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Justin Francis: 'We need to talk about race and tourism'

Responsible tourism
Justin Francis
9 June 2020

As global protests continue following the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US, Justin Francis, founder and chief executive of Responsible Travel, reflects on race and our responsibilities in tourism.

"It's a time to learn and it's a time to act" against racial inequality, urges cruise chief (image credit: unsplash)

Like the rest of us, I’m angry. 
 
As campaigners, we know activism comes in many forms. Protest is important. Words matter. But I want our industry to do more. 
 
To achieve deep and lasting change, we need to listen, acknowledge, learn and act. These are behaviours we need to practice daily - and be held to account on.
 
Let’s lead by example, and press others to do likewise. Tourism’s been devastated by Covid-19. But we have an opportunity to build back better.