| This section of Exploring
Ecotourism examines connections among tourism, shopping
and conservation.
Buying from locals assists local economic development. Shopping
has great entertainment value and tourists love souvenirs, the
reminders of a place
where you are not.
On the downside, not all crafts are produced by or benefit
local artisans. Nor is production always sustainable. Be wary
of buying products made with feathers or animal skins if you're
trying to protect nature!
PREPARATION
For travelers, educate yourself before you arrive. The Web
is a great way to learn about a country's traditions. Buy a
guidebook
and surf the Web.
Figure out your own limits. Are you most comfortable in a gift
store or in an artist workshop? Some programs are criticized
as 'hardship tours' because of the amount of walking involved
and rustic accomodations. If that's not for you, stay in the
city.
Other travelers are disappointed if they don't see every step
in the artistic process. Plan ahead!
MAKING THE PURCHASE
In many markets, negotiation is part of the process. Too often
well-meaning tourists will drive a hard bargain. If you find
something you like, offer what you consider a fair price rather
than the lowest possible bid.
REFERENCES
Artesania,
Tourism and the Web
Tourism
and Indigenous People
Buying
Crafts in Oaxaca City - Ron Mader
Walk
with the Weavers
Huichol
Yarn Paintings - Charmayne McGee
Traditional Mexican
Markets - Jim Conrad
Ecology
and the Tourist Marketplace - Monte Basgall/Duke Magazine
The
Economic Importance of the Arts and Cultural Industries in Santa
Fe County (PDF)
Crafts Council
Culture
and Development - Development Gateway
FLICKR
Cazaneun
d'beni ruin chei laadi
Using
the Web to Carve a Niche
Blackbox
Museo
de Arte Popular
Artesanias
- Mary Finn
Basket World
Art
& Crafts Quality
ONLINE
FLICKR
WIKI
Artesanos
Textiles
ONLINE
WIKI
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