Photo: Sunset at Hartbeespoort Dam (Copyright: South African Tourism)
A conscientious travel writer need only pay attention to his creative ethic as he nurtures his sense of responsibility in helping to assure that the destination will be preserved for everyone instead of just the lucky few that may travel there before all the rest.
The environmentalist's mantra of "leave behind only footprints," while not rejected is hardly endorsed universally by the greater tourism industry. Many industry opinion makers, i.e. travel writers, do not appear to adhere to a Code of Practice regarding what is widely known as Responsible Tourism. Are these one-eyed writers to be believed when they express dismay about the corner of the world they always held dear, wrote about glowingly, promoted to readers far and wide, when they discover it has been subsequently ruined by eager tourists (readers) whose feet left behind a hell of a lot more than footprints? Fellow writers, beware what you reap, so shall you sow and that snake will come back and bite you.
The environmentalist's mantra of "leave behind only footprints," while not rejected is hardly endorsed universally by the greater tourism industry. Many industry opinion makers, i.e. travel writers, do not appear to adhere to a Code of Practice regarding what is widely known as Responsible Tourism. Are these one-eyed writers to be believed when they express dismay about the corner of the world they always held dear, wrote about glowingly, promoted to readers far and wide, when they discover it has been subsequently ruined by eager tourists (readers) whose feet left behind a hell of a lot more than footprints? Fellow writers, beware what you reap, so shall you sow and that snake will come back and bite you.
The above is an extract from a brilliant article by Tom Neal Tacker, a member of The Australian Society of Travel Writers and it can be read here: http://www.travelindustryreview.com/news/6017
No comments:
Post a Comment