interests. This led to a boycott of the destination he was in.

The study, according to Dr. Yousaf, has considerable implications for tourism, bringing challenges and opportunities to the travel industry. Countries relying on international visitors are being asked to rethink their marketing strategies and emphasize safety, cultural familiarity and political neutrality.

Meanwhile, the study shows that nationalism and the surge in trends with the rise in nation-states can provide new economic opportunities for regions that simultaneously invest in local travel infrastructure.

“It is essential to study the possibilities of domestic travel to strengthen the local economy and support sustainable development and development. In addition, to understand the effects of deglobalization on local tourism, local experiences are required. The socioeconomic impact of changing tourist preferences on the study revealed.

Until the tourism industry adapts to these changes, the future of global travel remains uncertain, Dr. Yousaf warned, and while some trends may be a temporary response to the recent crisis, He emphasized that other trends suggest long-term transformation.

Whether this shift is a momentary hideaway or a permanent reconstruction, one thing is clear. The motivation behind travel is evolving, and the industry must prepare to navigate the rapidly changing landscape.

Research by Yousaf highlights the important role of diversity and inclusion in shaping the thriving tourism industry. By analyzing successful multicultural and multiethnic destinations, this study suggests that embracing inclusiveness can improve tourism performance and foster a more connected global society.