“WHEN you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.”
I have seen this quote in a hostel somewhere in Southeast Asia, and at that time I thought this was quite a harsh welcome for travelers. Isn’t it comfort that travelers need?
Over time, through ecotourism advocates, I have come to understand that this demand for comfort, for convenience, and more so, for luxury, has caused negative impacts to tourism-dependent communities around the world.
As travelers, we may have unconsciously or unintentionally overlooked the value of natural and cultural heritage of the places we visit, when we demand for things like WiFi, karaoke, or a dance club. Look at what we have done to Boracay Island, and other tourist towns that are following suit. Fastfood restaurants and fancy coffee shops replace the beach forests, while villages have adapted to the “nightlife” that wasn’t there before.
The year 2017 is declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, with the theme (and hashtag) #TravelEnjoyRespect. What it captures is the rising consciousness for responsible and ethical travel.
When we visit a place, we should learn how to stop demanding for what suits us. We should be open to accept and learn what that place offers us, and not expect to be served just because we have the money to pay.
I am guilty that in the past, I have wrongly assumed that since I am a paying customer, I have the right to complain whenever I feel discomfort or dissatisfaction with the hospitality service provided to me. We were all trained in the service industry that “customer is always right,” so this contributed to the prevailing mentality that the paying tourist is king (and queen) and will have to be satisfied, so that our economy booms and we all benefit from it. That is how our world operated – but now is a time to transition to more responsible, sustainable, compassionate attitudes in travel.
I am glad to see that communities everywhere are waking up to tourism ethics, which means making everyone accountable for their travel (like, not throwing trash around them, or not harming wildlife, or respecting local customs).
Here is an invitation to those who have a background or training in hospitality and tourism management for a discussion on this question: How do we strike a balance between guest satisfaction and responsible tourism?
Travel. Enjoy. Respect – Tourism could still be enjoyable and engaging to our senses as it has been, but we need to cultivate deeper respect for the cultural and natural heritage of the places we visit, and for the people we meet – locals and fellow travelers whose stories we can learn from.
Respect is key, and is expressed in many ways: Social inclusiveness, embracing of diversity, protection of natural resources, mutual understanding, peace and security.
Let me share the following “Tips for a Responsible Traveler” as developed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, and are based on the UN World Tourism Organization Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
u2022 “Honor your hosts and our common heritage” – Research and learn about your destination, its history, local customs, social traditions, culture and arts. Try to speak some words in their language. Always be courteous and polite, and ask permission before taking photos of people. Make meaningful connections with locals and talk about how they live their lives.
u2022 “Protect our planet” – Always respect the environment, and do not participate in any tourism activity that is exploitative or destructive of any natural resource. Respect wildlife and their habitats, and do not purchase souvenirs or products that use endangered animals or plants.
If a destination seems crowded, it could mean heavy environmental impacts, so be more cautious of this. Reduce water and energy use when traveling (turn off lights and air-conditioning in your hotel room when you leave, do not leave water running from the faucet when not in use).
u2022 “Support the local economy” – Buy locally-made handicrafts and souvenirs and pay fair price to respect livelihoods of artisans and vendors. Hire local guides so you also have a cultural exchange with them. And avoid buying foreign brands of food or drinks when you travel especially to remote locations; you could find that back in the city, why not try the local alternatives?
u2022 “Be an informed and respectful traveler” – Observe the laws of the places you visit. Respect human rights and protect children and women from abuse or exploitation around the tourism industry. Refrain from giving money to begging children and support community projects instead. Choose tourism service providers with environmental policies and community involvement.
I was invited last year in an event in Boracay to speak about conservation and ecotourism, and I accepted despite the venue, exactly because that island needs to breathe, to slow down, and to think about how it could continue being a popular and viable tourist destination without being \destroyed. I was shocked because before my talk, a tourism official in his speech, proudly declared outrageous goals: “From 1.5 million guests, we’ll aim for 3 million guests next year! We’ll make Caticlan airport an international airport, with flights straight from Korea! We’ll build a bridge between mainland Panay to the island!” Is that how we respect the once beautiful paradise like Boracay, now being lost to the unsustainable wants of the tourism industry?
#TravelEnjoyRespect – Please use this hashtag when you’re reminded to be a responsible tourist visiting places this summer!