Arrivals haul: anti-tourism’s folly

Update: 2024-08-08

Digest

This episode of The Economist Intelligence podcast delves into three key topics: the global surge in anti-tourism sentiment, Russia's recruitment drive for the war in Ukraine, and the resurgence of "dumb phones." The podcast begins by examining the economic benefits and drawbacks of tourism, highlighting the concerns of local residents in countries like Spain, Greece, and Portugal who are experiencing overcrowding and rising prices. It then shifts focus to Russia's efforts to recruit volunteers for the war in Ukraine, exploring the Kremlin's propaganda campaign and the high casualty rates. Finally, the podcast explores the growing trend of "dumb phones" as a response to smartphone addiction and concerns about the negative impacts of technology on mental health.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Rise of Anti-Tourism and the War in Ukraine

This episode explores the global surge in anti-tourism sentiment, examining the economic benefits and drawbacks of tourism, particularly in countries like Spain, Greece, and Portugal. It also delves into Russia's efforts to recruit volunteers for the war in Ukraine, highlighting the Kremlin's propaganda campaign and the high casualty rates.

00:15:19

The Dumb Phone Comeback: A Technological Retreat

The podcast explores the resurgence of "dumb phones" as a response to smartphone addiction and concerns about the negative impacts of technology on mental health.

Keywords

Tourism

The act of traveling to a place for pleasure or business, often involving overnight stays and spending money on local goods and services. It's a significant economic driver for many countries, contributing to GDP, employment, and infrastructure development.

Anti-tourism Sentiment

A growing feeling of resentment and opposition towards tourism, often driven by concerns about overcrowding, rising prices, cultural homogenization, and the displacement of local residents.

Dumb Phone

A basic mobile phone with limited functionality, lacking the advanced features and internet connectivity of smartphones. They are often seen as a way to escape the constant distractions and potential downsides of smartphone use.

Russia-Ukraine War

An ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The war has resulted in significant casualties, displacement of civilians, and international sanctions against Russia.

Kremlin

The collective term for the Russian government, including the president and his administration. It is responsible for setting and implementing national policies, including those related to the military and foreign affairs.

Propaganda

Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view. The Kremlin has been accused of using propaganda to justify its actions in the war in Ukraine and to influence public opinion.

Smartphone Addiction

A behavioral pattern characterized by excessive use of smartphones, often leading to negative consequences such as sleep deprivation, social isolation, and decreased productivity.

Mental Health

A state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to contribute to their community. Concerns about the impact of technology on mental health, particularly among children, are driving the trend towards "dumb phones."

Q&A

What are the main economic benefits and drawbacks of tourism?
Tourism can boost GDP, create jobs, and generate tax revenue. However, it can also lead to rising prices, overcrowding, and the displacement of local residents.
How is Russia trying to recruit more soldiers for the war in Ukraine?
The Kremlin is using a combination of traditional advertising, targeted messaging on social media, and financial incentives to persuade men to volunteer for military service.
Why are some people choosing to use "dumb phones" instead of smartphones?
Some people are seeking to escape the constant distractions and potential downsides of smartphone use, while others are concerned about the impact of technology on mental health, particularly among children.
What are some of the policy responses to the growing anti-tourism sentiment?
Governments are implementing measures such as tourist taxes, limits on cruise ship passengers, and restrictions on short-term rentals to manage the influx of tourists.
How is the data on Russian casualties being collected and analyzed?
Volunteers and journalists are using open-source intelligence, including social media, public obituaries, and physical evidence, to track the number of Russian soldiers killed or wounded in the war in Ukraine.

Show Notes

Tourists are getting decidedly less-warm welcomes in popular spots, but blunt anti-tourism policies are self-defeating. We look at how to maintain benefits for both the visitors and the visited. As Russia tries to avoid another military draft, a slick recruitment drive seems to be bringing in new troops (09:22 ). And fatigue with smartphones is leading to a fashion for dumb ones (15:22 ).

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