| We know that tourism
creates serious problems -- environmentally, culturally, politically
-- so we immediately jump to conclusions: 'this is bad so let's
make it right.' And because all the 'sustainable tourism' initiatives
come from the more powerful to the less -- as usual -- we enforce
our solutions. Often with the assistance of the World Bank,
the European Union, USAID and the rest of the powerful donors
- who also come from the 'patch it up so our show can go on'
mindset. But do we really understand the problem? Are we really
prepared to listen to those on the ground? How deeply are we
prepared to understand our hosts REAL needs and accommodate
them -- their way? This may be the only way that new tourism
can emerge, and we certainly need it!
- Valere Tjolle
The question of where the money goes is, of course, one of
the hardest to pin down with hard, reliable figures because
vested interests are either trying to prove it does indeed 'trickle
down' and benefit everyone in the local community, or that it
most certainly doesn't. But from just talking to many low-level
tourism workers around the world - the chambermaids, the taxi
drivers, the waiters etc - I must report that the latter seemed
to be much nearer the truth. Improving the quality of the data
available will clearly help to better answers all of the questions
you raise about tourists having the knowledge to book the 'right'
holiday, or for communities to make the best decisions about
how the manage and nurture their destinations.
- Leo
Hickman
When you know you are listened to, everything changes.
- Conversation
You are not listening to us.
- Aboriginal tourism operator to government officials
It helps when you can eavesdrop in multiple languages.
- Conversation
Who do we need to listen?
- World Bank official, cited in Reflections
from the World Bank
CREATING DIALOGUE
Too often meetings are not set up to encourage genuine dialogue.
Criticisms are kept at bay because it might offend the donors.
Do we listen? Do we eavesdrop?
The traveler is more likely to query and listen to those he
interacts.
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