Reinvent Tourism Forum

Today we had an inspiring co-creation session with Tourism Management students of In-Holland. Sabine and myself had the change to introduce them to the journey of Reinvent Tourism. How can we use tourism as a driving force for sustainability and connection? To start off, we've asked them the question: What made you choose to study Tourism? Beautiful answered were shared, from meeting others and helping destinations to getting a fun job and enjoy. Tourism can be so much more then a job, if you discover your personal why and purpose behind your journey. Steps towards a better tourism industry can be taken from all different levels, whether in corporate tourism or from a small start up. Important is that you feel empowered to make a change, and that you start with yourself. After showing some examples of how we create positive tourism in Amsterdam, we've asked the students to: Describe the perfect tourist? What would he do? The behavior of tourists is one of the most bespoken topics, making noice, polluting, misbehaving. When we think from the problem of over-tourism, we link it to negative behavior. Emphasizing polarization, differences and negative emotions. When we change this, and work from this positivity we can try to influence tourists to behave different and give back to the places they visit. Invite them to become a part of Amsterdam, be a citizen while they are here. This perfect tourist behavior is what we would call The Happy Tourist, with short videos we challenge everyone to become one. Today we've invited the students to create in small groups their own challenges. A one minute pitch where you invite tourists to do go. From trading souvenirs to sharing a coffee with a local. Discovering unknown places or cook together. Concrete ideas that make everyone happy. Example of a Happy Tourist Challenge If you would like to participate in a Happy Tourist Challenge in Amsterdam or create your own, you can check out more information on www.thehappytourist.eu or send an email to info@toursthatmatter.com . Thank you In-Holland and wonderful students for inspiring us and taking a step together!

Tours that Matter is founded by three dedicated women that have the ambitious vision to reinvent the tour industry and use it as a force of good. During the Reinvent Tourism festival that took place online in March 2020 they have launched their pioneering concept: the Walks & Talks - discovering new places & perspectives. Launching from August 2020 in Amsterdam: Tours as a Tool for Change Walk& Talk: Urban Agriculture (Oost Indisch Groen, Community Garden) Tours that Matter offers an opportunity for everyone to be part of the change we want to see in the world. ‘Our tours are more than just tours. They are our tool of protest, our way to plant seeds of awareness. We want to connect and inspire people to discover new perspectives on topics that matter to us. Our tours are for everyone who wants to make a change in the world. And at the same time they are a great way to explore Amsterdam.' (Katjalisa, Co-Founder TTM) Inspired by the Covid 19 restrictions, they have come up with a completely new way of giving tours: WALKS & TALKS. While tours so far have been associated with large groups and mass tourism, their 'Walks & Talks' set a completely new tone: to connect locals & travelers and to a community of change makers. On every walk you will discover not just a new neighborhood but also new perspectives by having different talks with inspiring initiatives of that area. Giving back is the core of their circular business model, and every tour gives back to the places it visits. Currently Tours that Matter has developed 5 different routes in Amsterdam, around various neighborhoods and related social themes. Check it out on https://www.toursthatmatter.com/walks-talks/ Would you like to experience this new way of giving tours, or have ideas for local initiatives to involve. Please let us know! info@toursthatmatter.com 06-23269594

Launching August 3rd, 2020: Pay With a Good Deed. A list of wonderful shops invite you to do a little good deed and receive a small reward. Choose your favorite local challenge to help the environment, community or a sustainable shop owner. In exchange, receive a small reward in the form of a discount or treat. Pay With a Good Deed allows visitors to truly connect with the neighborhood. Making a positive impact gives your visit an extra sparkle! How does it work? 1. Go to one of the participating companies, 2. Complete the deed (don’t forget to record it) 3. Share your experience by tagging the company and us (@paywithagooddeed) on social media 4. Collect your reward Participating shops and cafés: BrandMission - Haarlemmerstraat 36 Klein The Grocer - Haarlemmerdijk 26 Affaire d’Eau - Haarlemmerdijk 148-150 Das Werk Haus - Haarlemmerstraat 87 Six and Sons - Haarlemmerdijk 31 Tally - Ho Haarlemmerplein 23 Theatercafé Spinoza - Haarlemmerplein 11h Check out the deeds & rewards on the project page Pay with a Good Deed We need your help to promote, partner up and off course participate in this great project! Please let us know how you can help? If you have any questions you can reach Carla Louis (project developer) through: email: paywithagooddeed@gmail.com phone: +33601350205