http://www.blogher.com/node/12866 Comments for "The Mixed Blessing of Tourism" en http://www.blogher.com/node/12866 <p>New to my blogroll this week, it's <a href="http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2006/11/22/tourism-a-mixed-blessing-for-siem-reap/">Brave New Traveler</a>. The post that introduced me to this site is a good one - it talks about the impact of difficult destinations becoming increasingly more accessible. The sight in question? Angkor Wat.</p> <p>The post opens with a lovely short video of the travelers at Angkor Wat itself. Then it disects tourism development in the area.</p> <blockquote><p> Ticket sales at the Angkor gates provide salaries for a number of Cambodians, along with a source of revenue to maintain the temples. Yet huge amounts of people arrive via these package tours and exist largely in their own bubble – their buses, hotels, and restaurants are all owned by the same (usually foreign) company, which means little money “trickles down” towards local infrastructure and development.</p></blockquote> <p>I think this writer is sensitive enough to understand that what's made it possible for them to get to Angkor Wat is exactly what's being questioned. And they're good questions.</p> <blockquote><p>What do you think? Just the way tourism works? Or have you come across any examples of tourism benefitting the local populations and preserving the host environment?</p></blockquote> <p>This is a primo site. Travelers, spend some time fishing around in there, you'll find lots to enjoy. </p> <p><em>Pam blogs about travel and other adventures at <a href="http://nerdseyeview.com">Nerd's Eye View</a>. Angkor Wat is high on her list of fantasy destinations.</em></p> http://www.blogher.com/node/12866#comments Travel Sat, 25 Nov 2006 09:13:43 -0600 Pam 12866 at http://www.blogher.com