Ep 1. Crossing Borders: A Tale of Travel and Inequality

In this episode, our hosts welcome Dr Isabella Ye, a senior lecturer at the University of Greenwich who specialises in travel and hospitality research. Dr Ye discusses her research on travellers' mobility and the impact of passport power on cross-border travel. Drawing from personal experiences, she highlights the contrast between strong and weak passports, emphasizing the barriers faced by holders of weaker passports, especially those from politically unstable regions. The conversation covers topics such as the inequities at border controls, the psychological and financial stresses of travel for weak passport holders, and the ethical implications of the global passport hierarchy. The episode also touches on broader issues, such as stateless individuals and the differences between nationality and citizenship, advocating for more inclusive border policies and humane treatment of travellers. If you are interested in this topic, please check Dr.Ye's paper 'Contested tourists' border-crossing experiences' published on Annals of Tourism Research. 00:22 Guest Introduction: Dr. Isabella Ye 01:04 Personal Experiences with Travel 02:39 Passport Power and Inequality 06:43 Impact of Weak Passports on Well-being 09:43 Border Control Challenges 14:19 Statelessness and Marginalised Communities 17:05 Advocating for Travel Mobility 21:26 Unexpected Research Findings 24:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts