It has been reported that more and more people are paying to go to more and more exotic locations to experience 'untouched' worlds that they can boast about to their friends (http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/jul/09/adventure.extremesportsholidays). The first thing to say about this so-called 'trophy tourism' (directed at locations such as the Antarctic and Outer Mongolia) is that the more popular the locations become, the less 'untouched' they can truly be. The activities are expensive but this is certainly a travel growth area. There are obvious dangers to some of the locations (especially the Antarctic) but some of the travel organisations are at least trying to minimise these (specifying minimum distances to which visitors can approach animals and disinfecting the boots of people before they disembark from cruise ships). It is also claimed that many of the participants become genuine 'evangelists' for the locations as a result of their visits. It is suggested (help!) that the next 'in' location for trophy tourists will be a space flight! It seems to me that these activities (even in the relatively short term) are unsustainable. Have I got it wrong?
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday 10 July 2008
Trophy Tourism
It has been reported that more and more people are paying to go to more and more exotic locations to experience 'untouched' worlds that they can boast about to their friends (http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/jul/09/adventure.extremesportsholidays). The first thing to say about this so-called 'trophy tourism' (directed at locations such as the Antarctic and Outer Mongolia) is that the more popular the locations become, the less 'untouched' they can truly be. The activities are expensive but this is certainly a travel growth area. There are obvious dangers to some of the locations (especially the Antarctic) but some of the travel organisations are at least trying to minimise these (specifying minimum distances to which visitors can approach animals and disinfecting the boots of people before they disembark from cruise ships). It is also claimed that many of the participants become genuine 'evangelists' for the locations as a result of their visits. It is suggested (help!) that the next 'in' location for trophy tourists will be a space flight! It seems to me that these activities (even in the relatively short term) are unsustainable. Have I got it wrong?
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