masstourism

Mass Tourism
related: travel

It's easy to be critical of the destructive forces of mass tourism. Examples are plentiful of the degradation of local places and people due to hoards of unthoughtful visitors. Small groups also create damage 'off the beaten path' though their stories are told less often.

What's missing from the equation of 'conscious travel' are transparent and timely communication among conscious hosts and conscious visitors. We lack the conversations and dialogues that bring the issues to the table and develop meaningful action plans. Conferences are held under the banner of 'conscious travel' or 'responsible tourism' but rarely include locals and visitors. Take a look at event conference fees and ask whether those who would most support the needed changes are able to afford to participate. Rural communities and indigenous peoples are marketed by mainstream and niche operations alike but rarely have the ability to attend the events unless the tickets are paid for by a generous benefactor.

I am a long-time fan of Anna's work and agree with 90% of her arguments. That said, I wonder if she gives up too quickly on mass tourism. Are there ways to make the most popular attractions, places and services sustainable, more responsive to the needs of locals? Far too often I see the academics and consultants knocking what is popular without going deeper and asking if popular could provide mutual benefits for locals and visitors alike. When I wrote my 'Mexico: Adventures in Nature' guidebook it took a lot of persuasion for John Muir Publications to include a chapter on Mexico City, but it was worth including as the city has been pioneering efforts toward local environmental sensibilities. Perfect, no, but visitors are rewarded if they seek out and support the efforts in this popular 'destination.' I sense the same condescending attitude toward Las Vegas, Nevada. Should visitors be cautioned against visiting?

Elsewhere on the Web
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/six-reasons-mass-tourism-unsustainable

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism#Mass_tourism