Lessons to Learn
- Not everyone agrees with you
- Tourism is about education
- Tour operators need to warn and inform clients
Free Thought or Free Travel?
The Social Media Life
Who doesn’t like to travel and post their adventures on social media in real time? It proves you’ve been there and can even share information that helps other travelers. But it’s essential to be aware of the laws and regulations in various countries regarding social media posts. Some countries, like China and Iran, have strict censorship laws that limit what can be posted online. In Saudi Arabia, it’s illegal to criticize the government or the royal family on social media. In Singapore, posting anything deemed offensive can result in fines or even jail time. It’s always a good idea to research the laws and customs of a country before posting anything on social media while traveling. But what about what you’ve posted in the past, videos or memes you liked and might even have saved on your phone that are totally unrelated to your travels? For most travelers, these are only concerns when visiting more oppressive countries, or at least they were.
Right Think, Wrong Think, Don’t Think
However, if you’re visiting a safe and friendly destination such as Ireland, wrong think could land you in prison, just as it would in N. Korea. It’s a double whammy of laws that come into play. First, Irish customs officials can inspect and search electronic devices at border crossings, including phones and computers. This authority is granted under the Customs Acts, which allow customs officials to examine goods and documents to ensure compliance with customs and import/export regulations. Now that isn’t anything new and can happen when you enter just about any country. But it gets interesting with The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022.
“The new Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, which is currently passing through the Irish parliament, contains some shockingly authoritarian provisions. The bill will outlaw the ‘communication’ of material or speech that might ‘incite hatred’ against people with certain protected characteristics (such as race, religion and gender). In practice, if other European hate-speech laws are any guide, ‘inciting hatred’ tends to mean little more than causing offence. This can be punishable by up to five years in prison.
As if all that weren’t draconian enough, it even makes it a crime, punishable by two years’ jail time, to simply ‘prepare or possess’ material likely to ‘incite hatred’. ‘Possession’ could mean nothing more than having an offensive video stored on your computer, or a dodgy meme saved on your phone.”(i)
What if you’re a tourist from a free-thought country visiting Ireland? You belong to a dozen different social media channels. Posting, liking, and sharing with wild abandon from every electronic device you have. Sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, but always freely. In the best-case scenario, no one cares to check, and you enter the country and have a lovely time. Worst? Fine and/or prison.
If you thought this was a problem just in Ireland, you’re wrong. Thoughtcrime legislation is on the move in the UK and EU, and it’s hoping over the pond. Canada has a similar thought crime act.
Will Ireland/UK/EU/Canada/etc go the way the N. Korea and require spyware installed on your phone so they can make sure you’re not upsetting anyone? Sure! Why not!
The Tour Operators’ Responsibility
As tour operators, it’s our job to put butts in seats and heads in beds. We show pretty pictures, professional videos, glowing testimonials, and reviews as long as your arm to entice the traveling public to come. As a tour operator, we also have a significant responsibility for the safety and protection of our clients throughout their travel experience. Here are some key aspects of our responsibility:
Risk assessment and planning
Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the destinations and activities you offer. Identify potential hazards and take necessary precautions to minimize risks. This includes monitoring travel advisories, consulting local authorities, and staying updated on health and safety information.
Selection of reliable partners
Choose reputable accommodation providers, transportation services, and activity organizers. Verify their licenses, safety records, and adherence to industry standards. Regularly assess their performance to ensure continued safety and quality.
Providing accurate information
Give your clients clear and precise information about the destinations, activities, and potential risks involved. Communicate any safety guidelines, including local laws and customs they should know. Provide information on emergency contacts, medical facilities, and travel insurance options.
Safety briefings and guidelines
Conduct comprehensive safety briefings before and during the tour. Educate your clients on safety procedures, emergency protocols, and any specific risks associated with the activities or destinations. Encourage them to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.
Trained and competent staff
Ensure that your tour guides and staff members are well-trained in first aid, emergency response, and customer safety. They should be knowledgeable about the destinations and capable of handling various situations professionally.
Emergency Preparedness
Develop and implement emergency response plans for different scenarios, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or political unrest. Establish communication channels and contingency measures to address any unforeseen circumstances swiftly.
Continuous monitoring and improvement
Regularly review and update your safety policies and procedures based on feedback, incidents, and industry best practices. Stay informed about emerging safety issues and adapt your operations accordingly.
But are we omitting vital information on something as intangible as what they think and share? What are we doing to ensure our clients don’t end up with the Blarney Stone chained around their ankles while they make license plates for 5 years because of a meme? When a conservative/religious/conscientious family or group comes to visit, and they’ve got (insert “harmful content” here) on their phone from previous social media posting, will they be in danger?
Breaking down barriers
International travel offers numerous benefits, including cultural enrichment, personal growth, expanded perspectives, and the opportunity to create lasting memories. It allows individuals to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, experience different traditions and cuisines, and develop a broader understanding of the world. International travel promotes tolerance, empathy, and intercultural communication, fostering a more interconnected global community. It provides opportunities for self-discovery, building resilience, and gaining a sense of independence. Additionally, it can enhance language skills, boost creativity, and provide unique educational experiences. Overall, international travel opens doors to new experiences, broadens horizons, and enriches lives in countless ways. But what happens when we close our borders to all but those with “approved” thoughts?