Discussion with German citizens on the impact of tourism: A discourse with the people of Germany, delving into the sophistication of Airbnb in fostering connections and potentially enhancing democratic values.

On September 4, 2023, a significant event titled "Connecting People. Strengthening Democracy. A Conversation with People of Germany about the Power of Travel." took place, organised by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), in collaboration with Airbnb, German Tourism Industry Federation, People of Germany, and visitBerlin.

Held at the Berliner Philharmonie, the event brought together political decision-makers, experts, and representatives from culture, economy, tourism, and politics. The guest list included 140 individuals, all gathered to discuss strategies against racism and discrimination in the tourism industry.

The event was a timely response to the European Championship, serving as an opportunity to send a strong message during the competition. The opening speech was delivered by Dr. Dirk Hebel, President of the German Tourism Industry Federation, setting the tone for the day's discussions.

A keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Eva Kühne-Hörmann, the Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration. Her speech underscored the importance of tourism in promoting understanding and collaboration among different cultures, and in driving positive social change and strengthening democracy.

The event featured a panel discussion on the topic "Tourism as a Catalyst for Change." The panelists included representatives from Airbnb, the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, and the German National Tourist Board. The discussion focused on the role of tourism in fostering diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion.

The panel discussion was moderated by journalist and author Jan Böhmermann, who skillfully guided the conversation, ensuring a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives. The event concluded with a call to action for the tourism industry to take a lead in combating racism and discrimination.

In addition to the panel discussion, the event also included speeches from Reem Alabali-Radovan, State Minister at the Federal Chancellery, Dieter Janecek, Coordinator of the Federal Government for Maritime Economy and Tourism, and the Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the commitment of the German government to addressing issues of racism and discrimination in the tourism industry.

In summary, the "Connecting People. Strengthening Democracy" event was a pivotal discussion that brought together diverse perspectives to address crucial issues in the tourism industry. It served as a platform for dialogue, engagement, and the development of strategies to combat racism and discrimination, ultimately aiming to strengthen democracy and promote understanding and collaboration among different cultures.

Discussion with German citizens on the impact of tourism: A discourse with the people of Germany, delving into the sophistication of Airbnb in fostering connections and potentially enhancing democratic values.