The Case Against Boycotts and Bans

As we all know, there have been some silver linings during the pandemic that we have had the chance to discuss at some of our recent summits. One of the more significant silver linings is the fact that more public, private and civic stakeholders have a better awareness of what destination organizations do on behalf of their communities. Their value has never been more apparent.

As destinations continue to struggle and rebuild, we are now finding a wave of new challenges facing destination leaders. Our members are now being impacted once again by the weaponization of travel. Jack Johnson, our chief advocacy officer coined the term “weaponization of travel” back in 2016 when destinations were being boycotted because of laws that were made by their state officials.?

Destinations International has long believed in travel’s ability to be a profound force for good, moving national economies, societies, and identities forward like no other sector can. We are opposed to using travel as a political weapon. No matter how well intentioned, boycotts and bans are counterproductive to the travel and tourism industry and the diverse group of individuals who make up the industry.

We understand why these boycotts and bans make sense; however, we encourage political engagement and an action-based, researched approach to help impact political change.

It is clear that the weaponization of travel is not effective in changing policy, but it does harm local businesses and employees who depend on travel and tourism for their livelihoods.

In fact, from our initial research with the Weaponization of Travel Study, we found that the effects of travel boycotts and bans vary by destination and length but add up to billions. U.S. states that have been targeted by a ban or boycott saw a negative impact of 11 percent.

According to our research, the most effective way to influence change is by going to a destination and supporting and empowering those people who live there. There are things you can be doing to push for impact that are more effective.

We encourage those who want to make an impact to engage in effective change by participation in opportunities such as Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance Legislative Action Week June 6-10, 2022 and by working together with community organizations to understand how you can give back and make a difference for the individuals and groups being impacted by pending legislation.

There are many proven ways to make an impact. Learn more by reading the Weaponization of Travel Study.