Lebawit Lily Girma

As a traveler of color, I approve this message. As a tourism marketing effort, it's a smart one ahead of what's predicted to be a busier and more competitive summer than last year's. Way to go, Boston — and look out New York City.

If there's clear evidence that tourists are equally happy in lesser-visited areas, will the travel industry come together to rework those problematic bucket lists and spread tourism's benefits? Or will it continue to be economic recovery first, followed by more sustainability pledges?

We've long said that the diaspora remains an untapped and lucrative "visiting friends and relatives" market for the Caribbean. Working out the kinks of the program by beefing up the incentives and committing to the effort beyond the recovery phase could pay off long term for Grenada.

Tourism campaigns out of the African continent are getting creative and breaking stereotypes in a way never before seen. We're here for it.

The digital ease of booking travel is growing post-pandemic and it's only the beginning.

A prolonged Russia-Ukraine war could quickly shift this cautious optimism and cause more devastating impacts for Europe's tourism industry. For now, getting ahead of the right messaging and ensuring seamless movement amid an ongoing pandemic will be key in boosting consumer confidence.

Conscious travel and family trips are set to bounce back in a bigger way this year. But will consumer intentions to spend more this year stick if the war in Ukraine and its global impacts persist?

No doubt a huge challenge facing tourism marketers in Europe — the inability to predict the outcome or end of Russia's war on Ukraine, as well as how to hit the right notes amid human loss and devastation close to home.

A reputation for strict entry requirements, plus an unexpected variant and social disruption, is hard to undo. Canada's tourism businesses are certainly paying the price, despite a successful vaccination campaign. Will it be another lost summer for the U.S. neighbor, particularly given the rising fuel costs?

The funding is a nod to the importance of international visitation for America’s tourism economy and the need to rebuild consumer confidence in America as a tourism destination. The timing is on point, ahead of a hoped-for global travel summer rebound.