Tourism ethics in a world on the move
Tue, September 29, 2026, at 11am
Arun Saldanha
Professor
Department of Geography, Environment, and Society
Midland Hills Country Club
2001 Fulham Street
Roseville, MN 55113
For many retirees, travel is one of life's greatest pleasures. It is a chance to discover new places, reconnect with old favorites, and experience different cultures. But what does it really mean to travel in today's world? How has tourism changed, and what responsibilities do we carry as global travelers?
These are some of the questions Arun Saldanha, PhD, of the University of Minnesota's Department of Geography, Environment, and Society will explore in his presentation for the UMRA luncheon forum on Tuesday, September 29, at Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville.
Saldanha brings a truly global perspective to the study of travel. Born to a Belgian and Indian family, he has lived, studied, and taught across Europe, Australia, and the United States. After earning his undergraduate degree in Belgium, he completed his PhD in geography at The Open University in the United Kingdom. In addition to the University of Minnesota, his academic career has included appointments at Lancaster University in England, Utrecht University in The Netherlands, Queen Mary University of London, and Deakin University in Australia.
Throughout his career, Saldanha has examined how movement shapes our understanding of the world. His early research focused on the international rave tourism scene in Goa, India, resulting in his book Psychedelic White: Goa Trance and the Viscosity of Race, published in 2007 by University of Minnesota Press.
His popular UMN course Going Places: Geographies of Travel and Tourism, examines travel as one form of human mobility alongside migration, pilgrimage, trade, and exploration.
Whether you have spent years exploring the globe, are planning future adventures, or simply enjoy learning about places and cultures, Saldanha's presentation will offer an opportunity to see travel from a new perspective. His talk will examine how tourism has evolved in an era shaped by pandemics, climate concerns, and changing global realities, and encourage us to think about what it means to be thoughtful, responsible, and curious travelers. You’ll come away with fresh insights into one of humanity's oldest pursuits: the desire to go somewhere new.
Please register and join us for this engaging and thought-provoking conversation about the geography, ethics, and future of travel.
—Nanette Hanks, UMRA president-elect and Program Committee chair
Parking: Parking is free. Please enter the Midland Hills clubhouse through the door to the far right (east end), which is closest to our dining room (Turnberry Hall).
Cancellations: Cancellations and refunds will be honored until September 19. We are not able to accommodate registrations on the day of the event.
Upcoming Events
Professor Arun Saldanha, the featured speaker for the first luncheon forum of UMRA’s 2026–27 program year, will examine how tourism has evolved in an era shaped by pandemics, climate concerns, and changing global realities; and encourage us to think about what it means to be thoughtful, responsible, and curious travelers.
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