Travel/Tourism
Tourism Doesn’t Just Boost Economies, it Can Also Foster Peace and Equity
With anti-tourism protests erupting in major cities around the world, including Barcelona, Venice, and Athens, it would be all too easy to believe that tourism has become an area of contestation rather than an economic force for good. Dig into the complaints of the protestors – including a reduction in affordable housing, anti-social behaviour, and poorly regulated labour markets, and that belief could become even more entrenched.
But as vocal as anti-tourism protests have been, particularly in Europe, there is still overwhelming evidence to show that the sector remains a net positive. Not only does it provide economic benefits, but it can actually foster peace and equity.
In order for that to happen, however, players within the hospitality sector must play their part too. A key component of that is ensuring that they’re putting out the right kind of messaging to the right audiences.
Fostering peace
A research report compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), for example, found a correlation between peace and tourism. According to the report, the strongest links are between sustainable tourism and what it labels Positive Peace (a concept which can broadly be defined as the societal structures, attitudes, and institutions which create and sustain peace within societies).
For an example of how sustainable tourism can promote positive peace, it’s worth looking at a country like Rwanda. As Vision of Humanity points out, government efforts to clear landmines, conserve wildlife, and promote gorilla trekking have helped it build a tourism industry. That, in turn, means that visitors to the country come away with a completely different view of Rwanda and Rwandans.
Not only does this kind of sustainable tourism encourage people to be more tolerant of others, it also incentivises governments to be more welcoming of international visitors. Additionally, it can result in improved information flows both within a country and across borders. It may even aid cross-border relations with neighbouring countries as they see the benefits and take similar approaches themselves.
Promoting equity
Properly implemented tourism programmes can also improve equity within countries. Job creation and economic opportunities are probably the most obvious ways they can do so, but tourism promotes equity in other ways too.
Increased tourism revenue can, for example, lead to better infrastructure, such as roads, public transportation, and amenities that benefit the entire community. It can also incentivise the preservation of local cultural heritage, which can strengthen community identity and pride.
Tourism can also provide opportunities for young people and women that they might not otherwise have. The same is true for indigenous communities, who will be better placed to preserve their traditions and generate income through cultural tourism initiatives.
Messaging matters
As important as tourism can be for fostering peace and equity, it cannot do so without effective communication and messaging.
“Whether you’re looking to grow tourism numbers or manage relations in an established tourism market, communication is essential,” says Rachel Irvine, CEO of creative communications firm Irvine Partners, which has represented numerous tourism and hospitality groups including Mariott, Raddisson, and BON Hotels. “But it’s especially important if you’re looking to build the kind of tourist environment that fosters peace and justice.”
As she points out, the kind of communication required from stakeholders is multi-faceted.
“Tourism stakeholders looking to take this approach can’t just afford to market to their ideal customer base and hope for the best,” she says. “That just screams the kind of exclusionary tourism that ultimately creates societal problems. Instead, tourism stakeholders must communicate effectively and transparently with local communities. In doing so, they must remember that communication is a two-way exercise and establishing feedback from locals can help identify areas for improvement and address any negative impacts of tourism.”
Communication, she points out, can also be effective in educating visitors about how they can move through tourism destinations in ways that are sensitive to locals.
“Most destinations won’t have to go as far as Amsterdam’s “stay away” campaign,” Irvine says, “but by recognising that they are the conduit between visitors and locals and communicating as such, they can play an important role in ensuring that hospitality continues to be viewed as a net positive.”
Find the right messenger
Of course, striking that balance isn’t always easy, but as Irvine points out, it can be made a lot easier by ensuring that you have the right communications partners onboard.
“A seasoned communication partner with local knowledge and expertise will go a long way to ensuring that you’re viewed as the kind of tourism stakeholder that encourages and helps foster peace and equity,” she says. “Moreover, they’ll be able to help ensure you communicate that intent with actions as well as words.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has announced plans to introduce the new biometric emergency travel document, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), by 2026 as part of reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s immigration processes and strengthening border security.
Initially revealed in November, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nandap, speaking on Monday in Abuja during the decoration of 46 newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) to the rank of Comptrollers of Immigration, said the proposed STEP would replace the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) and is designed to enhance efficiency, security, and global acceptability of Nigeria’s emergency travel documentation.
She explained that the new emergency passport would be biometric-based and deployed through alternative, technology-driven platforms to ensure seamless service delivery.
“I’m looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re doing to ensure that we optimise our services, in terms of visas, passport production lines and our contactless solutions,” she said.
The NIS boss noted that the STEP is one of several technology-driven innovations being rolled out by the Service to improve operational efficiency and meet its constitutional mandate.
She also highlighted the recent introduction of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), describing it as a critical step towards seamless regional integration and secure cross-border movement within West Africa.
“We want to ensure that our processes are seamless. The STEP, which we are going to launch early next year, is another key programme that will further strengthen our service delivery,” Nandap added.
The Comptroller General charged the newly decorated officers to demonstrate heightened vigilance, professionalism, and integrity, particularly in light of Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
“Your decoration today symbolises the trust reposed in you and carries with it expectations of enhanced leadership, sound judgement, accountability and exemplary conduct,” she said.
Mrs Nandap stressed that officers at senior levels must combine professional competence with strong leadership qualities, including clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy, and the ability to mentor and inspire subordinates.
“Considering the current security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone and reflect the core values and reputation of this Service,” she warned.
She reaffirmed the Service’s zero tolerance for indolence and unprofessional conduct, urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges, and place the interest of the NIS above personal considerations.
The idea of spending retirement in France comes up often — sometimes because of the climate, sometimes because of the healthcare system, and sometimes simply because of the way everyday life is organised there. But once the initial appeal fades, a practical question usually follows: under what conditions can a retiree actually live in France legally?
The short answer is: it’s possible.
The longer answer requires a closer look.
No “retirement visa,” but a workable solution
Unlike some countries, France does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. This often comes as a surprise. In practice, however, most retired foreigners settle in France under the long-stay visitor visa — a residence status that is not tied to age or professional background.
The logic behind it is straightforward: France allows people to live in the country if they do not intend to work and can support themselves financially. For this reason, the visitor visa is used not only by retirees, but by other financially independent residents as well.
Income matters more than age
When an application is reviewed, age itself is rarely decisive. Financial stability is.
French authorities do not publish a fixed minimum income requirement. What they assess instead is whether the applicant has sufficient and reliable resources to live in France without relying on public assistance. This usually includes:
- a state or private pension;
- additional regular income;
- personal savings.
In practice, the clearer and more predictable the income, the stronger the application.
Housing is not a formality
Relocation is not possible without a confirmed place to live. A hotel booking or short-term accommodation is usually not enough.
Applicants are expected to show that they:
- have secured long-term rental housing;
- own property in France;
- or will legally reside with a host who can provide accommodation.
This is one of the most closely examined aspects of the application — and one of the most common reasons for refusal.
Healthcare: private coverage first
At the time of application, retirees must hold private health insurance valid in France and covering essential medical risks. This requirement is non-negotiable.
Access to France’s public healthcare system may become possible after a period of legal residence, but this depends on individual circumstances, length of stay, and administrative status. It is not automatic.
What the process usually looks like
Moving to France is rarely a single step. More often, it unfolds as a sequence:
- applying for a long-stay visa in the country of residence;
- entering France;
- completing administrative registration;
- residing legally for the duration of the visa;
- applying for renewal.
The initial status is typically granted for up to one year. Continued residence depends on meeting the same conditions.
Restrictions people often overlook
Living in France under a visitor visa comes with clear limitations:
- working in France is prohibited;
- income from French sources is not allowed;
- social benefits are not part of this status.
These are not temporary inconveniences, but core conditions of residence.
Looking further ahead
Long-term legal residence can, over time, open the door to a more permanent status, such as long-term residency. In theory, citizenship may also be possible, though it requires meeting additional criteria, including language proficiency and integration.
For many retirees, however, the goal is simpler: to live quietly and legally, without having to change status every few months.
Moving to France after retirement is not about a special programme or age-based privilege. It is a question of preparation, financial resources, and understanding the rules. For those with stable income and no intention to work, France offers a lawful and relatively predictable way to settle long-term.
No promises of shortcuts — but no closed doors either.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United States President Donald Trump has imposed a partial travel restriction on Nigeria, as part of a series of new actions, citing security concerns.
The latest travel restriction will affect new Nigerians hoping to travel to the US, as it cites security concerns and difficulties in vetting nationals.
The travel restrictions also affect citizens of other African as well as Black-majority Caribbean nations.
This development comes months after the American President threatened to invade the country over perceived persecution against Christians.
President Trump had already fully banned the entry of Somalis as well as citizens of Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Sudan, and Yemen.
The countries newly subject to partial restrictions, besides Nigeria, are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Angola, Senegal and Zambia have all been prominent US partners in Africa, with former president Joe Biden hailing the three for their commitment to democracy.
In the proclamation, the White House alleged high crime rates from some countries on the blacklist and problems with routine record-keeping for passports.
The White House acknowledged “significant progress” by one initially targeted country, Turkmenistan.
The Central Asian country’s nations will once again be able to secure US visas, but only as non-immigrants.
The US president, who has long campaigned to restrict immigration and has spoken in increasingly strident terms, moved to ban foreigners who “intend to threaten” Americans, the White House said.
He also wants to prevent foreigners in the United States who would “undermine or destabilize its culture, government, institutions or founding principles,” a White House proclamation said.
Other countries newly subjected to the full travel ban came from some of Africa’s poorest countries — Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan — as well as Laos in southeast Asia.
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