Part 2

Local Travel Experiences: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Cross-Cultural Exchange

 

 

In 2005, when I first started working in tourism, I frequently heard the term "cross-cultural exchange" from Peace Corps Volunteers who stayed at the Envoy Hostel where I worked. At the time, I didn't fully grasp the concept. Fast forward a decade, and I found myself working for Peace Corps, finally understanding the importance of cross-cultural exchange.

 

 

Throughout the years, I witnessed volunteers struggling to adapt to the Armenian culture and fit into the local communities. As an Armenian myself, I knew it wasn't the easiest country to live in, particularly for foreigners in remote mountain villages. These communities have their own rules, often far removed from modern mentalities. Armenia remains a conservative country, with societal stereotypes and phobias still prevalent. However, during my two decades in tourism, I mainly showcased the beauty of Armenia – its hospitality, history, and nature – without delving into
the societal challenges.

 

 

I realized that there was a lack of platforms for fostering cross-cultural exchange between travelers and locals. Tourism often focuses on the best aspects of a destination, rather than presenting its true reality. Moreover, research has shown that when we travel, we don't usually change our opinions about a country or its people; instead, we often seek confirmation of our preconceived stereotypes. Confirmation bias can triumph over the tourism industry, as demonstrated in this study: 

 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261517704002109.

 

 

In 2019, I came up with the idea for LikeLocal, a platform designed to open the doors of local homes to travelers, allowing them to experience the real lives of local people, and vice versa. The aim was to break down barriers and encourage cross-cultural exchange. The path to achieving this vision is not easy, as both locals and travelers may find it uncomfortable. However, by working together, we can pave the way for more authentic and transformative local travel experiences.

 

 

The journey continues as we strive to create more opportunities for genuine local travel experiences and embrace the power of cross-cultural exchange. By doing so, we can break down stereotypes, foster understanding, and ultimately, change the way we travel for the better.