travel and communication

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Travelers may find it difficult to empathize with locals, according to experts. Here, tourists in 2016 buy fruit juice at a market stall in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Travel is said to increase cultural understanding. Does it?

While researchers say travel does affect the brain’s neural pathways, true empathy remains an elusive destination.

Empathy is commonly defined as “putting yourself in another person’s shoes” or “feeling the emotional states of others.” It’s a critical social tool that creates social bridges by promoting shared experiences and producing compassionate behavior. But can empathy be learned? And can travel help facilitate this learning? The answer is complicated. “Research has shown that empathy is not simply inborn, but can actually be taught,” writes psychotherapist F. Diane Barth in Psychology Today . While past research has indicated that empathy is an unteachable trait, newer research—including a 2017 Harvard study —suggests that the “neurobiologically based competency” of empathy is mutable and can be taught under the right circumstances. Whether seeing the world actually opens travelers’ minds—that it makes travelers more empathetic—is up for debate. In a 2018 Harris Poll of 1,300 business travelers, 87 percent said that business trips helped them to be more empathetic to others, reports Quartz . And in a 2010 study , Columbia Business School professor Adam Galinsky found that travel “increases awareness of underlying connections and associations” with other cultures. While self-defined empathy and awareness are unreliable measurements, it stands to reason that cross-cultural exposure through travel would at least create conditions for checking conscious and unconscious biases. “If we are to move in the direction of a more empathic society and a more compassionate world, it is clear that working to enhance our native capacities to empathize is critical to strengthening individual, community, national, and international bonds,” writes Helen Riess, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of the 2017 report.

But the coronavirus pandemic and, more recently, the global Black Lives Matter protests have forced an uncomfortable reckoning—that all the travel in the world might not be enough to engender the deep cross-cultural awareness people need now.

“There’s this false adage that travel opens minds, but that’s not [a built-in] fact about what travel does,” says Travis Levius, a Black travel journalist and hospitality consultant based in London and Atlanta. “Travel does not automatically make you a better person,” nor does it clue you into “what’s going on in terms of race relations.”

Black Travel Alliance founder Martina Jones-Johnson agrees, noting that tourism boards have made it “overwhelmingly clear that travel doesn’t necessarily build empathy.”

The lack of diversity within the travel industry itself suggests that there’s much work to be done to make the industry as inclusive as the world of travel consumers. According to a 2019 annual report by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the leisure and hospitality industry were overwhelmingly white. Consumers, meanwhile, say they want to spend their money on travel companies whose employees reflect the world they work in, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council .

Additionally, companies that embrace inclusivity may have a better chance of avoiding tone-deaf messages , such as using “free at last”—the line is from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Dream” speech—to caption a billboard depicting white children jumping into the Florida Keys. The advertisement, which has since been taken down, launched in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis that sparked worldwide protests against police brutality.

(Related: Learn why it’s important to have diverse perspectives in travel.)

Karfa Diallo leads a tour of sites related to the trans-Atlantic slave trade in Bordeaux, France, in June 2020. Participating in activities that amplify marginalized voices and experiences can go a long way toward developing empathy, say experts.

A road paved with good intentions

Interestingly, modern tourism has fairly empathic origins. In the 1850s, Thomas Cook used new railway systems to develop short-haul leisure travel as respites for hard-working British laborers, according to Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, a senior lecturer on tourism management at the University of South Australia.

A hundred years later the United Nations declared reasonable working hours, paid holidays, and “rest and leisure” as human rights . By the 1960s, spurred by related movements to increase holiday time, the leisure sector had coalesced into a full-fledged professional industry.

Since then, the World Tourism Organization and international aid groups have championed tourism as both “a vital force for world peace [that] can provide the moral and intellectual basis for international understanding and interdependence,” as well as an economic development strategy for poorer nations.

But not everyone agrees that the travel industry has lived up to these lofty goals. In recent decades, it has been accused of doing just the opposite. As Stephen Wearing wrote nearly 20 years ago : “tourism perpetuates inequality” because multinational corporations from capitalist countries hold all the economic and resource power over developing nations.

(Related: This is how national parks are fighting racism.)

These days, inequality is baked into the very process of traveling, says veteran Time magazine foreign correspondent and Roads & Kingdoms co-founder Nathan Thornburgh. “Your frequent flier status, the stupid little cordon separating the boarding lines, the way you take an Uber or cab from the airport after you land, not a bus or colectivo or matatu —those all reinforce divisions, not empathy,” he writes in an email. “And that’s just getting to a place.”

Empathy’s downsides

Experts say developing empathy isn’t easy and comes with a host of problems. Joseph M. Cheer, a professor at Wakayama University’s Center for Tourism Research in Japan, notes that empathy inherently “others” another person.

In his 2019 study of westerners on a bike tour in Cambodia, Cheer found that despite the prosocial aspects of the experience—visiting local non-governmental organizations, interacting with local Cambodians—post-tour interviews revealed that the tourists didn’t understand the cultural context of the outing. The visitors leaned into problematic tropes like “happy,” “lovely,” and “generous” when describing locals or simply saw Cambodians as service providers.

This “othering” bias, Cheer says, becomes more noticeable the greater the distance between tourists and locals, and especially so in strictly transactional encounters, such as in hotels.

A worker at a resort in Bali. Researchers say visitors should make a commitment to understand local cultures by moving past transactional interactions.

Our individual travel experiences oppose our best intentions, says travel writer Bani Amor, who has written extensively on race, place, and power.

“The stated [positive] intentions are completely contradictive to what happens in the tourism industry and how oppressive it is to BIPOC [Black, indigenous, and people of color] around the world, how tourism laborers are being treated, and how they’re being dispossessed, not having a right to their own land and to enjoy our own places,” says Amor, who has worked in the tourism industry in their ancestral home of Ecuador.

“You can only really know your own experience,” adds Anu Taranath, a racial equity professor at the University of Washington Seattle and a second-generation immigrant.

“I think we can develop empathetic feelings and sort of crack open our sense of self to include other people’s experiences in it. We can only deepen our own understanding of who we are in an unequal world and how that makes us feel and how that motivates us to shift our life in some way or another.”

I think in its purest form, empathy is basically impossible. I can weep for you, but I can’t weep as you. Nathan Thornburgh , founder, Roads & Kingdoms

Or as Thornburgh puts it: “I think in its purest form, empathy is basically impossible. I can weep for you, but I can’t weep as you.”

Traveling deeper

While experts conclude that travel may not inspire enough empathy to turn tourists into social justice activists, the alternative—not traveling at all—may actually be worse.

“[B]ecause travel produces encounters between strangers, it is likely to prompt empathetic-type imaginings, which simply wouldn’t be there without the proximity created by travel,” says Hazel Tucker in a 2016 study published in the Annals of Tourism. It’s also one reason why it’s important to expose children to travel at an early age.

Yet truly transformational experiences require more than just showing up with a suitcase. It requires energy, effort, and commitment on the part of tourists, as well as specific conditions, says Higgins-Desbiolles. “Visitors need to be prepped for the interaction so that they are ready to engage with the people on an equal level,” she notes.

Taranath’s book Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World may provide some starting points. “It’s an invitation to think more carefully about our good intentions and where they really need to be challenged,” Taranath explains. “How do you think about identity and difference in an unequal world? What does it actually look like?”

Additionally, Tucker suggests embracing what she calls “unsettled empathy”: learning about the cultures you’re planning to visit and sitting with uncomfortable legacies of colonialism, slavery, genocide, and displacement from which no destinations are exempt.

Barbara Manigault, a Gullah sweet grass basket weaver, practices her craft in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. American tourists with limited travel opportunities can find many places in the U.S. to learn more about other cultures.

That background can be the basis for meaningful conversations, which Cheer found are “the key element that prompted empathy.” Thornburgh adds that travelers should seek out places where there is “an equal and humanistic exchange, or something approaching it, between the visitors and the visited.”

(Related: The E.U. has banned American travelers. So where can they go? )

Toward that end, experts generally ruled out cruises. Instead, immersive experiences like Black Heritage Tours that amplify historically marginalized voices provide better opportunities for meaningful connections.

Fortunately for would-be travelers, those opportunities can be found even in these pandemic times, when many countries are restricting international travel, especially for Americans.

“We are so lucky in this country that the whole world has come here to build their lives, in big cities and small, and that we have Black and [Native American] communities throughout,” says Thornburgh. “Go to their restaurants, lend your talents to their schools, help them raise money for their playgrounds.

“You want travel? You want to experience different cultures? Start at home. Start now.”

Related Topics

• CULTURAL TOURISM
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE

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Why Communication is a Vital Element in Travel

Table of Contents

Travel And Communication – A Brief History

Travel and Communication as we know it today were not the same years ago. If one were to enter a time machine today and travel back to say the early 19th century, one would be astonished at how we lived in those times. Traveling from one place to another usually was on horseback and the fastest horses could take you up to a maximum distance of about 100 kilometers in a day. If you wanted to send a message there was no option of reaching out for the phone, you needed to write a letter which again would be delivered by horseback only or maybe on a ship. However, this scenario changed dramatically with the occurrence of two events, the development of the railways and the emergence of the telegraph system. Now distances that earlier used to take a day to traverse could be covered in a couple of hours and the telegraph system ensured that your messages reached remote corners within hours.

And then the ring from Alexander Graham Bell and the take off by the Wright brothers changed the very face of travel and communication. The rest, as they say, is history. The surge of technology has ensured that the world has never looked back since then.

Contemporary Travel And Communication

The world has shrunk today. The remotest corners of the world are just a flight or two away or just a call away. Air travel and state-of-the-art communication ensure that one is always accessible even on the go. New technology and the opening up of the spectrum has resulted in improving the quality of communication.

Smartphones and mobile networks have spawned an entirely new realm of social media. Today your colorful selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower or in front of a temple in Siem Reap can be shared almost instantly with your friends through the power of social media, fueled of course by a good communications network.

Network – The Holy Grail Of Travelers

We, as regular travelers for whom travel, is not only a passion but also a profession rely heavily on the availability of good networks wherever we travel. Our preferred network has always remained Airtel because of its robust connectivity in most places. We are also impressed by the power of Airtel speed in most places too.

Yes, there are moments when we crave for detox from all kinds of media and want to spend some time in a remote place in the lap of nature undisturbed by the ring of a phone or the beeps of WhatsApp messages. We do find these moments from time to time and sometimes we steal from the Bank of time. Many times these moments come on their own. But when we are traveling on work, the importance of a good network assumes vital significance.

On a recent trip to Arunachal Pradesh , the absence of a strong network in some areas served as a blessing in disguise as it gave us an opportunity to have an immersive experience of the local culture without distraction. However, the nature of our work makes it absolutely necessary for us to be always connected.

Moments of disconnect as we would like to call these experiences though enjoyable till they last, cannot of course last forever. A good communication network is necessary and most times vital for us when we travel and though there are multiple reasons why this is so important, here are three that we consider are important.

Good Network – A Professional Requirement

As travel bloggers and social media influencers, we need to be able to access our various social media platforms and site for us to be able to document and share our travel stories with our audiences. This needs to be done on the go, as after all there are not many takers for yesterday’s newspaper! We in most cases have committed deliverables to our clients’ deadlines of which have to be met, and if there is poor or no network we are in a soup. We need a network with good internet speed. Some of our travel articles for publications too are written on the go for which we need to do online research and this again calls for good network connectivity. An instance of how a good network helped us is the coverage of the Naropa Festival in Ladakh where we were able to do live updates on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, thanks to the connectivity that Airtel network provided even in the remote reaches of Ladakh .

Good Network – A Personal Requirement

Being on the go for us means that we are away from home for long stretches of time. In such a scenario we need to be in touch with family and friends at home. This is normally done through phone calls or WhatsApp messages. But an absence of network throws a spanner in the works and things can become a little uncomfortable. Recently in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh , damage to the telecommunication tower had ensured the complete absence of network in the area. There was only one lone old fashioned STD PCO booth that functioned and had long queues before it. We braved the queue just to call back home, using a landline and let people know that we were safe and had not disappeared from the face of the earth. It was a sigh of relief as we left the place and hear our phones spring into life with connectivity from the nearest Airtel tower.

Good Network – An Addictive Convenience 

The advent of smartphones and smart apps have revolutionized the world and travel is no exception. Though many of these may be offline apps, a good network connection is needed for most. In most cases, we plan our own itineraries and use the power of google maps not only for finding our way but also for hunting out local eateries and hotels. We depend on our smartphone backed by a good network for many of our essential activities from money transfer to paying our utility bills on the go to checking out basic phrases of a foreign language in a foreign land.  A good network is needed when we are racing against time and want to check in before the cut-off time at the airport . The Airtel network has always stood by us in ensuring that we are able to conveniently complete all these tasks and experience has made us believe that it is indeed one of the best network available.

To summarize,  our travel would be disastrous without the support of a good communication network for the most part if not all. How would be able to share that rare moment of a Mountain Gorilla thumping its chest or find the hotel that we had booked in Florence which seemed to be non-existent or search for a vegetarian restaurant in Sihanoukville, Cambodia without harnessing the power of a good network.?

Travel and communication are inextricably linked and the lines between them seem to be blurring every moment. With the latest technology, one can only expect exciting innovations which are going to further transform travel and communication as we see them today, however, nothing can happen in the absence of a good network.

How important is a good network connection when you travel? What is the most important reason that you need a good network when you travel? Do let us know your thoughts about this and the future of travel and communication through our comments section.

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16 thoughts on “why communication is a vital element in travel”.

For a blogger, a good mobile connectivity is essential to any travel experience! I cannot imagine traveling without mobile connectivity.

These days it is very important to stay connected with our family and friends. That is why i give much importance to mobile networks on my travels. 🙂

As you know, much of my work is online as well. Since I was traveling in North East India in last 2 months, I lost lot of money due to lack of good internet. This is why its important to grow internet network in untapped regions.

In today’s modern world, its hard to let go of any day without good connectivity. We are always travelling and sharing updates as bloggers we totally need good connectivity.

A good mobile network connection is very crucial while you are traveling. It is must to stay connected with family and friends. Moreover I need a good connection majorly to check some fab places nearby

I couldn’t agree more, communication with good phone connectivity is absolutely imperative especially when you’re on Solo trips, it helps you keep your loved ones updated

As a blogger, Yes! We need connectivity. But this digital world has overtaken upon us. Sometimes I feel while travel, enjoy the moment and capture it, later you can upload. This is what I do personally.

When we travel to some parts in the hills ,there’s hardly any connectivity , it made us so dependent on others for direction and contacting friends and family , very informative post

A stable network is perhaps the most important need these days. Both for professional or personal purpose its a definite necessity.

Communication is extremely important wherever we go. Whether it’s a personal trip or professional, we need to stay connected and need a good network. Thanks for sharing.

Being a telecom professional, I understand the need of proper network while traversing the lengths and breadths of a country. Being digital nomads, it makes it all the more necessary to have proper connectivity

I can’t even imagine my life offline, specially while traveling because it becomes more important to stay connected to my people. To have a stable and string network during travel is definitely my priority while choosing one

Sometimes it is mind blowing to just think what life would have been 200 years back! Communication has changed our life completely!

Good network connection is very important for me while traveling. As it becomes necessity to connect with family as well other important works are easily done

Travel and Commute always go hand in hand because that is the only solution to one’s escape!

Loved reading through. I personally feel good Mobile network and internet connectivity is a must these days while you are traveling as it helps you to stay connected with your family and your work too. And you dint have to shell out that extra money on internet connections in a browsing centre.

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Hospitality Industry Training

Improving Team Communication in Travel and Tourism

In the fast-paced and dynamic industry of travel and tourism, effective team communication is paramount to success. It is the cornerstone upon which seamless operations, exceptional customer service, and memorable experiences are built. From the coordination of travel itineraries to ensuring the satisfaction of guests, every aspect of this industry hinges on clear and efficient communication among team members.

In this discussion, we will explore the multifaceted strategies and tools that can be employed to enhance team communication, ultimately leading to improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

• Clear and efficient communication is essential for success in the travel and tourism industry.
• Implementing digital communication tools, such as virtual meetings and instant messaging, streamline processes and improve real-time collaboration.
• Tailoring communication strategies for diverse teams, including cultural sensitivity and addressing language variations, promotes effective participation and collaboration.
• Fostering a collaborative communication culture through open dialogue, active listening, and recognizing individual strengths enhances teamwork and aligns goals.

Understanding the Importance of Effective Communication

Understanding the importance of effective communication is essential for fostering positive relationships, ensuring smooth operations, and delivering exceptional customer experiences in the travel and tourism industry. Improving teamwork is heavily reliant on clear and open communication channels. When team members communicate effectively, they can share ideas, coordinate efforts, and collaborate more efficiently. This not only builds trust among team members but also enhances their ability to work together cohesively.

Furthermore, enhancing customer service is directly linked to effective communication. When staff can communicate clearly with customers, they can understand their needs, provide relevant information, and offer assistance, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction.

Additionally, streamlining operations within the travel and tourism industry is heavily dependent on effective communication. Clear communication between different departments and personnel is crucial for ensuring that processes run smoothly and that any issues or changes can be addressed promptly and accurately.

Implementing Digital Communication Tools

Effective communication in the travel and tourism industry can be further enhanced through the strategic implementation of digital communication tools. The use of these tools can streamline processes, improve real-time collaboration, and ensure that all team members are on the same page regardless of their physical location.

• Virtual Meetings: Digital communication tools enable virtual meetings, allowing team members to connect from different locations. This facilitates real-time updates and ensures that everyone is informed about the latest developments and changes in schedules or itineraries.
• Remote Collaboration: With the ability to collaborate remotely, teams can work together efficiently without being in the same physical space. This is especially valuable in the travel and tourism industry, where team members are often dispersed across different destinations.
• Instant Messaging: Digital communication tools offer instant messaging capabilities, which can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of communication among team members. Quick exchanges of information, updates, and queries can be made without the need for lengthy email exchanges or phone calls.

Tailoring Communication Strategies for Diverse Teams

Tailoring communication strategies for diverse teams requires a nuanced approach that acknowledges the unique cultural, linguistic, and interpersonal dynamics within the team. Cultural sensitivity plays a crucial role in effective communication within a diverse team. Understanding and respecting the cultural differences of team members can help in avoiding misunderstandings and misinterpretations that may arise due to varying cultural norms and practices.

Moreover, being mindful of individual team dynamics is equally important. Each team has its own unique blend of personalities, communication styles, and hierarchies. Recognizing and adapting to these dynamics can foster better collaboration and communication among team members.

Effective communication in diverse teams also involves recognizing the impact of language variations. It’s essential to ensure that language barriers are addressed through clear and inclusive communication. This may involve using simple and concise language, providing language support when needed, and promoting active listening to ensure that all team members can effectively participate in discussions.

Ultimately, tailoring communication strategies for diverse teams requires a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and team dynamics, allowing for the development of inclusive and effective communication practices.

Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers

Navigating the complexities of diverse teams involves adeptly addressing language and cultural barriers to ensure seamless communication and collaboration. Overcoming language and cultural barriers in the travel and tourism industry requires a strategic approach that prioritizes effective communication and mutual understanding.

Key strategies to overcome these barriers include:

• Language training: Providing language training for team members can significantly enhance their ability to communicate with colleagues and customers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. By equipping team members with the necessary language skills, businesses can ensure that information is accurately conveyed and understood, leading to improved customer service and overall teamwork.
• Cultural sensitivity: Encouraging cultural sensitivity and awareness within the team is crucial for fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. This involves educating team members about different cultural norms, customs, and communication styles to promote mutual respect and understanding. By promoting cultural sensitivity, businesses can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts that may arise from cultural differences, ultimately strengthening team cohesion and customer relations.

Fostering a Collaborative Communication Culture

Establishing a culture of open and transparent communication is fundamental to fostering collaboration within travel and tourism teams. Building trust among team members is crucial for effective communication and teamwork. In the travel and tourism industry, where teams often consist of diverse individuals, fostering a collaborative communication culture is essential for success.

To build trust within the team, it is important to encourage open dialogue and active listening. Team members should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. This creates an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, leading to stronger bonds and enhanced teamwork.

Enhancing teamwork is another key aspect of fostering a collaborative communication culture. This involves promoting a shared vision, encouraging collective problem-solving, and recognizing the strengths of individual team members. Effective communication plays a vital role in coordinating efforts, aligning goals, and maximizing the potential of the team.

In conclusion, effective communication is crucial in the travel and tourism industry to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction.

Implementing digital communication tools, tailoring strategies for diverse teams, and fostering a collaborative communication culture are essential for success.

Overcoming language and cultural barriers is also key in promoting clear and effective communication.

By prioritizing communication, travel and tourism teams can work together more efficiently and provide a better experience for their customers.

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Crafting an Effective Travel Communication Strategy

Learn how to craft an effective travel communication strategy. Discover tips to engage travelers and promote destinations. Read more on HIVO!

In today's digital age, effective communication is paramount in every industry. This is especially true in the travel industry, where clear and concise messaging can make or break a customer's experience. Crafting an effective travel communication strategy is essential for travel businesses looking to engage customers, build brand loyalty, and ultimately drive revenue. In this article, we will explore the key elements of a successful travel communication strategy, provide tips on implementation, share real-life case studies, and discuss how to evaluate and adapt your strategy over time.

Understanding the Importance of a Travel Communication Strategy

Effective communication plays a vital role in travel planning. Potential travellers rely on various sources of information to make informed decisions about their travel experiences. An effective travel communication strategy ensures that your target audience receives accurate and relevant information, enhancing their overall travel planning experience.

When it comes to travel, there is so much to consider. From choosing the perfect destination to finding the best accommodations and planning exciting activities, travellers are constantly seeking information to make their trip unforgettable. This is where communication comes into play.

Imagine you are planning a trip to a tropical paradise. You want to know everything about the destination - the stunning beaches, the local culture, the delicious food, and the thrilling adventures that await you. Without effective communication, you might be left in the dark, unsure of what to expect. But with a well-executed travel communication strategy, you can have all the information you need at your fingertips.

The Role of Communication in Travel Planning

When planning a trip, travellers seek information about destinations, accommodations, transportation options, and activities. Clear and comprehensive communication helps travellers understand their options, make informed decisions, and feel confident in their choices. By providing valuable information, you can establish yourself as a trusted authority in the travel industry and forge strong customer relationships.

Let's say you are planning a trip to a bustling city. You want to explore its rich history, visit iconic landmarks, and indulge in the local cuisine. Without effective communication, you might miss out on hidden gems and unique experiences that only locals know about. But with a well-crafted travel communication strategy, you can discover all the must-see attractions, the best places to eat, and even insider tips that will make your trip truly memorable.

Effective communication is not just about providing information; it's about creating a connection with your audience. By understanding their needs and desires, you can tailor your communication to address their specific interests. Whether it's a family looking for child-friendly activities or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, your travel communication strategy can cater to their individual needs.

Why Effective Communication Matters in Travel

Travel experiences are deeply personal and emotional. Effective communication allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level, addressing their concerns, answering their questions, and sparking their interest. By conveying the unique aspects of your travel offerings and sharing compelling stories, you can inspire travellers to choose your company over competitors.

Imagine you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights. You want to make sure you choose the right tour operator who can provide an unforgettable experience. Without effective communication, you might be left with unanswered questions and doubts. But with a travel communication strategy that showcases the expertise and passion of your company, you can instill confidence in potential travellers and convince them that you are the perfect choice for their dream trip.

Effective communication is not just about selling a product or service; it's about creating a lasting connection with your audience. By sharing captivating stories and testimonials from satisfied travellers, you can build trust and loyalty. Your communication strategy can highlight the unique experiences that await travellers, making them eager to embark on their next adventure with your company.

Key Elements of a Successful Travel Communication Strategy

An effective travel communication strategy encompasses several crucial elements that work together to create a cohesive and impactful message.

When it comes to travel communication, there is a plethora of factors to consider. From identifying your target audience to crafting clear and concise messages, each element plays a vital role in ensuring the success of your strategy. Let's dive deeper into these key elements and explore how they contribute to a successful travel communication strategy.

Identifying Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is the first step in crafting an effective communication strategy. Researching their demographics, interests, and preferences allows you to tailor your messages accordingly. By segmenting your audience into specific groups, you can deliver targeted communication that resonates with each segment.

For example, if your travel business caters to adventure-seeking millennials, your communication strategy may focus on highlighting adrenaline-pumping activities, trendy destinations, and budget-friendly options. On the other hand, if your target audience consists of luxury travelers, your strategy may revolve around promoting exclusive experiences, high-end accommodations, and personalized services.

By understanding your audience, you can create messages that speak directly to their desires, capturing their attention and encouraging them to choose your travel services.

Choosing the Right Communication Channels

Engaging with your audience through the most appropriate communication channels is essential. In today's digital age, there is an array of online platforms available, such as social media, email marketing, and your website, that can help you reach and connect with your target audience.

However, it's important to consider that not all travelers may be active on social media or rely solely on online platforms for travel information. Some may still prefer traditional methods of communication. Therefore, incorporating offline channels like print materials, travel brochures, and personalized mailers can help you reach a wider audience.

By adapting your approach to suit the preferences of your target audience, you can ensure that your messages are delivered through the channels they are most likely to engage with, increasing the chances of capturing their interest and inspiring them to take action.

Crafting Clear and Concise Messages

When communicating with travelers, clarity is key. Craft messages that convey information clearly, succinctly, and with a touch of creativity. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Instead, focus on using language that is easily understandable and relatable.

For instance, if you are promoting a beach destination, instead of using complex geographical terms, describe the crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets that await your potential travelers. By painting a vivid picture with your words, you can evoke emotions and create a sense of longing, enticing travelers to choose your destination.

Furthermore, in today's fast-paced world, attention spans are shorter than ever. To capture the attention of busy travelers, keep your messages concise yet engaging. Use attention-grabbing headlines, bullet points, and visually appealing imagery to break up text and make it easier to consume.

Remember, the goal is to deliver a message that not only informs but also inspires and motivates travelers to take action, whether it's booking a trip, exploring your website further, or signing up for your newsletter.

As you can see, a successful travel communication strategy involves careful consideration of various elements. From understanding your audience to choosing the right channels and crafting clear messages, each step contributes to the overall effectiveness of your strategy. By implementing these key elements, you can create a cohesive and impactful travel communication strategy that resonates with your target audience and drives results.

Implementing Your Travel Communication Strategy

Once you have developed a solid travel communication strategy, it's time to put it into action. Implementation requires careful planning and execution to ensure seamless communication across all touchpoints.

Steps to Implement a Communication Strategy

Begin by aligning all internal stakeholders on the strategy and its objectives. Establish clear communication guidelines and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Create an editorial calendar to schedule your communication activities and maintain a consistent presence across channels. Regularly monitor and analyze your communication efforts to identify areas for improvement.

Overcoming Potential Challenges

Implementing a travel communication strategy can present challenges, such as gathering accurate and up-to-date information, managing customer feedback effectively, and handling unexpected crises. Develop contingency plans and protocols to address potential challenges, ensuring that your communication strategy remains resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity.

Case Studies: Successful Travel Communication Strategies

Real-life case studies offer valuable insights into effective travel communication strategies. Let's explore two diverse examples to showcase the versatility and impact of strategic communication in the travel industry.

Case Study 1: A Global Travel Agency

Global travel agencies have a vast customer base with varying interests and preferences. By segmenting their audience and delivering personalized communication, a leading global travel agency increased customer engagement and satisfaction. They leveraged email marketing campaigns, targeted social media advertisements, and informative blog posts to communicate relevant travel information and exclusive deals. These efforts resulted in a significant increase in both customer loyalty and bookings.

Case Study 2: A Boutique Tour Operator

A boutique tour operator specializing in niche travel experiences faced challenges reaching a specific target audience. By utilizing a combination of engaging storytelling through their website, collaborating with niche influencers, and leveraging social media platforms, the tour operator significantly increased brand awareness among their target audience. This led to an increase in bookings and a loyal customer base seeking unique travel experiences.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Travel Communication Strategy

Regular evaluation is crucial in determining the success of your travel communication strategy. By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), you can measure the impact of your efforts and make data-driven decisions for improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Travel Communication

Some essential KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of your travel communication strategy include website traffic, social media engagement rates, email open rates, conversion rates, customer satisfaction surveys, and revenue generated from communication-driven initiatives. Regularly review and analyze these metrics to identify trends and areas for optimization.

Adapting and Improving Your Strategy Over Time

The travel industry is ever-evolving, and so should your communication strategy. Continuously gather feedback from your customers and adapt your strategy to address emerging trends and changing customer demands. Embrace innovation and new communication channels to stay ahead of the competition and effectively reach your target audience.

By crafting an effective travel communication strategy, you can leverage the power of communication to create memorable travel experiences, foster customer loyalty, and drive business growth. Incorporate the key elements discussed in this article, draw inspiration from successful case studies, and regularly evaluate your strategy to ensure it remains relevant and impactful. With a well-executed travel communication strategy, you can navigate the dynamic travel landscape with confidence and connect with travellers on a genuinely meaningful level.

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12 Technology and Travel

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This chapter discusses the crucial links between technology and travel behaviours, looking both at traditional transport technologies and the impacts of other technologies. The development of transport technology has enabled us to travel more cheaply, more comfortably, faster and for longer distances – hence the massive growth of travel with all its attendant and varied effects. The chapter argues that the impacts of substitutionary technology (e.g. telecommunications) or non-transport technology (e.g. better storage of food) are more complex and difficult to predict, especially since people do not always behave rationally, but these technologies play an important role in shaping our travel behaviours. The chapter briefly examines possible future technological developments before concluding that we need to develop resilient technologies to allow for uncertainty whilst tackling the need for sustainability in future travel.

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"[Genetically Modified Organisms: A Scientific-Political Dialogue on a Meaningless Meme] is an excellent book presenting a very strong case for abandoning the acronym GMO. It will be extremely helpful to scholars and educators in developing countries who need to persuade their populace and politicians to adopt modern methods to reap the benefits of more nutritious foods and greatly improved yields."

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Travel and Intercultural Communication: Going North

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This volume brings together the proceedings of “Going North: An Interdisciplinary Conference on Travel and Intercultural Communication” held in Halden, Norway, in 2016. Today’s world is akin to a global network where spatial, linguistic and cultural mobility reshapes our identities. This mobility is unprecedented in its scope, and is caused by a multitude of reasons, from purely leisurely travel to desperate flight. The “Going North” conference addressed the role of travel – past and present – and intercultural communication connected to travel.

The book brings together texts focusing on going north from several geographical points of departure, from a wide range of genres, and explores a range of intercultural aspects such as issues of identity, othering, the crossing of borders, and cultural perceptions of the north.

Dr Eva Lambertsson Björk teaches Intercultural Communication at various levels, including a Master’s programme in English for language teachers at Østfold University College, Halden, Norway. Her academic background is in English literature and English for specific purposes. She served as the Dean of her faculty from 1996 to 2009. Since 2010, her academic work has included close cooperation with Dr Jutta Eschenbach at Østfold University College. This cooperation has led to, among other projects, the development of a teaching method based on film fragments, Reel Life, for which they were awarded Østfold University College’s award for innovative teaching in 2013. Current research interests include, in addition to travel literature, intercultural learning and issues related to identity construction.

Dr Jutta Eschenbach teaches Intercultural Communication at various levels, including a Master’s programme in German for language teachers at Østfold University College, Halden, Norway. Her background includes, among other academic fields, German for specific purposes and intercultural studies. Since 2010 her academic work has been done in close cooperation with Dr Eva Lambertsson Björk at Østfold University College. This cooperation has led to, among other projects, the development of a teaching method based on film fragments, Reel Life, for which they were awarded Østfold University College’s award for innovative teaching in 2013. Current research interests include, in addition to travel literature, intercultural learning and issues related to identity construction.

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3 Talking about Travel and Experiences

In this chapter, you will learn about:

• Wh and Yes/ No question formation
• Intonation in English
• Opening, closing and extending basic conversations

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”

– Saint Augustine

Discussion Questions

• Read the quotation above. What does it mean?
• Do you like to travel? Why or why not?

Chapter 3 Vocabulary

view (n./v.) produce (v.) develop (v.) remember(v.) decide (v.)

argue (v.) achieve (v.) challenge (n./v.) introduce (v.) ability (n.)

Use your dictionary to find the meaning for the vocabulary words in the box above. Then write the words from the box next to their definitions below.

An opinion or way of thinking about something:                             .

To get or reach something by working hard:                              .

To make someone or something known by name:                              .

The power or skill to do something:                              .

To cause something to grow or become bigger:                              .

To make a choice about something:                              .

To keep an idea or image in your mind:                              .

A difficult problem:                              .

To give reasons for or against something:                              .

To make or create something:                              .

Part 2: Syllables

Listen to the pronunciation of the vocabulary words. Write the number of syllables that you hear in each word. The first word has been done for you.

• introduce =
• challenge =

Activity 2 Part 1

Read the conversation and complete the missing words with the chapter 3 vocabulary words below. You will not use three of the words.

Sam : Hey Tina! I haven’t seen you all year! How was your trip to Brazil last year?

Tina : Hey Sam! I know! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. My trip was great. I had a few                             that were kind of difficult, but it was a good trip overall.

Sam : How did you                           to visit Brazil? Had you traveled there before?

Tina : No, I hadn’t, but my friend                        me to some Brazilian people and they were very nice, so I bought a ticket and went.

Sam : Cool! Do you                                 any interesting things that you did while you were there?

Tina : Well, my friend that I went with actually                             short travel films, so he made a movie about our trip. It shows all the places we went. I’ll give you the website, so you can watch it.

Sam : Wow! That sounds great! It’s not easy to travel with a friend. Did you                               or fight with each other?

Tina : No, not really. We got along great, and we had so much fun.

Sam : That’s great to hear. Would you return in the future?

Tina : Yes, definitely! If I have the                          , I will return in the future .

Sam : Cool. Well, it’s great to see you!

Tina : You too! See you around!

Sam : You too! Bye!

Activity 2 Part 2

Chapter 3 Activity 2

Grammar Point: Questions in English

There are two types of questions in English: Yes/ No questions and WH questions.

Yes/No questions

Begin with these verbs: Do/ Does — Is / Are

They are answered with a “Yes” or a “No”.

The be verb (is/are) is used to start questions when a noun or adjective follows the subject.

Question: Is Ms. Brown a teacher ? (noun)

Answer: Yes, she is.

Question: Are the students happy ? (adjective)

Answer: No, they aren’t.

The verbs ‘do’ or ‘does’ are used to start questions when a verb follows the subject.

Question: Does she work here? (verb)

Answer: No, she doesn’t.

Question: Do they speak English? (verb)

Answer: Yes, they do.

W H questions

Follow the same grammar rules, but they begin with the question words:

Who, What, When, Where, How, Why

WH questions have longer answers, not just “yes” or “no”

Where does she live?

She lives downtown.

When is your class?

I have class on Monday and Wednesday.

Look at the answers below. Write a question that matches the answer. Think carefully about the grammar in the answer.

Question =?

Answer: No, they are from Canada.

Answer: She works at a bank.

Answer: My birthday is June 22nd.

Answer: Yes, I’m a student here.

Discussion Activit y

You and your best friend are taking a vacation for spring break. You are deciding between two kinds of vacations. First, ask your partner the WH questions below, so you understand what kind of vacation they like.

• What kind of weather do you like?
• Do you want to exercise or relax on vacation?
• Do long flights annoy you?
• What is your budget (how much money can you spend)?
• How long do you want to go for?

Now, study the information below about the two vacations. Together, with your partner, choose one vacation. You must agree with your partner on the same vacation.

Which vacation will you choose? Why?

Vacation #1: Ski Vacation in Canada

• 2-hour flight from Portland
• Cold, snowy weather
• Hotel includes hot tub and swimming pool
• English language is spoken
• Breakfast and dinner included
• Opportunities to ski and snowboard
• $3,000.00 for 6 days

Vacation #2: Beach vacation in the Maldives

• 18-hour flight from Portland
• Hot, sunny weather
• Hotel is right on the beach
• Some English is spoken
• No meals included
• Opportunities to swim and dive
• $3,500.00 for 5 days

Speaking Tip: Intonation

In the English language, the sound of a person’s voice goes up or down when they say the last word of a question or sentence. This difference in sound is called “intonation”.

• WH questions =   falling intonation (voice goes down)
• Yes/No questions = rising intonation (up)
• Statements = falling intonation (down)
• Exclamations (excited speech!) = rising then falling intonation (up then down)

Practicing Intonation

Practice activity 1.

Directions: Listen to the questions and circle the type of intonation you hear.

Listening for Intonation

Practice Activity 2

Directions: Using the intonation examples on the previous page, decide if the questions and statements below have rising or falling intonation. Draw an up or down arrow next to each number. The first one has been done for you.

• I travel as often as I can.
• What is your favorite country?
• Are you from Japan?
• I love to travel!

Practice Activity 3

Directions: Ask your partner the questions below. Practice using correct intonation.

• Where are you from?
• When was your last vacation?
• Do you like to travel on trains?
• What is your name?
• Have you been to New York City?
• Where is your favorite place to travel in the world?

Speaking Tip: Conversation Continuers

These words are used to show interest or understanding in a conversation and to make conversations last longer. Study them and include them in your English conversation.

To show interest

• Tell me more.
• That’s interesting.

To show concern

• Oh, that’s too bad.
• I’m sorry to hear that.
• What happened?

To show excitement

• That’s great!

To follow up

• What about you?
• Tell me about you.
• Enough about me.
• Let’s talk about you.

Directions: Using the words and phrases from above, work with a partner to complete the conversation below. Then practice reading the conversation using correct intonation.

A: Hey! How are you?

B: I’m not that good.

A:                             ?

B: Well, I missed my flight. Now I have to pay extra to fly tomorrow.

A:                            

B: Yeah.                             ?

A: Well, I’m actually great! I feel so happy today!

B:                             ?

A: I just got married this weekend.

B:                             !

A: I know! I’m so happy. But, I’m also feeling worried because of my busy schedule.

B:                             .

A: I’m going on a vacation next week, but I have so much work to do before then.

A: Well, good luck with your flight tomorrow!

B: Thanks! It was nice to see you!

A: You too! See you later!

Speaking Fluency Practice

Ask the questions below to your classmates. Use the conversation phrases on the page before to keep the conversation going back and forth.

• Do you like to travel?
• What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
• Do you like to travel alone or with people?
• When was your last trip?
• Do you like to fly on airplanes?
• Is it expensive to travel around your country?
• Do you like to achieve something when you travel or just relax?
• How do you decide where to go when you travel? Do you plan in advance?
• What do you remember about your best travel experience?
• When will you go on your next trip?

Hiking, by Maxmann

Homework survey

Directions: Ask five Americans or good speakers of English about their travel experiences. Listen and write their answers below.

• Where is your favorite place to travel?
• How often do you travel?
• How many countries have you travelled to?
• Where should I travel in the U.S.?
• Where should I travel in the U.S.

Chapter 3 R eview

• In this chapter, you learned about:
• How to make WH and Yes/No questions in English
• How intonation sounds in questions and statements in English
• Useful phrases for continuing conversations

Extra Listening Practice

• Keren compares ways to travel, such as travelling alone or with a friend.
• Greg gives travel tips on how not to get lost in a new location.
• David talks about the many places he has visited around the world.

Communication Beginnings Copyright © 2018 by Della Jean Abrahams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Travel across time zones and the implications for human performance post pandemic: Insights from elite sport

Associated data.

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s.

Notwithstanding technological innovation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and new communication tools, the need for travel is growing again and, in some travel segments, it is stronger than ever. Interestingly, the public health implications of traveling across time zones are still poorly understood and this is especially true for organizations that send their workers across the globe. Using data from 173 Olympic teams over 15 Olympic Games, we show that crossing multiple time zones has negative implications for human (sports) performance. More importantly, the results indicate that performance impairment is especially visible after flying east, with peak performance particularly impaired, leading to a “gold demotion effect” of gold medals to silver medals as a result. Given that Olympic sporting teams typically have dedicated medical staff and active mitigation strategies, these findings have important public health implications. For example, organizations are demanding their workers to be on “top of their game” while traveling, without providing them with the support and tools to do so. The implications for public health management and human resource management are discussed.

Introduction

Globalization is an important driver for organizational growth and performance and to tap into opportunities for growth, organizations increasingly use global teams for innovation and market development. Notwithstanding the huge potential of employing global teams, there are organizational health risk factors that are poorly understood resulting in suboptimal outcomes from employees working across the globe and for public health in general ( 1 ).

Global organizational structures are increasingly facilitated through new technologies such as collaboration tools and video conferencing. This trend has seen tremendous growth as COVID-19 dramatically interrupted business travel and new ways of working using Zoom and other collaboration tools became part of the new normal ( 2 ). Although technology is facilitating new ways of communication and collaboration, team members continue to keep a significant travel schedule that is poorly understood at the individual level, let alone at the organizational level in terms of stress, health and human impact ( 3 ).

The purpose of this article is to investigate an area where more is known about jet lag and impact and use this setting to further our understanding at the organizational and community level. In the area of global elite sport, much more is known about athletes, their travel schedules, health and their performance ( 4 ). This provides an interesting opportunity for interdisciplinary research to answer a question in global movement and management research that “has overlooked an important category of international operator: the international business traveler” ( 3 ).

This study is not about sports per se , but it uses a non-traditional assignment arena of athletes to inform studies on business travel and its impact on global team performance ( 5 ). Crossing multiple time zones can result in jet lag and sleep deprivation ( 6 ), which are likely to have adverse effects on performance ( 6 , 7 ). Athletes—and there is anecdotal evidence a similar approach exists for employees—will try to mitigate the negative impact of travel by flying in early to allow adjustment, or by using some form of jet lag treatment plan ( 8 , 9 ). Strategies to ameliorate the effects of jet lag include light seeking or avoidance, melatonin, and other pharmacological agents ( 8 , 10 ). Compared to the support that athletes get, workers who travel get little or no support, even for travelers who traveled internationally as many as 26 times a year ( 11 ).

Little is still known about the extent of the impact and duration of jet lag, including social jet lag, on performance, although the rule of thumb is that recovering from jet lag takes “a number of days equal to about two-thirds of the number of time zones that have been crossed” ( 9 ) and the impact and duration of these effects vary across individuals and occasions ( 7 , 12 ). The potential performance impairment for global teams that develop their market or develop new innovations is poorly understood. In addition, there may be an important need to support traveling workers better when they fly longer distances ( 1 ).

There is growing evidence that the symptoms of jet lag can worsen before resolving and that the direction of flight also has an impact ( 6 ). The circadian rhythm is a complex mechanism mediated by light, and jet lag is a disruption of this circadian rhythm ( 6 ). The symptoms of jet lag include insomnia and daytime sleepiness, but can also include “dysphoric mood, diminished physical performance, cognitive impairment, and gastrointestinal disturbances” ( 6 ), and even urticaria ( 13 ).

In this study, the aim is to use data on the travel and performance of Olympic national teams to understand the performance of international business travelers and the implications on international human resourcing and global work practices. Because the effects of jet lag can have a substantial impact on physical and cognitive ability ( 6 ), it is important to investigate these effects and their impact more closely. We present multi-year evidence of a measurable and significant adverse effect of crossing multiple time zones on Olympic team performance, with an emphasis on medal achievement composition. The results provide evidence of a “demotion effect” where athletes who were likely to win a gold medal win a silver medal instead. This “demotion effect” is studied while controlling for a range of other factors. The findings have implications for both athletes and business travelers and for organizations, including Australian businesses where business travel is prolific given the geographical location.

The structure is as follows; first, the factors influencing Olympic team performance are discussed, and the potential role and impact of jet lag on performance is explored. Second, three hypotheses are proposed on the relationship between the number of time zones crossed and the direction of flight on performance. Thirdly, the data set covering 15 Olympic Games and the methodology used to analyze this data is outlined; the results are presented and discussed; conclusions are drawn, and the implications and limitations are analyzed. Finally, the significance of the results for theory, management, organizations, and travel are discussed.

Factors influencing Olympic performance

The Olympic games provide the context for our study on the impact of travel on human performance ( 4 ). To ensure the best performance outcomes, athletes need to be at their peak in terms of ability, training, support, and preparation. Several studies have identified determinants of Olympic success and a range of factors have previously been used to predict success in the Olympic Games.

The population size of the country is an obvious factor for Olympic medal success: nations with larger populations have an increased statistical probability of producing Olympic medal-winning athletes than nations with a smaller population to draw from. This positive relationship between population and medal count has been confirmed by Putt ( 14 ), who analyzed the correlation between population and weighted medal count (where gold, silver and bronze medals were weighted in a 3:2:1 ratio). Accordingly, almost every model used to predict Olympic medal count uses population as a basic factor to predict Olympic medal performance. A similarly intuitive measure for predicting Olympic medal success is the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) and its economic factors, as wealthier nations have more resources to direct to Olympic performance than less wealthy ones, and almost all predictive models take into account a nation's GDP per capita . Thus, a nation's population multiplied by its GDP per capita is the usual starting point for calculating Olympic medal success. Nations that have a strong sporting culture will show Olympic results above what would be expected for their population and GDP per capita (e.g., Bulgaria, North Korea). Often politics and national sport organizations are involved to win national esteem and to invest and support athletes' performance ( 15 ). Finally, there are some Olympics specific factors such as the boost from hosting the Olympic Games and the strong positive effect on Olympic medal performance for the host nation is borne out of having a home advantage and incentives to invest ( 16 ). These necessary control factors will be included in our analyses.

Time zone disparity and jet lag

Jet lag typically occurs when a person crosses three or more time zones ( 9 ), has a negative effect on performance ( 17 ), which extends to performance in sports ( 18 ). The effect is typically worse flying east than flying west [( 19 , 20 ), pp. 136, 138], and the degree of jet lag can be assessed with standardized scales to quantify this ( 7 , 12 , 21 ).

The effect of jet lag has been documented and studied considerably ( 18 ), and the negative impact of jet lag has been reported by athletes themselves; in a series of 15 interviews with Olympic athletes, jet lag was noted as a factor that negatively impacted performance ( 22 ). For an overview of Jet Lag studies see Table 1 . As a result of this effect from jet lag, comprehensive and detailed jet lag management plans specifically for athletes have been devised, depending on the number of time zones crossed and the direction of flight ( 8 ), as the degree of jet lag is proportional to the number of time zones crossed ( 6 ).

Studies in jet lag.

The effects of crossing multiple time zones and the resultant jet lag have been assessed in a variety of sports, such as basketball ( 23 ). However, while the athletic community has been studied heavily, research into the effect of jet lag on international business travelers has been overlooked, with a lack of organizational support for business travelers despite them being a valuable resource to their company ( 3 , 4 ). International business travelers are often “conducting business in a cloud of caffeinated jet lag” ( 17 ), despite the duty of care owed by companies to their employees ( 11 ).

Olympic medal team performance

While travel time and mere distance may affect performance, this article makes the hypothesis that time zone disparity is an overlooked factor on athletic performance. Olympic medal tallies, in the Summer Olympics, are expected to be impacted in specific ways. As time zone disparity increases athletic performance is likely to be impacted ( 6 ). So there are a number of elements to the individual athlete's presentation for the personal examination presented by competition that are impacted adversely by time zone disparity, making high performance more difficult ( 1 ). Thus, it would seem highly likely that as the number of time zones crossed increases, the medal count decreases (i.e., human performance decreases).

• H1: There is a negative relationship between time zone disparity (the number of time zones crossed) and human sports performance .

The direction of flight matters with respect to crossing time zones and performance. Typically, flying east results in more severe jet lag than flying an equivalent distance west [( 20 ), pp. 136, 138]. This finding was borne out in a study of 20 healthy elderly subjects aged 67–87 years who had their circadian rhythm advanced or delayed, as alertness was disrupted more after the phase advance than after the phase delay ( 19 ). However, it has been noted that some people may respond better to flying eastward ( 18 ).

In a study that compared jet lag experienced by athletes flying west vs. flying east, the athletes who flew east took a longer time to adjust to the new time zone ( 24 ). Re-entrainment into the destination's time zone is more difficult if the circadian rhythm is contracted, which happens as a result of flying east, and is generally slower after flying east than it is after flying west ( 6 , 25 ). Additionally, the direction of flight correlates with the type of jet lag experienced, with flying west associated with evening sleepiness and extremely early awakenings and flying east with difficulties falling asleep and morning or noontime sleepiness [( 20 ), pp. 136, 138]. Even in the American National Football League with its limited time zone disparity of 3 h from the east to the west coasts of the United States, it was found west coast teams had an advantage in evening games ( 26 ). Similarly, in the American sports context eastward flight has been shown to negatively impact performance in baseball more than the equivalent westward flight ( 27 ).

Thus, it would seem reasonable to infer that performance will be more adversely affected, and therefore have a lower medal count in the Olympics setting, than those who fly west or remain in the same time zone, despite the preparation that teams will have made ( 1 ).

• H2: There is a more negative relationship between time zone disparity and human sports performance if the travel is in easterly direction .

Peak performance impact

Medical jet lag research has often focused on physical performance using objective biological markers such as vitamins or minerals ( 28 ); trace elements or biological variables such as nitric oxide ( 29 ). These indicators have been shown to have limited validity in terms of actual performance, with self-reported measures of physical performance being more useful than objective biological markers ( 30 ).

Human performance is not only dependent on physical attributes such as fine motor skills, gross motor performance but senses including eyesight, hearing, reflex response and cognitive function as well can all be important on the outcome depending on the sport ( 31 ). Thus, effective predictors of athletic performance include measures of physical and cognitive performance in preference to biological markers.

Peak performance has been shown to be closely aligned to the “flow” state described by Csikszentmihalyi ( 32 ). Given the disruption to cognitive function that can be caused by crossing multiple time zones and the resultant jet lag ( 6 ), it would seem reasonable to infer that the ability to attain peak performance could be impaired significantly by jet lag.

In order to obtain a gold medal, peak performance is paramount. The difference between gold and silver medals can be extraordinarily small; if a competitor traveled across more time zones than their competitors there may be a relatively small impairment of athletic performance, but it will result in a different medal. This small impairment may be very significant in terms of Olympic medal count: “at Athens, the combined margin of five British gold medals being silver medals was only 0.545 s—that shows how close it can be” ( 33 ). Thus, even the slightest effect on peak performance is likely to affect the gold medal count, demoting a competitor to silver or even bronze.

The small but significant deterioration in athletic peak performance may result in the competitor or team missing out on receiving a gold medal but receiving a silver medal or less instead. This “demotion effect” would be apparent if the mix of medals is downgraded. If only the highest levels of peak performance are affected, it is possible the lower medals (silver and bronze) may avoid this “demotion effect” and even get boosted instead.

Several studies support the notion that peak performance may suffer most. For example, it is widely known that a person's chronotype affects the time during the day where performance peaks [( 20 ), pp. 152–162]. For athletes, the variation in performance according to the time of day does have some endogenous input, most likely genetic ( 31 ).

• H3: There is a negative relationship between crossing time zones in easterly direction and human performance. This relationship is more negative for peak performance .

For hypothesis 3 to hold the team's gold medal tally needs to show a “demotion effect” in gold medals (reflective of peak performance) and it may or may not show an increase in the tally of the lower medals (silver, bronze), depending on whether the performance impairment is more homogeneous across the performance curve. If there is a boost in silver medal count and not in bronze, it shows that silver medal count is less impaired then gold and also that silver “demotion” is not affecting the bronze medal tally significantly.

If there is support for (some of) the hypotheses in the highly performance managed arena of the Olympic Games, there are significant implications for the “amateurs” and unsupported team members in most organizations that have adopted global teams to compete better. The method, data and results will be presented next.

Methodology

The data set covers 15 Olympic Games, starting with the Games of the XVII Olympiad held in Rome, 1960 until the Games of the XXXI Olympiad held in Rio de Janeiro, 2016. The Olympic Games held in 1960 was chosen as the start of the data set as jet airliners did not replace rail and ocean liners as the primary mode of long-distance travel until 1958 ( 16 ). Data were taken directly from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) website. For the purpose of comparability and control, only data from the Summer Olympics (as opposed to the Winter Olympics) were used. For data on populations and GDP, Google Public Data was used. Medals that were awarded and later revoked are not included in the data set. In terms of the sampled nations, only the 15 leading nations with stable borders were included. This approach makes sure that the countries are relatively similar but can still face significant different time zone challenges across different games.

The dependent variables

The success on Olympic Games is measured in medals. Interestingly, there is additional detail in terms of the type of medal. Gold medals (total) : The number of gold medals won by a country. Silver medals (total) : The number of silver medals won by a country. Bronze medals (total) : The number of bronze medals won by a country. Total medals : The total number of medals won by a country.

The independent variables

Absolute time zone difference.

For absolute time zone difference (ATZD), the difference of the time zone of the capital city of the competing nation and of the host city was used, according to the most direct route between the two cities. The maximum amount of time zone disparity that can occur is 12 h, and daylight saving is not taken into account due to the circadian rhythm being linked to “sun time” [( 20 ), pp. 152–162]. For example, athletes in Australia are taken as using the time zone of the capital city, Canberra (UT +10 h). For the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the time zone of the host city is (UT −8 h); the time zone difference is not 18 h, but the absolute value of −6 = 6 h.

Easterly direction

As discussed earlier, the direction of flight may have an impact on performance, with easterly travel likely to have more of an impact [( 20 ), pp. 136, 138]. A dummy variable was used, where traveling east = 1, west or same time zone = 0.

Population (national)

Population is used as a factor in almost all of the predictive models for Olympic performance and is included here. Data were taken from Google Public Data ( 34 ).

GDP (national)

Nations with a high GDP are more likely to be able to direct resources to Olympic sports than nations with a low GDP. GDP data were taken from Google Public Data.

Distance (km)

We used great-circle distance using Excel to measure distance between the capital city of the country and the host nation ( 35 ).

Host nation

The potentially positive effect of being the host nation has been included as a factor, as it has with most other models predicting Olympic performance ( 15 , 36 – 39 ). In the data, host nation = 1 and not host nation = 0.

Host previously

Whether the country was hosting the previous Olympics was coded as a dummy, previous host nation = 1 and not previous host nation = 0 ( 37 , 38 ).

Host following

Hosting countries know many years before that they will host the Games and this may potentially affect preparation and support, so a measure is included regarding the host in the following 4 years, host nation next games = 1 and not host nation next games = 0 ( 37 , 38 ).

The descriptive statistics and correlations for the variables are listed below in Table 2 . The Pearson correlations show some interesting preliminary insights. The bivariate correlation between absolute time zone differences and medal performance is consistently negative, albeit often not significant for gold medal count ( r = −0.029, p = 0.17), silver medal count ( r = −0.012, p = 0.22), bronze medal count ( r = −0.015, p = 0.21), and total medal count ( r = −0.021, p = 0.19). Flying east seems to have a stronger negative effect for gold medal count ( r =0.069, p = 0.08), a close to significant correlation with silver count ( r = −0.044, p = 13), and bronze medal count ( r = −0.066, p = 0.09), and total medal count ( r = −0.064, p = 0.09). Being a host is generally very supportive for medal wins and anticipation or past hosting seem to be positive as well. This is particularly true for gold medals ( r = 0.327, p < 0.001). As expected, population size and GDP are significantly and positively correlated with medal counts of all colors.

Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation matrix.

The descriptive statistics show that the average number of time zones crossed in the sample is much higher (M = 5.14 time zones) than, for example studies, that study U.S. sporting teams traveling across the U.S. The odds of a team flying east are 37.8%. There is a 5.3% chance that country in the data sample hosts the Olympic Games. The average distance that a team travels is 7,342 km and given that China is in the sample, the average population is high (120 million). The average team in the sample won 10.9 gold medals, 10.1 silver medals, and 11.0 bronze medals (32 medals in total) per Olympic Games.

Table 3 shows the results from the multivariate moderated regression analysis for different team medal performance counts. All the key predictors of national team medal performance are included, including country dummies that can account for country heterogeneity (one country, the Netherlands, was taken as the baseline and omitted from the analysis as was the China dummy due to multicollinearity with population size). Where there is an interaction, the variables were first mean centered to reduce multicollinearity ( 61 ). Variance inflation factors are acceptable and around 1—and up to around 2 if distance in km—was included. In addition, we ran models with or without distance (km) and the results were similar.

Multiple regression results for medal tallies.

The results in Table 4 show a similar picture to the correlation table. Generally, there is a negative relationship between (1) absolute time zone difference and performance and (2) flying east and performance. There is a notable negative relationship between crossing more time zones and gold medal tally ( b = −0.111, p = 0.06). This shows that there is an impact from time zones in the expected direction that is not mitigated by athlete preparation or other counter measures (more on this when future research is discussed). So, while some individual athletes will be less affected than others, there is a measurable and negative relationship between flying across more time zones and gold tally, even after controlling for distance. With respect to the flying direction, there is a notable relationship between traveling east and the bronze tally ( b = −0.053, p = 0.10). Interestingly, the overall tally also suffers from flying in an easterly direction all else equal ( b = −0.042, p = 0.10).

In line with the consistent negative signs across all time zone and direction coefficients, it is fair to say that (1) time zones affect performance negatively, especially in the gold tally (H1 is supported for gold tally and not rejected for the other medal types given the consistent negative pattern in the data), and (2) flying in easterly direction affects performance negatively, especially for bronze and total medals (H2 is supported for bronze and total ( p <0.10) and not rejected for the other medal types because of the consistent negative pattern). In sum, evidence for H1 and H2 is mixed with only significant relationships for select medal metrics only. However, there is generally directional support across all medal metrics.

When the interaction between absolute time zone difference and flying east is included ( 61 ), it shows a significant negative coefficient for the interaction on silver medal count ( b = 0.083, p = 0.021). This is not the case for gold, bronze and total medals. Generally, this result shows that there is a measurable weak negative relationship across the medals and that this pattern is visible after controlling for distance traveled, and country characteristics and hosting. Interestingly silver is behaving somewhat differently than gold and bronze.

The fact that the interaction between time zones and direction is significant for silver medals warrants a deeper investigation in the nature of the interaction between crossing time zones and flight direction. First, Figure 1 shows the two in significant interactions (Gold and Bronze tally) indicating that large time zone differences are negative for performance and that the slopes are not statistically different for flying in an easterly or westerly direction (i.e., no significant acceleration downwards associated with direction although the slope is slightly more negative for the gold and bronze tally when flying in an easterly direction). There is generally a negative effect from flying in an easterly direction as discussed, and H2 is supported for gold and bronze. Second, the pattern is different for silver medals ( Figure 2 ). For silver, the similar slopes are not similar, and a crossover emerges with for small time zone disparity a decrease in medal tally, but for high time zone disparity an increase in silver tally emerging. The increase in silver medal kicks in when the team both crosses multiple time zones and crosses them in an easterly direction. One explanation is that the gold medal count is demoted as the time zones crossed in easterly direction take their toll on gold medal performance more than on silver medal performance. If the silver medal count was affected equally, the bronze medal count would benefit in the same way, which is not the case, and the bronze pattern is basically negative as can be expected from crossing more time zones in easterly direction. This supports H3.

Gold and Bronze medal pattern.

Silver medal pattern.

In sum, the slopes in Figures 1 , ​ ,2 2 are generally negative, which is what can be expected from what is known about performance impairment from jet lag and easterly flight direction. However, the silver medal counts are impacted somewhat differently. At first glance, the silver tally seems to slightly benefit from crossing more time zones and doing so in easterly direction (=worst jet lag situation!). Although this may seem strange, this can be explained by peak performance impairment resulting in a boost to silver medal counts from decreased gold medal counts which are diminished more when athletes cross multiple time zones flying eastwards. Interestingly, the silver tally is lower in the low jet lag region of the graph (left hand side of Figure 2 ) if the flight direction is eastwards (the dotted line in Figure 2 ). In other words, performance impairment is not homogenous across the performance curve, and peak performers seem to struggle most from crossing multiple time zones, and the resultant jet lag, and flight direction. H3 is supported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that theorizes on and finds empirical proof of the “gold demotion” effect that Olympic teams face, even with all the preparation and investments.

The basic assumption of this study is that organizations and employee performance management can learn from Olympic teams when it comes to travel, stress and health, and performance.

Olympic teams from well-resourced nations benefit from well-informed sports science and invest significant funds in the education and training of athletes in managing jet lag and other adverse health impacts from long distance travel. The management literature is calling for similar training and education programs for professional managers to enhance job performance and employee wellness ( 4 ). By studying the medal outcomes of Olympic teams, we can better understand the human experience and performance outcomes and then use this insight to inform future management practice ( 1 ).

The key findings of the study are that traveling across multiple time zones is indeed negative for performance and that flying east is particularly challenging for people. In the first instance, these findings are related to athletes because that is where the data comes from. Even for a highly performance managed setting as Olympic games, these effects are significant. As the number of time zones crossed increases, the negative effect on performance increases, in line with studies ( 9 ).

Flying eastwards increases the negative performance effect, as it is generally more difficult to adjust after a long-distance flight eastwards than it is to adjust to the equivalent long distance flight westwards ( 9 , 24 ). This negative effect on performance is particularly visible in peak performance areas, namely gold medalists, where there is a “demotion effect” creating an unexpected boost to silver medals when athletes cross more time zones in easterly direction.

It is fair to presume that for the “amateurs” and unsupported team members in most organizations that have adopted global teams, these effects may be much larger. At the bare minimum, this study is highlighting a potential issue in management that is not receiving enough attention.

Managerial implications

This study has significant implication for people traveling internationally and for scholars interested at public health in general. Athletes are well-informed about arriving early, the role of daylight, and therapeutic options to regulate the circadian rhythm but the stress and health effects seem material, even after some time. An interesting observation was a positive association between silver medal tallies and jet lag, indicating a “demotion effect,” where athletes who would have otherwise won a gold medal came second. Being on the top of your game when jet lagged seems to be a key challenge. In addition, this may signal that there may be a larger public health problem in society at large that we are not understanding sufficiently. This will become more important as society opens up after the pandemic.

The implications for public health and management are significant, especially for high-performing individuals that need to bring their “A-game.” Managers and humans in general need to consider the potential adverse effects of crossing multiple time zones, with preparations such as arriving to the venue early and auctioning a detailed plan for overcoming jet lag in organizations [e.g., ( 8 )]. This requires focused education and training of the human resource to ensure peak performance and good health ( 1 ). Substantial amounts of business travel result in a significant amount of stress ( 62 ), and the resultant sleep deficit can cause significant cognitive and physical impairment ( 17 ) creating public health concerns.

Limitations and future research

This study has some important limitations that offer opportunities for future research. Firstly, while we included data from 15 Olympic Games, future research can increase the sample size, include Winter Games and also include smaller nations. Secondly, future research is needed at the individual level with more details on the individual, his or her preparation, their engagement with jetlag management, and the timing during the day of the event. Thirdly, the role of chronotype could be studied in more detail and if additional data on preparation becomes available, more managerial insights can be obtained on what regimes help mitigate the impact on human sports performance. The time of day will have an impact as well for specific individuals. Overall, our study is still relevant as many of these factors should be averaged out by the large numbers of athletes participating in our study. Fourthly, while it is known that flying east has more negative effects than flying west on performance, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. While jet lag typically occurs after crossing three or more time zones ( 9 ), the more time zones crossed, the greater the extent of jet lag but the impact on the nature of the impairment and its duration is poorly understood and needs more research as well.

Data availability statement

Author contributions.

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct, and intellectual contribution to the work and approved it for publication.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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• Travel and Communication

Introduction to Travel and Communication

We all travel from place to place for employment, school, and to see our families, among other things. Every morning, you stand at your bus stop, anticipating the arrival of your school bus. Your school bus transports you to school. 

Whenever we have employment, we go from one location to another utilising various modes of transportation. So, let’s read about travelling and communication in our daily lives.

Travel Meaning

The term "travel" refers to the act of moving from one area to another. We travel for a variety of reasons. Depending on the objective of our trip, we go alone, in groups, with our family, or with our classmates. There are numerous purposes such as going to school, college, and so on. 

We also travel to distant cities to visit family, spend vacations, and go on school excursions. We either travel alone, such as when our parents go to their offices, or we go with our families, such as when we visit relatives or attend family festivities.

Ways to Travel

There are numerous ways to travel and some of which are explained below;

Travel by Road: Different towns and cities are connected via roads. Buses, motorbikes, cars, trucks, scooters, and other road vehicles are the most frequent modes of travel.

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Travel by Rail: Rail transport encompasses all modes of transportation that use rails or tracks. This includes both passenger and freight trains. When compared to vehicle travel, rail transports more people or products.

Travel by Air: Travel by air includes travel by aeroplane, parachute and helicopter. It is the fastest mode of travel that is able to connect all the major cities. Air travel allows you to go to another nation in a matter of hours or days.

Travel by Water: Travelling by boat, ship, or submarine is an example of water travel. Streamers and boats float down major rivers, while ships navigate the oceans and seas, transporting passengers and commodities across continents.

What is Communication?

We communicate with a significant number of people every day. Consider what would happen if no one communicated with one another. We would not be able to communicate our thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Therefore, communication is an integral component of our lives.

Communication Types

Mainly there are two types of communication which are explained below as;

Verbal Communication: Words are used to communicate our thoughts via verbal conversation. Written and oral communication are the two basic types of verbal communication. Written communication comprises handwritten letters, papers, and so on, whereas oral communication includes speeches, lectures, and voice chats, among other things.

Non-verbal Communication: The words aren't included. It's done with facial expressions, body gestures, signs, drawings, graphic designs, etc. Waving a hand, pointing a finger, and smiling are some of its examples.

Communication Methods

The main modes of communication are postal communication, mass communication and telecommunication and these are explained below.

Postal Communication: It involves letter writing. Though writing a letter is not as popular as it once was, it is one of the oldest means of communication. We compose a letter and include the address, then place it in a neighbouring mailbox. Later, a postal worker will collect the letters, sort them, and deliver them to their corresponding addresses.

Telecommunication: Telecommunication refers to long-distance communication. Telegrams, cell phones, and landlines are all examples of telecommunications.

Mass Communication: The transmission or exchange of information to a large number of individuals at the same time is referred to as mass communication. Newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and cinema are examples of numerous forms of mass communication.

Importance of Travel and Communication

The utilisation of natural resources, the mobility of skilled labour, and a rise in agricultural and industrial production are all promoted by travel and communication networks. People in rural regions benefit from travel and communication services since they assist in establishing work prospects.

Solved Questions

1. What is the reason behind travelling?

Ans: We travel only when we have to go to work or to a school for studying or going on vacation. The means of transportation totally depends on the distance that we have to travel. Suppose if we have to travel from one city to another then we choose to prefer bus travelling and if we have to from one country to another then we have to travel by air.

2. What are the various ways through which we can communicate with each other?

Ans: We can communicate in two ways i.e, verbally and non-verbally. In verbal mode, we can express our feelings and thoughts by writing a letter and in the non-verbal mode, we can express our feelings through body gestures and facial expressions.

3. What is the importance of communication?

Ans: It is necessary to communicate in order to express oneself. It also meets one's requirements. Effective communication is necessary for growth in life. Effective communication skills may smooth your path and improve your interactions with people in your daily life by allowing you to understand and be understood by others.

Do you know that in ancient times, horses and oxen were used for travelling purposes.

In ancient times, the birds were used for communication purposes like sending written messages from one place to another.

In this article, we have discussed why we need to travel and also about the various ways of travelling. We have mentioned the need for communication and why it is necessary to communicate. The various modes of communication such as verbal and non-verbal modes of communication are also discussed.

Learning By Doing

Think about which type of communication mode is used through television.

For travelling between two towns, which mode of travel would you prefer?

FAQs on Travel and Communication

1. What is the Significance of Transportation and Communication in Society?

Transportation and communication networks aid in the efficient use of natural resources, the mobility of skilled labour, and the expansion of agricultural and industrial output. People in rural regions, in particular, benefit from transportation and communication facilities since they assist to establish work prospects.

2. What is the Purpose of Travel?

Travel pushes us out of our comfort zones and encourages us to try new things to see, taste, and experience. It continuously tests us, not just in terms of adapting to and exploring new environments, but also in terms of engaging with new people, accepting new adventures as they present themselves, and sharing new and noteworthy experiences with friends and family.

3. What Exactly do Travel Notes, Travel and Communication Information Imply?

Travel notes contain all the information about the places that you have visited, in the form of stories and pictures of that place. Travel and communication information includes the collection of all necessary information before going to a place and also what are the various channels through which we can communicate there.