Tourism revenues all-too-often find their way back to wealthy nation through "economic leakage", with the rate running as high as 75% to 80% in some destinations.
So what can the travel trade do to mitigate economic leakage and ensure a fairer deal for local people and tourism-dependent communities around the world?
The bad news is that intermediaries are increasingly seen as part of the problem. Consumers are often now urged to book directly with local suppliers and use local products.
This shift risks damaging the travel trade’s reputation, turning it from “purveyors of unforgettable experiences” to “exploiters of the disadvantaged".
