Preparing the next generation of tourism managers for Meaningful Tourism
Dear reader,
first of all, let your humble editor say thank you for the good wishes for the new office of the Meaningful Tourism Centre in Kathmandu. The move went well with only the usual small hiccups with the installation of the internet connection, so we can continue to serve you without interruption, and with the help of our two new staff members you will find presented in the MTC News section.
To be a young person in today’s world is much less fun compared to the second half of the 20th century, when things basically looked to get better most of the time, politically with decolonisation, the establishment of the EU, the end of the Cold War and – at least it looked like this in the 1990s - the end of the threat of a nuclear war, steps towards democracy in Russia and China and before in Spain, Portugal, and many other countries.
Economically, more and more people got out of poverty; scientifically, progress was made, from the landing on the moon to the Jumbo Jet, affordable cars, and air conditioning to better medical help and increased life expectancy. International tourism started to be a normal part of life, at least for the richest 20% of mankind.
That much of such progress comes at a cost, from pollution to microplastics and climate breakdown to aging societies and overtourism, has become apparent in the last decade.
Today’s youngsters can enjoy smartphones and social media, but the dark clouds of climate breakdown, remilitarisation and a return of undemocratic governments are hanging over them.
According to several studies, about one in five teenagers or young adults in the OECD countries is suffering from anxiety or even depression.
That is another reason why it is so important to adopt a positive approach to tourism, including tourism education, as the Meaningful Tourism paradigm does.
Your humble editor had the pleasure of attending the 5th International Association of Chinese Tourism Scholars (IACTS ) Biennial Conference hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management in the famous hotel ICON. PolyU SHTM is the No. 1 in Asia in all university rankings and runs the ICON hotel, located directly adjacent to the school.
The Conference brought together more than 30 of the 50 fellows of this association. Your humble editor, being one of the few non-Chinese fellows, had the opportunity to present the offer of the MTC for students to go out of the lecture hall and to work with communities on real-world tourism development projects.
A more detailed report about how Meaningful Tourism Transformational Field Trips can support communities in Nepal, India and Vietnam, and at the same time help to widen the horizon of the students will be included in the next edition of Meaningful Tourism Weekly.
As always, all best wishes from Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt and the whole Meaningful Tourism Weekly team in Kathmandu and in Manila!
Meaningful Tourism Workshop to Kick Off Ahead of PATA Travel Mart 2025 in Bangkok
Ahead of this year’s PATA Travel Mart (PTM) 2025, the MTC Meaningful Tourism Centre will host a special one-day training workshop on August 25, bringing its innovative tourism paradigm directly to professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The training will take place at the Victor Club @ FYI Center in Bangkok, one day before PTM opens its doors.
PATA Travel Mart and MTC: A Timely Partnership for Tourism’s Future
The PATA Travel Mart, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most influential trade events, bringing together tourism boards, industry leaders, and international buyers from over 50 countries.
Taking place from August 26 to 28, 2025 in Bangkok, this year’s edition comes at a pivotal moment for the global tourism industry, with sustainability, climate resilience, and workforce transformation high on the agenda.
This year, the spotlight also shines on the MTC, which will be actively contributing to the conversation. As a global research and training institution, MTC advocates for a values-driven, stakeholder-inclusive approach to tourism development.
Its presence at the PTM signals growing industry recognition of the need to rethink conventional tourism models and move towards more balanced, measurable, and long-term solutions.
The Meaningful Tourism Paradigm: A Holistic Approach to Tourism Development
The Meaningful Tourism paradigm, developed by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt FRGS FRAS, offers a strategic framework that addresses the core weaknesses of traditional tourism development.
Instead of prioritising one group—such as travellers or businesses—it promotes a holistic model that seeks to create mutual benefit and satisfaction for six major stakeholder groups: travellers, host communities, employees, companies, governments, and the environment.
As global challenges such as climate change, labour shortages, and resident pushback against over-tourism intensify, the paradigm proposes actionable solutions grounded in positive psychology, sustainability, and systems thinking.
It moves beyond compromise to align stakeholder interests through better design and management of tourism experiences. With this approach, destinations and organisations are equipped to navigate a changing landscape while fostering long-term resilience and shared value.
Special Training Opportunity in Bangkok
To introduce this approach in a dynamic and engaging way, the MTC will host a Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game Workshop on August 25, the day before PTM begins. The training will be conducted by Prof. Arlt himself, along with the certified Meaningful Tourism trainers for Thailand.
Designed as an interactive, full-day experience, the workshop will help participants understand how to implement the Meaningful Tourism principles within their own organisations or destinations.
Participants will learn why PATA has embraced the Meaningful Tourism Economy as its new guiding vision, and how aligning with this framework can support resilience, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
The workshop will run from 9:00 to 16:00 at the Victor Club, directly connected to the MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. With only 30 seats available, organisers encourage early registration. The participation fee includes a certificate, a one-year VIP subscription to the Meaningful Tourism Weekly, refreshments, and lunch.
Booking and Contact Information
Early bird registration is open until August 15, with reduced pricing for group bookings and PATA members. While fees are non-refundable, name changes are permitted up to one day before the workshop.
For more information and to register, please contact:
office@meaningfultourismcentre.org.
The Meaningful Tourism Centre will also be present at the PTM 2025 exhibition at booth D13, where visitors can learn more about its initiatives, publications, and upcoming training programmes.
Welcoming New Team Members to MTC
We are happy to welcome two new members to the Meaningful Tourism Centre (MTC) team.
Rajesh Bahadur Badi has joined as an IT and Animation Expert. He has over 7 years of experience in the 3D animation and Nepali film industry, working on various feature films and children’s rhymes.
He holds a Diploma in Animation from Global Media KOICA Makarios Pvt. Ltd. and has also taught animation for more than two years. At MTC, he will be supporting the creation of digital learning materials and visual content.
Manisha Pudasaini has joined as a Program Manager with experience in sustainable tourism, climate resilience, livelihoods, and community development. She has studied Development Studies and has worked with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
She brings skills in project management, research, and inclusive programming. Manisha is interested in promoting responsible and meaningful tourism by connecting global ideas with local realities.
We are excited to welcome both Rajesh and Manisha to the team and look forward to their contributions in furthering MTC’s mission.
Meet the Trainer for the Meaningful Tourism Transformative Game Workshop
Paula Machado, Trainer for Portugal
Paula Machado brings over 18 years of extensive international experience in tourism, spanning public administration, sustainability consulting, and tourism promotion across Europe and Asia.
As the founder of SusTravel, she offers specialized services to public and private organizations to develop and implement sustainable tourism strategies aligned with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
A certified Travelife Coach and Auditor, Paula has successfully guided numerous tourism businesses in achieving sustainability certification and embedding responsible practices into their operations.
She holds a Law Degree from the University of Macau, complemented by advanced training in Tourism Management and Sustainability, enabling her to combine legal expertise with strategic vision and a deep commitment to fostering transformative and responsible tourism development.
The Meaningful Tourism Weekly asked Paula: What is the current situation of tourism in Portugal, and how can the Meaningful Tourism Paradigm help to support its development?
Her answer:
What is the current situation of tourism in Portugal?
Tourism in Portugal is thriving. In 2023, the country welcomed 30 million guests and recorded 77.2 million overnight stays, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Of these, 53.8 million were by international visitors, while domestic tourism remained strong with 23.4 million stays (about 30% of the total). In 2024, preliminary data shows further growth, with 31.6 million guests and 80.3 million overnights, marking a 4% year-on-year increase.
Tourism now contributes approximately 16.5% of the national GDP, reflecting its vital role in the Portuguese economy.
However, this success brings challenges—overtourism in cities and coastal areas, housing pressure due to short-term rentals, regional imbalance, and environmental stress in fragile ecosystems. Portugal must now manage growth without undermining the cultural and natural assets that make it attractive.
How can the Meaningful Tourism paradigm support its development?
The Meaningful Tourism paradigm offers a practical framework for addressing these challenges by aligning the interests of six key stakeholders: visitors, host communities, employees, service providers, governments, and the environment.
Instead of focusing on trade-offs, it promotes shared value through the creation of SMART Key Performance Indicators that measure both impact and satisfaction.
Workshops like the Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game allow stakeholders to explore real-world issues through role-play and collaborative solution-building. This approach encourages sustainable strategies tailored to local realities, helping Portugal evolve into a model of resilient, inclusive, and meaningful tourism, where economic success is balanced with social and environmental responsibility.
MTC Certified Trainers
With almost 50 Certified Trainers, many countries and regions of the world are already covered. However, MTC continues to look for professionals with experience in training or lecturing and a passion for sustainable tourism.
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Trainer for the Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game Workshop for a country not marked in dark green on the map above, please contact us at office@meaningfultourismcentre.org.
Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game Workshop
August 25, 2025, Bangkok
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) adopted the Vision Statement A Meaningful Pacific-Asia Tourism Economy with a 100% in favour vote during the PAS in Istanbul in April 2025.
One day before the PTM PATA Travel Mart 2025, on August 25, 2025, the Meaningful Tourism Centre (MTC) will host a special Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game Workshop, conducted by the inventor of the Meaningful Tourism paradigm, and founder of MTC, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt FRGS FRAS, together with the Meaningful Tourism trainers for Thailand.
If you are based in Thailand or you are a visitor to the PTM 2025, use this unique opportunity to learn how the Meaningful Tourism approach can enable your destination, company or organisation to survive and prosper in challenging times.
The transformational training workshop provides an interactive approach and introduces action-oriented tools. At the end of the day, you will understand why PATA chose a Meaningful Tourism Economy as the new vision and why you should follow the same path towards a sustainable and profitable future.
The workshop will run from 9:00 to 16:00 hours on August 25, 2025, the day before the PTM 2025 begins.
There are only 30 seats available, so book your seat now to profit from the Early Bird fee and to avoid disappointment.
Venue: Victor Club @FYI Center, 2nd floor of FYI Center Building 1 (directly connected to MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, venue of PTM).
Participation fee includes training workshop participation, a certificate of participation, a free VIP subscription for one year of the Meaningful Tourism Weekly, coffee/tea, cookies, and a vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch buffet.
• Early Bird participation fee for bookings paid before August 15, 2025: USD 175 per person
• Full participation fee for bookings after August 15, 2025: USD 200 per person
VAT included if applicable.
• PATA members (including PATA chapter members) enjoy a 15% discount.
• Two or more seats booked at the same time enjoy an additional 10% discount.
• Payments are non-refundable. However, a change of participant is possible without additional fee until one day before the training workshop.
For further information and to make your booking, please contact office@meaningfultourismcentre.org.
On August 26, there will be a panel discussion on Meaningful Tourism with Prof. Arlt as one participant (only for participants of PTM).
Please visit the Meaningful Tourism Centre stand during the PTM 2025 at Booth D13.
Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game Workshop at World Travel Market, London
World Travel Market (WTM) in London is one of the must-attend annual events for key players in the tourism industry. The Meaningful Tourism Centre will offer a special Meaningful Tourism Transformational Game Workshop on the day before the start of WTM 2025, on November 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 16:00 hours. The workshop will be conducted by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt FRGS FRAS, the founder of MTC.
There are only 30 seats available, so if you already know that you will attend WTM 2025, make sure you arrange your schedule to arrive on time for the training workshop on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Book your seat now and enjoy the Early Bird fee.
Venue: Central London, details to be advised. Transport from/to the hotel or Excel London can be arranged on request at a special rate.
• Early Bird participation fee for bookings paid before September 30, 2025: 175 Euros per person
• Full participation fee for bookings starting October 1, 2025: 200 Euros per person
VAT included if applicable.
Two or more seats booked at the same time enjoy an additional 10% discount.
Please note that payments are non-refundable. However, a change of participant is possible without additional fee until one day before the training workshop.
The participation fee includes training workshop participation, a certificate of participation, one year of free access to all content, including the Meaningful Tourism Weekly Library reserved for paid subscription holders, coffee/tea, cookies, and a vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch buffet.
On the evening of November 3, 2025, there will also be a (self-paid) dinner followed by drinks with an opportunity to network with participants and to meet several of the Meaningful Tourism trainers from different countries.
For bookings, please contact office@meaningfultourismcentre.org.
Bookings will be closed once 30 reservations have been reached. Book today and enjoy the Early Bird fee.
About Meaningful Tourism Weekly
Meaningful Tourism Weekly, published every Thursday by Meaningful Tourism Centre (MTC) - London and Kathmandu, recently partnered with Travel Asia Now, led by Rhea Vitto Tabora. This collaboration enhances the newsletter’s professional production and distribution, bringing added value to our readers.
Each issue features the Meaningful Tourism Weekly Editorial, updates on MTC activities, a Best Practice Example, a portrait of an MTC-certified trainer, news about upcoming events, and occasionally additional op-ed pieces from guest authors. Carefully selected news items, including videos and podcasts, are also included, along with links to their original sources in the Meaningful Tourism News section.
Subscription to Meaningful Tourism Weekly is free, with the addition of a paid content section that includes a library of surveys, exclusive articles, conference presentations, and statistical data, offering subscribers invaluable resources.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in supporting this initiative.
For more information about MTC's trainings, market research, product adaptation, consulting services, conferences, strategy development, and marketing, visit our website or email us at info@meaningfultourismcentre.org.
