An interest in genealogy is fuelling heritage tourism
I have always felt like a citizen of the world and now that I have my DNA results, it is scientifically proven that we are much more connected to it than we think. Travelling there takes on a particularly deep meaning when you know which country or region is the home of your ancestor. DNA testing has helped to confirm this fact, but what if you travel to a country, a region or even an entire country?
Many people are going on travels to find the history of ancestors after using ancestry DNA tests.
I have also met more than two thousand distant relatives and from now on my journey will not be the same.
The trend towards DNA tourism is one of the most exciting developments in the history of travel and tourism in recent years. DNA tourism and how DNA testing will be the next big thing in the travel industry, tourism and travel in general.
DNA testing for ethnic origin has long been known, but only became a tourist product and trend in 2016. Momondo organized a competition in which participants from around the world could win a DNA test and visit countries to find out who their ancestors were. DNA tests and discovering surprising things about themselves, their family history and even their ancestry.
We live with beliefs and stereotypes about other nationalities and often don't even question them, but Momondo's documentary moved me to tears. DNA testing has changed the way I see the world and I am so grateful for that.
In the video, participants are asked questions such as "Do you think you're your own or do you come from a family? DNA testing and Then do it yourself and the results are great for everyone, "Momondo said.
For example, it turned out that a Kurdish girl who did not like Turks were 5% Turkish, a Moroccan had Jewish roots, an Englishman who did not like Germans, a Frenchman, and even found a cousin in another competitor. According to Momondo, more than 20 million people have seen the video, and it has been viewed more than 3.5 million times on Facebook alone.
The campaign ended in 2017, and interest in DNA testing has grown since then, but it has also become an important part of the tourism industry in the United States and other countries. More and more people are going to the countries of their ancestors to undergo such tests and to choose them.
Since many travellers do DNA testing and plan their own trips, tourism companies are starting to offer bespoke DNA tours. Travel agencies offer comprehensive services, including advice to genealogists in the creation of family trees and the carrying out of further genealogical research.
DNA and cultural tours are gaining momentum and are a new trend in alternative tourism. Would you like to find out about other alternative travel options or experience DNA tourism in your own country?