Defending the tourists ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

Defending the tourists

Replies: 5 - Last Post: 03-Nov-2005 17:35 Last Post By: planeta

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Posted
02-Oct-2005 10:22
by: planeta

Posts: 143
Registered: 28/02/01

Defending the tourists

New feature on Planeta.com -- Defending the tourists
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/tour/tourists.html

Feedback is welcome, particularly as this essay cites and links to Thorn Tree and the "Responsible Travel" branch.

Quote
Defending the tourists

Tourist or traveler. Does it matter which term is used?

Chances are that during any trip, travelers/tourists have the opportunity to play multiple roles.

It seems we expect a lot from travel and tourism these days: for it to be "responsible" and to be "eco" ... to alleviate poverty and preserve habitat ... to be carbon neutral and respectful of indigenous people. The list goes on and on! What seems strange is that, despite the rhetoric and rounds of costly policy meetings, we find few attempts among eco-proponents to consult with tourists.

Posted
02-Oct-2005 14:00
by: Cosmopolitan

Posts: 1,987
Registered: 14/10/03

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

Posted
05-Oct-2005 17:11
by: planeta

Posts: 143
Registered: 28/02/01

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!

Posted
14-Oct-2005 22:23
by: gomexico

Posts: 17
Registered: 05/09/05

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.

Click here to view my "Mexico City - As Seen From Above" photo album.

Posted
20-Oct-2005 04:48
by: planeta

Posts: 143
Registered: 28/02/01

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.

Posted
03-Nov-2005 17:35
by: planeta

Posts: 143
Registered: 28/02/01

5

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

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