12-15-2009, 09:29 AM
Hello
I think travel serves many purposes, and even the personal fulfillment of an individual traveler can be described as 'good'. There are many places in the world where income from tourism forms a major part of the economy. This does not ensure that the standard of living for the majority increases, and there is no assurance that a successful tourism industry will be an asset in the long run.
Sustainable/responsible travel sounds nice enough but I think it's easier to talk the talk when it comes to these things. It's such a difficult undertaking and I think it's so much more than driving tourists to local markets to make purchases, to poor communities where they can make donations, etc. It's about truly understanding what a community needs and putting that before the business itself (or at least incorporating those needs as a major part of any business plan).
I do strongly believe in the possibility of increased understanding and communication between people as a result of travel experiences though, and I applaud your optimism and ambition. I would keep in mind that the experience of international travel is typically well beyond the means of most of people in the developing world. Travel is a luxury and a privilege. Do you see it as an exchange of cultural awareness (to first-world tourists) for economic benefit (to third-world communities)? Or do you want it to be more than that?
Have a great day
I think travel serves many purposes, and even the personal fulfillment of an individual traveler can be described as 'good'. There are many places in the world where income from tourism forms a major part of the economy. This does not ensure that the standard of living for the majority increases, and there is no assurance that a successful tourism industry will be an asset in the long run.
Sustainable/responsible travel sounds nice enough but I think it's easier to talk the talk when it comes to these things. It's such a difficult undertaking and I think it's so much more than driving tourists to local markets to make purchases, to poor communities where they can make donations, etc. It's about truly understanding what a community needs and putting that before the business itself (or at least incorporating those needs as a major part of any business plan).
I do strongly believe in the possibility of increased understanding and communication between people as a result of travel experiences though, and I applaud your optimism and ambition. I would keep in mind that the experience of international travel is typically well beyond the means of most of people in the developing world. Travel is a luxury and a privilege. Do you see it as an exchange of cultural awareness (to first-world tourists) for economic benefit (to third-world communities)? Or do you want it to be more than that?
Have a great day