Thorn Tree travel forum

1

No offense but please not again. TTers have gone over this subject over and over again - and not only on this branch. I am sure you'll find enough entries if you search for it.

"If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than sorrow, we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology. We must also leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created, not just as it looked when we got through with it." – Lyndon Baines Johnson

2

A request -- please don't respond to just the introductory paragraphs. Read the article and let me know what you think.
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/tourists.html

The discussion of tourist versus traveler usually ends without an understanding of traveler-tourist comments should be incorporated into tourism policy and development.

The connection needs to go both ways -- top down and bottom up. That said, I wrote a pretty good essay and it will get better with feedback. Thanks!

3

Okay. I read your essay. It turned me off. You're expecting too much from tourists/travelers. Most don't do more than cursory research/preparation for their trips in advance - just take a look at the ignorance expressed by so many on the various TT branches. Well-meaning you are, naive about tourists/travelers, too . . . I suspect. Long on theory, short on practicality. Get out and travel amongst the tourists/travelers. It'll bring you back to reality.

4

Thank you for these comments.

If we wish to discuss "reality" then let's focus on the fact that there are few accurate counts of "independent" tourists -- those traveling alone or in small groups. "Foreign Independent Tourists" (FITs) are often ignored by all except niche-marketing businesses or individual operators who depend on this target group for their livelihood.

For many tourism developers, backpackers are not a priority market -- due to their being seen as not contributing financially. But is this truly the case? How much do independent travelers contribute, compared to those taking a packaged tour or participating in a conference? So far, this data is not readily available and few studies have been conducted.

If anyone can find current data, let me know.

5

Slideshow - Tourists
http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/sets/1050486/show/