As a global mountain nomad, my journey has granted me the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the heart and soul of every country I navigate. By forging personal relationships on the ground, I've become acutely aware of the nuances and impact of white labeling within the tourism industry. As a Filipina, I'm able to understand deeply the unfairness that many local entities face, especially in the global south. White labeling is a form of erasure, not at all unfamiliar to many black and brown bodies.
White labeling, in essence, involves the rebranding of tourism services and products under a different label, often obscuring the true origin and ownership of these experiences. Western companies may resort to white labeling to capitalize on the appeal of authentic and culturally rich experiences without actively involving or empowering local communities. This practice, reminiscent of colonialism, can lead to the erasure of local identities and traditions, as well as economic disparity and exploitation.
Through my personal connections with local entities, I've gained insight into the harm caused by white labeling. It undermines the authenticity and integrity of local cultures and perpetuates an imbalanced power dynamic that fails to benefit the communities who are the custodians of these experiences.
By sharing my experiences and advocating for equal partnerships and authentic representation, I aim to shed light on the harmful effects of white labeling. Let's work together to champion responsible and community-led tourism that respects and amplifies local voices, retains cultural authenticity, and fosters sustainable growth.
Frankly, no one wants to talk about this for fear of shifting the harmful but profitable operations in place in the industry, but I will. I encourage others to do the same.
Learn more about the work that I do via https://lnkd.in/eWq96itJ
#ResponsibleTourism #AuthenticRepresentation #EmpowerLocalCommunities #decolonizetourism #equity #inclusion
Principal Interior Designer | Merits Design Group
2moWhat many don't realize is that the WELL v2 Building Standard is based on 10 concepts for creating a holistic, healthy environment where the largest of these is COMMUNITY, allowing up to 16 optimizations. Whether or not you are seeking a WELL certification, these concepts are in demand for both consumers and business colleagues. International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is about addressing all aspects of physical and mental health. Thanks 1Hotels for recognizing the importance of people!