With the 90's buzzword "eco-tourism" now well and truly on the decline, the tourism industry must learn methods to deal with the ever growing area of concern that is "sustainability" within the sector...
But what is sustainability within tourism? And how will this effect the future of how and where people choose to travel? Let me share my (personal) thoughts on this...
For many sceptics there is only one answer to end the damage that travellers and tourists inflict on destinations, and that is not to go there in the first place. But this can never be the total answer. Yes, this would alleviate the problems that the tourists can cause, but would in the end lead to a state of total ignorance about the actual destinations themselves, which would quickly mean people forgetting about the issues that led to the issues of sustainability in the first place...
Traditional lines of tourism and tourism investment (especially in the developing world) lead to more money being taken out than left in the country, so helping the developed world more than the developing one. So not much is left...
At least with community based tourism it is all about the hosts themselves. With all decision making processes and controls left to them they are in a position to gain pride and empowerment as well as the more obvious economic benefits. This pride will cut acculturation and other negative effects of tourism whilst allowing the host to grow and become more independent...
So, is this the answer? Only the future will know...
Barticus.
No comments:
Post a Comment