THE POWER OF PEOPLE, PLACES & FIRMS
Reading Time: 4 minutesJapan welcomed more than 40 million international visitors in 2025, setting a new record. While Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka dominate, other cities are working to raise their profile. How is Sendai seeking to grow internationally while ensuring tourism strengthens resilience and benefits local people?
Reading Time: 4 minutesBrazil has spent a decade building a purposeful tourism model that combines economic dynamism with environmental responsibility, restoring ecosystems, strengthening communities and generating lasting impact. Its approach is deliberate, not accidental. What can other countries learn from Brazil’s model?
Reading Time: 4 minutesRapid growth in visitor numbers can strain infrastructure, increase environmental pressures and erode a destination’s authenticity. Good data is essential for decision-makers managing these trade-offs. How can governments get the tourism data they need, and is Slovenia showing us what that looks like in practice?
Reading Time: 9 minutesOver the 10 years, global tourism has been reshaped by successive crises, from the collapse of travel during COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the current conflict in the Gulf and the rise of petrol prices. In this episode, Shayne MacLachlan from the OECD, speaks with Sérgio Guerreiro, Chair of the OECD Tourism Committee, about how governments have responded to uncertainty and what resilience means in practice. Together, they explore how tourism policy is evolving to balance growth with sustainability, community impact and long-term stability in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Reading Time: 3 minutesTourism holds extraordinary potential as a catalyst for positive change. If driven by data, innovation and collaboration, it can strengthen communities, build more resilient economies and support healthier ecosystems. Tourism’s future, and its capacity to bring inclusive prosperity, rests on the ability to measure what matters, anticipate what is coming and act with purpose. Is the sector ready to do so?
Reading Time: 4 minutesOnly a decade ago, visitors were advised to avoid Dubrovnik during peak season due to near-continuous congestion in its narrow UNESCO-protected streets. Today, Dubrovnik stands as an emerging European model for sustainable, people-centred tourism. How can cities combine strategic governance, digital tools and community engagement to protect cultural heritage while ensuring a high quality of life for residents?
Reading Time: 4 minutesItaly’s tourism sector is undergoing a quiet revolution. From AI-powered hospitality to immersive virtual experiences, small businesses are embracing digital tools to enhance authenticity, boost resilience, and connect more meaningfully with travellers.
Reading Time: 4 minutesA massive power outage on 28 April left millions in Spain and Portugal without electricity, impacting tourism and the economy significantly. This event underscores the vulnerability of tourism amidst crises, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness strategies.