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NETWORK We invite Network members to contribute to the Network Letter

. -:_
NEWS
ROUNDUP
by sharing their work, ideas and plans through these pages.
Communication is vital to the life of a Network, especially when
physical distances cannot easily be bridged by closer contacts.
ALTERNATIVE NETWORK LETTER
A Third World Tourism Communication
Stop Exploitative Tourism (SET). Garhwal. India And Information Alternative
founded by Dr Shankar Kala, SET calls itself the 'first global movement against
modern tourism: Located in Garhwal Himalayas, an area which has witnessed
GAPP . ....... . . .·i~>
steady growth of trekker-tourism, an open debate was organised at its annual (Groap for AntbropolOif11JPoI1c1:IJrM11!f~~Cf)
meeting on August 20th. It calls for a return of tourism to original principles ·Fll'st confer~e onArJ~Idt1()fr~ . . For Private Circulation Only Vol. 4 No.3 December 1988
and philosophy. Write to SET, do Maya Zerox Photostat Building, Sri nagar
''\It.P believe thatcampaign.;; againstthe negativities oftourism are more effecth·!!,
(Garhwall, India 246 174.
necessaryand productive, than the education ofpotential tourists or promotion Welco,me to Ladakh
\\brltshop on the Coastall&sources Ma.naqement of Phulret. Thailand of alternatives." (Ed. note: The 'guidelines to tourists' reproduced below were devised by the
Held in March 19BB, the workshop aimed to pave the way for government and (from an open letter from EQUATIONS to the delegates of the Consultation on the group 'Ecology Centre' in Leh, Ladakh. As an example ofpositive response to
private sector collaboration in coastal environmental protection, and to provide Economics of Third World Tourism, Stony Point, USA, November 1988) tourism concerns by locals, it is perhaps unprecedented in India. ~ reproduce
these guidelines in the hope that they will inspire many others in tourist
guidelines for resolution of various issues on conflicting uses concerning coastal
zone resources. A section of the report is devoted to the economics of tourism,
an important feature of Phuket now. There has been a marked absence of land Wa EN drafting the letter to our North American colleagues and co­
workers, meeting for the fourth time in as many years, we were only

too aware of the increasing interest in tourism alternatives worldwide.

destinations to emulate this pioneering effort. )


OR centuries Ladakh has been a model of cultural and environmental
use planning, and the island's resources are subject to abuses such as pollution,
destruction of mangroves and coral reefs, contamination of water and loss of
scen ic beauty. Report available from UN EP, Inoostry and Environment Office,
The debate was given an impetus by the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World
Tourism in 1984, when the Chiangmai International Workshop on Alternative
Tourism brought more than 40 participants from various countries together.
F stability. Despite very limited resources and an extreme climate, the
Ladakhi have always managed not only to survive, but to prosper. The
wealth of Ladakh's art and architecture, its religious traditions, medical system,
Tour Mirabeau, 29-43 Andre Citreon, 75739 Paris 15, France. It has today achieved academic recognition, with the publication of Jost and the richness of its language serve to illustrate the high level of its civi lisation.
Krippendorf's thought-provoking book, The Holiday Makers. What is more, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians have traditionally lived
MA in Sociol~ and Anthropol~ of Travel and Tourism. UK Nevertheless, we stand by our assertion. Two years ago, a visitor to Thai land peacefully side by side.
On offer from October 1989, this is possibly the first time an MA in tourism who travelled the lalternative' way, wrote of his experiences thus: 'That we as
Lying on major trade routes, Ladakh has always been exposed to outside
with a sociological-anthropological emphasis is available in the United visitors, were more benefitted than the visited, was evident... it was not easy
influences. However, especially since the opening of the region to tourism in
Kingdom. The full-time course lasts one academic year, and consists of to give of ourselves.' This, to us, is the crux of the issue. If the benefits of
1974, the nature and intensity of these foreign influences have changed
compulsory units of 'Introduction to Tourism' and 'Tourism and Society; as well commercial mass tourism have been questioned over and again by the critics,
as 6 optional units, including 'Third World Tourism' and 'Tourism, Ritual and RESOURCES
. e s s essential to question the 'benefits' of alternati", tourism.
dramatically. Ladakh, for better or for worse," has become a'developing' country,
where the process of 'modernisation' or '~temisation' is affecting almost every
Myth: A dissertation is part of the course. Write to: Dr Tom Selwyn, Froebel
Tourism Management, Quarterly, Butterworth Scientific Ltd., PO Box 63,
sphere of life. Many of the changes that have come to Ladakh have caused and
College, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PU, UK. are causing severe problems. They affect the traditional way of life in a
Westbury House, Bury Street, Guildford GU2 5BH, UK. Subscription rates:

Interface Ecumenical.Academy. UK UK £BB, Overseas £92


fundamental way, especially in Leh.
Tourism Management is an international journal, with an international (though
No doubt, the visitors see things 'unspoiled' and 'different~ A deeper
InterFace is a member of the European Association of Academies and Tourism plCllf.; an important role in this process. As atourist, yQu are an important
with a distinct UK emphasis) Advisory Board. Its March 1988 issue carries papers
understanding of the social and political dynamics of the receiving country
Centres which offer centres of dialogue where people <;an explore issues, 'agent of cha~ge~ Through your attitude, your behaviour and your interaction
on the 'Emerging leisure market among the South African Black population'
may also take place. But what of the hosts? Do they get anything at all from
experience their potential to open discussion and see possibilities for common with the Ladakhi, you can influence this process to aconsiderable extent. This
and one on 'Nature-orientated tourism promotion by developing countries:
this new form of travel? Some say, solidarity: when the travellers return, they
action. The changing time patterns of work and leisure have led to the Academy brochure has a dual function: it is intended to help you understand Ladakh
as well as a review of Krippendorf's 'The Holiday Makers~
will be advocates for a third world cause. Is this true, is it really happening?
being asked to explore issues and opportunities related to t\lternative and and its people better, a(ld to give you some advice on appropriate behaviour.
Other than the occasional nevvs article or feature, other than perhaps a radio
Creative Tourism~ among avariety of other programmes. Recently, thei r work The UK and Third World Tourism, TEN Publications, 70 Dry Hill Park Road,
At the same time, if you follow the guidelines in this brochure, you will be
or TV programme, other than a few feeble attempts at recapturing the events
has focussed on the need to restrict tourism gr<M'th in developing nations, both Tonbridge, Kent, UK, TN10 3BX.
helping to preserve Ladakh's traditions, and the respect that Ladakhi have for
and spirit of a visit to a less-privileged nation, is there any real evidence that
on environmental as well as air safety grounds. Write to Canon Edward Finch, their own culture and traditional way of life. We hope that you will find this
A well-researched document, this publication should interest those who are
a deep, long-lasting solidarity is taking place? Though the mechanisms for such
InterFace, Moulsham Mill Centre, Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7PX, UK. involved in Third World tourism issues, especially with an emphasis on thr-­
brochure helpful, and that it may make yQU more aware of yQur role as atourist.
feedback do not yet exist, I have the feeling that even if they did, the answer
role of the UK and its travel industry. While the first section is an analysis'0.
would not be a clear and unequivocal 'Aye~ Although some of the following guidelines may seem patronising, they have
\\bmen's front. Norway UK travel industry trends, the second examines its impacts on the social,
The least, then, that alternative travel agents.can aspire to, is to ensure that been included because of negative experiences in the past. The behaviour of
In a highly ironic twist to a legal and press battle, asex-tour organiser in Norway environmental, economic (including employment) development processes in
the hosts receive a fair share of the economic benefits. If there were a code some tourists has aggravated many Ladakhi, and it is in order to prevent such
has sued the Norwegian Women's Front for 'violating his feeling of honour: the Third World, with a special chapter on sex tourism. There is however no
of conduct for alternative tourism, this dictum should be at the heart of the behaviour that these have been included. Please do not take offense, but realise
The Front has been battllng against the Scan.:rhai Travellers' Club, owned by mention of campaigns and other measures against exploitative tourism, nor
code. This should be the least common denominator, the basic rule of measure. that what may not apply to vou may well apply to others.

Mr Ivar Larsen, for over two years now, through public protests as well as even details of the work of TEN. Inclusion of such information would have
Otherwise, even the most cleverly packaged 'alternative' would simply be - Try to be sensitive to the feelings of the Ladakhi, in order to avoid causing

representations to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice. Mr Larsen has initiated helped the general reader. Nevertheless, awelcome contribution to the growing
catering to another segment of the tourism market. And that would be the offense. Bear in mind that the Ladakhi have private lives just like your own.

several legal cases againstthe Front, the latest against specific women, seeking literature on Third World Tourism. demise of ail we are seeking to achieve. Please, always ask before entering Ladakhi houses, gardens, etc. and, above

convictions on the grounds that the women behaved ina manner detrimental The commercial Viability of alternative tourism (which is fairly well­ all, before using your camera. Try to put yourself in the Ladakhi's position.
to the Club's 'name and reputation, and violated his personal feeling of honour: The Holiday Makers: Understanding the impact of leisure and travel, by Jost
Krippendorf, William Heinemann Ltd., 10 Upper Grosvenor Street, London WIX establishedl, is no doubt the reason why the World Tourism Organisation is contd. CM:rleaf
Write letters of support to Nina Christiansen, Ostensjoveien 62, Boks 53 Bryn, now in the running, with its proposed training institute. There are now many
0611 Oslo 6, Norway. 9PA, UK.
others waiting to jump on once the wagon gets going. Among us, the so-called
The English translation of Krippendorf's Die Ferienmenschen (1984), is an
critics, there are some who will see this process as the 'culmination of our efforts'
Project for Transnational Cultural Studies. USA important book in many respects. Krippendorf is an academic, one who is highly the industry is responding positively. Before we dive headlong into the
Since we last wrote about the Public Culture Bulletin, it is n<M' available as respected by the travel trade. His concern for tourism is unquestionable, his downstream current, stop once again, and ask ourselves: has the face of tourism
ajournal. Public Culture will place diverse cosmopolitan cultural forms - such credentials excellent. Both are clearly evident throughout the discussion, which really changed, or is it just another, mask?
as cinema, sport, video, museums and tourism conventionally treated as begins with an examination of industrial society, leisure and travel, goes on One possibility is that any alternative that emerges, must emerge from the
sub-specialities, under a single discursive rubric. for subscriptions, write to the to the lrecreation cycle~ and ends with proposals for the 'humanization of travel~ third world. Only this can assure - to an extent - that benefits are shared.
Editors, Public Culture, The University Museum, Box 99, University of Only sometimes is the translation of German syntax and usage disturbing. In this issue of ANL, we bring you a listing of some that exist in India.
Pennsylvania, 33rd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Inspiring, and thoroughly readable.
Paul Gonsalves
Published by: EqUitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS), 96, H Colony, Indiranagar Stage I, Bangalore 560 038, INDIA.
Design and Phototypesetting: Revisuality Digitised Typesetting and Graphic Design, 4211 Lavelle Road, Bangalore, India.
2 7
contd. from pase 1

Remember that the Ladakhi have thought patterns and time concepts that
Never disturb the monks at prayer. E~peciaily at the monastery }festivals: .
remember that these are not folk dances, but important rituals. AavishRar
THE EXPERIMENT
differ from your own: that does not make them inferior. Generally, try to - Never use a camera flash in the monasteries, since this is likelv to cause
AAVISHKAR which means DISCOVERY - is an alterllative travel agency
in International Living
be tolerant of differences between Ladakh and your home country. damage to the colour and paint of the fres'l)es.
responding to the needs of those for whom travel is an enrichment experience. The Experiment is a social-cum-educational organisation dedicated to the
- Whatever your status may be in your own country, in Ladakh you are - When"walking through a monastery, or when passing chortens, mani walls, Its operation is based on the convictions of its organisers who have worked development of a friendlier world. It believes that by living together, people
comparatively rich. This leads us to form a highly idealised image of life etc., always circumambulate clockwise, keeping them to your right. Never for many years in the field of development, and for the issues of peace and will respect cultural differences and discover human likenesses between
in the West: for example, it looks as though IM:sterners are on a perpetual remove stones from mani walls. justice. themselves and the rest of the world. Concretely, The Experi ment arranges for
holiday. At the same time, this causes us to see ourselves as backward and Trekking visitors from one region to stay in homes of other regions, as members of local
poor. Try to present a more balanced picture of life in the West, and make The services offered are:
Be aware of the cultural landscape - its highly sensitive ecology and economy. host families.
a point of telling the Ladakhi what you like about our culture. - formulation of itineraries for special interest groups} e.g. exposure to
Since the villagers generally grow just enough food to provide for their own developmenc agriculture, environment, culture, religion} education, etc. The Experiment was launched in 1932 and is an international movement with
- Try not to encourage begging children by giving money or other things. This
needs, do not expect to buy food from them. Instead, try to be self-sufficient. national offices in about 40 countries in all five continents. Under international
is how begging started in Ladakh, and by giving, you are maintaining a - logistical support, e.g. travel arrangements, accommodation and
- This also applies to fuel. Wood is an extremely scarce resource, so don't use it. programmes, there are incoming ones by which groups or individuals from
vicious cyt:le. There are other and bet~er ways of giving real help. guides, interpreters, resource persons, etc.
bury excrement. PreferablY'bring all waste back with you, otherwise foreign countries come to stay in the homes of Indian families after careful
- Please try to inform yourself about current rates and prices, so as not to package tours that combine leisure and a meaningful experience of India. orientation, usually for a few weeks. Other international programmes include
contribute to inflation. burn and bury it on site.
organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, including full service educati9nal travel, special interest travel, outgoing groups and so on.
- Try to take an interest not only in the past and present, but also in the future Make realistic plans. Don't endanger yourself or others by pushing yourself
support. The Intra-India project is a novel extension of the Experiment idea. This involves
of Ladakh. too far. You should never rely on othersto get you out ofi:rouble.
Repair anything you damage: like walls and irrigation channels. The package tours offered are of two varieties, the first involving less travel than people from one region of India staying with a family in another, distant, part
Be aware that the sale and purchase of old thankas, statues and religious
Finally, try to be law-abiding: do not go trekking in restricted areas, or climb the second. The follOWing are examples of AAVISHKAR's repertoire of packages. of India. These programmes are arrar.ged in the summe~ the trip lasting for
objects are prohibited, and that there are restrictions on the sale of any object
peaks higher than the authorised limit. 3 \\leeks, with 8-10 days of family stay, and 10-12 days of educational travel. These
older than one hundred years. Please do not rob Ladakh of its cultural Intinerary I Intinerary II are open to·both groups and individuals.
heritage. Health
- Also, be respectful of local customs. What is courteous at home may be Jay 1 Arrive Bombay Day 1 Arrive Madras The Intra-India project is a unique experiment in domestic cross-cultural contact,
Do not go trekking as soon as you arrive in Ladakh. Every year tourists get ill and fulfills a need ofthe hour: emotional integration through an educational
insulting in Ladakh. Day 2 Journey to Aurangabad Days 2
with acute mountain sickness. Mountain sickness is serious, and young healthy experience.
-.Above all, try to dress decently: shorts, bare shoulders and backs, are not people are in no way exempt. Days 3 to 4 At Pondicherry
appreciated. Public display of affection (holding hands, kissing, etc.) are Trekkers should not ascend more than 300 metres (1000 feet) each day, and to 5 At Aurangabad Days 5 For details, contactthe Programme Director, The Experiment, D-144 Defence
frowned upon. if you do, you should hot sleep above this level. Smoking and alcohol can Day 6 Journey to Banga!ore to 8 At Madurai New Delhi 110 024 (Phone: 301 4329; cable: EXPERIMENT: telex:
aggravate mountain sickness. Days 7 Day 9 31-61288,
The tourist office should be informed of intended routes, espeCially in the to 10 At Bangalore to 13 At Bangalore
case of small unaccompanied groups. Day 11 Days 14
Medical services are overstretched in the summer: health insurance should cover to 13 At Goa and 15 At Bombay
medical services. Days 14
and 15 At Bombay
***
This brochure was producedby the Ecology Centre. If you have any questions,
or fee/like having a good meal, please come and visit the Centre. We have Intinerary III Intinerary IV
a library with books on many subjects. Open from 10 am till 6 pm except on Day Arrive Bangalore Day Arrive Madras
Sundays. Days 2 Days 2
and 3 At Bangalore and 3 At Pondicherry
Days 4 Days 4
and 5 At Mysore to 6 At Madurai
,h,~I~~a.1
;·~919:v,ly·?~tfjls.
Day 6 At Bandipur Wild Life Day 7 Journey to Trivandrum
Here are some cultural norms tRat you might want to be aware of: 9Od;;t~ptf~dIife~. ........c
It is polite to give and receive with both hands.
Sanctuary Days 8 .~~ __ 6Ul-i~eve~:~~~iffete~r
Jays 7 and 9 At Trivandrum _~I.4~k$f()rtabf~~J)d:chajts;.-/'<i - . .. . .
- Point with your whole hand, not with just one finger.
and 8 At Mananthawadi Day 10 At Kottayam •..•.. ···j~iay.~,chUd~~:f~JeDdQfI~ra~r,
- All religious objects, including books, statues and photos are kept high off
Day 9 Journey to Mangalore Day 11 By backwaters to Cochin l~d~~ft tl>,e~pI9re t~e .·pl~·()flhi
the floor. You may cause offence by leaving postcards, guidebooks, etc. on .i24,~_~,,_ i.cl:tfle.-e~~~ral uryH~~aJ
the floor. Day 10 At Mangalore Day 12 At Cochin
Day 11 Journey to Goa Days 13 id:fl9r~n()W·~~~t/·.~U
- Don't point your feet at, or step over, people, rei igious objects, tables, food, 'tm~atetr Jracks:~nqacc~ss
Days 12 to 15 At Bombay
etc.
and 13 At Goa ::¢~Ci~l1~cljJ11~SOoo;Yijaybegantakin$'@ri$tsffi?rri~~~~'~ .,<,.
It is impolite to be too quick in accepting offers of food and drink.
Days 14 .·~hi¢:b.~~ .c~Us'~~~"~:~lks'.. • . ,., .. :.. . •. . •. •. .••.. . :..•. •. .wi". ... •. . . ·.··.·<Y: .•....:......•. '>.:
- Cooking and eating utensils are not shared.
and 15 At Bombay
. '..... ···.~ufttis~lIytn~~~J1g~I~WJw~kethe<it~~'t~·

Monasteries ;;~~t~()I~f1)~tiYf?·~()·~.I<X:al··toulS/~uran~t1ndfi~;$~~I~~~:; .•.·.·


- Don't be put off by the entrance fees of monasteries. This money is used In the course of all the above packages the participants will be exposed to the ::y~~~nt~~~withthem -,:-a~mev$~a,I~P:ftiro~wilh.~ut.}
for the upkeep and restoration of the monasteries as well as for the issl,Jes of Indian rural dynamics, health and nutrition, environmental concerns, ·+yq1)(?Qfne.~realisingtbatwmtttheyd9l$ notj~tO~~!iv~~~,;;';
construction of new shrines. Also, most tourists visit monasteries as they education, religion, women in Indian society, tourism, and traditional crafts,
.'it 'i~:alifestyle,Withthem .·itl$pt:)s~iblelOint$dwitli·m.il~!lI~ ....
would a museum: to them, it is nota place of worship. Thus there is nothing interspersed with sight-seeing and relaxation. All the packages can be modified ~rybl~ully.andfruitftitlYtsince·it is notstrtJdUredor.?Ip!li~ft~I~·.·,
wrong with asking for a small fee. should the participants desire in-depth exposure to a given issue.
lil'llit~.()n~can'thelpfjut think again that trave(:mar, bad sUCh' •.. ha\ie
~ginninS$fcor 'rVhatis ~n mored~hable: that altem~t~:,ourism~ill' .
- Please dress properly! In Europe, there are sometimes guards at churches AAVISHKAR looks forward to assisting you on your journey to DISCOVERY. ;~9mlrt() take this shape; , . ..
and cathedrals, who check peoples' dress. In Ladakh, there are none (yet),
but very similar rules apply. So, please} no shorts! Aavishk4lr Services P. Ltd.,
88, Narayanappa Block, RJ. Nagar,
,;.~~,~~~ "&aRerv.·and.Restaurant•.. Kei~.··~'·.Nelt . t6.·CUft()~·H()tel.·• ·:.·
- Remember, you are visiting a holy place. Always take off your shoes before
Bangalore 560032. INDIA. Phone: 333876
:Bearst,ol~t PaIls Road; KodaJRantiI,Soutblttdia. '.
entering. Please refrain from smoking, drinkingalcohol and spitting. Never
touch the statues,' books} thankas or other religious objects. Telex: 0845-8147 PLI Attn: Aavishkar.
6 3
in a voluntary organisation mainly because of language problems, but
ICYE:
also because I don't know anything about the culture. I can readily The Dra~on Shies Away Boycott Singapore,
The International Christian Youth Exchan~e understand the reaction of some organisations: 'What kind of work do
from Visitors
[eYE's history dates back to the end of the second World War
you want to do? How do you think you can help us?' Ihave come to the think twice about the Philippines
conclusion that the best work I'll be able to do will be back in my own
when it was founded as an initiative for reconciliation between

S
country, by giving information about India, and making people aware of INCE it cautiously opened its borders to foreign visitors in 1974, We view with grave concern the deteriorating situation of human rights in
the formerly opposing countries. Thus if was initially a prog­ Bhuta~ had been earning US$2 million il. year from the tourist trade. Singapore. Early in 1987, more than 20 persons were arrested and detained
the problems here. But even hearing about hunger and water shortages
ramme between the USA and Germany. Presently there are 28 However, government authorities in this 47,OOO-square kilometer without charges, under the infamous Internal Security Act Several of them have
doesn't really communicate what is happening because it doesn't touch
participating countries all over the world and every year Himalayan nation have decided that the additional income is not worth been released and arrested a number of ti mes since then. Although the detainees
you personally.
approximately 600 exchangees participate in the ICYE the effect the industry has on the country's culture. have categorically denied the Singapore government's charges of their being
Another problem is that I expected something totally different but I
programme. [CYE aims to be a movement of young people who Early this year, the Bhutanese government virtually closed its borders involved in 'an alleged Marxist conspiracy: nine of them are still behind bars.
have come to stay with amiddle Class family. Ihave been really surprised
are able to accept the risks and challenges of living and growing to foreign~rs and recalled its tourist agents based abroad - keeping only In December 1987, the Singapore gOJernment asked the Christian Conference
at how similar it is. I came out of the first world to get out of consumer
in a different environment, among people of another culture. asmall office in India. In addition, the few foreign visitors who get in are of Asia (a regional federation of national Protestant church bodies) to close its
society, ruled by money and the quest for prestige. And yet here I find a
[CYE runs a one year exchange programme, special prorammes, denied access to monasteries, temples and sacred mountains. office, and gave expatriate staff notice to quit the country. Among the many
lot of people trying to be as western as possible, taking over awestern life·
disabled exchange programmes, professional exchange Squeezed between China, India and Nepal, - and known as the charges levelled at the CCA was one that pointed at the CCNs protest against
style and forgetting about the problems here in India. So again there are
programmes and vocational training exchange programmes. "thunder dragon country" - Bhutan is determined to keep at arms length the ISA arrests.
two totally different expe~tations clashing together. The problem is that
Below we give the account of Petra Hartmann who came to India it is very easy to be 'in touch' with these people, as they show a lot of from the world tourist trade. Only the wealthy will be able to afford the A number of groups and individuals worldwide have expressed their solidarity
on a youth exchange programme. interest in western culture. But Iexpected something different. Iwanted exorbitant new prices and they will be required to travel in groups. with the ISA detainees and the CCA, and some have called for a boycott of
to achieve something different. How do you find contacts with poor Bhutanese officials make no secret that their aim is to avert afate similar Singapore as a tourist destination and conference venue, as well as of Singapore
Iam a German exchangee from the ICYE, in India for about 5weeks so
people? But Icouldn't help them.. There is no need for me to be here, and to that of neighboring Nepal, a tiny nation annually invaded by some Airlines as a carrier. We join our hands with theirs to say, 'Until justice, no
far and with at least another 5months to go. My motive for coming to India tourists:
was to have a break from the 'normal' way of life in Germany - school, I can't speak their language anyway. It would be much easier if Icould be 250,000 foreign tourists. Bhutan's Director of Tourism Jigme Tshultim told
university, wedding. So after finishing school Ithought it would be agood satisfied by being involved in the middle·class culture of India. But then, a group of North American travel agent<; that the restrictions against Meanwhile, not so far away, the tragic arrest and torture under detention of
why did I come to India? lOreign viSitors were adopted because tourism was "undermining the Noel Villalba (coordinator of the Asian Committee for Peoples' Organisations)
time to break out of this scheme and have some new experiences. Ihave
Buddhist faith." under the Aquino regime, is yet another example of the threat to human rights
th.ought for a long time that it would be good to travel in a third world International Office: ICYE, Bachstrasse 1-2, D·1000 Berlin 21, F. R. Germany
country. But there were two problems, First I wanted to stay for a long The government measures were based on the recommendations of a and civi I liberties in South East Asia. Taking the mantle from Marcos was never
India Office: ICYE, 55A Moore Road, Fraser Town, Bangalore 560 005, India an enviable legacy, but Cory Aquino seems to be rapidly losing the confidence
time, so that ICQuld get more than abrief impression, and secondly, Ididn't special committee for cultural affairs which analyzed the effects of
tourism on the local society. The report, submitted to the Bhutanese the Filipino people placed in her.
want to go as a tourist and always stay in hotels, always being an outsider.
Tourism in the Philippines is ashattered industry, despite many efforts to attract
Also, Ididn't want to support the tourist industry, Ihave travelled a lot in
Europe, and always found a similarity between the countries. Ihave never
CONTACT Parliament, described how some cultural values have been severely
a.ffected by tourism. It pointed out that "Tourism is harmful to the holy visitors to the islands. The coming to power of a 'MJman President had led many
felt that the European way ofliving is aparticularly good one and so Iwas An Agency for Global Interaction nature of our Buddhist monasteries, contributes to the desecration of the to believe that Aquino would act decisively to eliminate sex tourism and mi litary
interested to discover something really different. country's holy places and corrupts the population." Most Bhutanese are prostitution in the US naval and air bases. Far from that, the only action the
Started by Michael Cordeiro in 1986 (also Imown as Safar Tours and Travels). it government has taken is to harass the women periodically. Child prostitution
Ihave often wanted to get involved in the problems of the 'third world'. evolved out of Mr Cordeiro's career in the mass tourism industry. HavinQ worRed Buddhists, following the country's official religion. Many live in monas­
teries, which are religious educational centres. in Pagsanjan continues unabated, with the support of many influential local
Ialways feel a kind of responsibility for these problems but it is easy to with a number of airlines and travel aQents. CONTACT was initiated with the politicians and others.
make excuses. But until now Inever found away of helping that made me 'idealistic note of providinQ budQet tours to the international marRets·. GNP orGNHl
feel that it would really change anything. Iknow that I will never find a CONTACT has successfully hosted student Qroups from the USA. Caribbean
solution to the problems, but I thought that by getting involved in the
problems personally I would becoine more sensitive·and perhaps find
and Europe, as well as orQanised conferences for the Society for Participatory Over 50 Bhutanese monasteries and temples have lost s.everal valuable
items since 1974. The pilfering is attributed to the desire by tourists to
Why Tourism Concern?
Research in Asia and the Voluntary Health Association of India, both Delhi-based
some personal solutions and ways ofunderstanding. Ialso recognised that non-government service agencies. return home with souvenirs. The losses suffered in Bhutan are few in Tourism Concern is a new initiative set up to change the one-way focus of our
Iwasn't able to form an idea of India before Icame, since the information Mr Cordeiro calls his WOft< 'development tourism'. and also provides project comparison with Nepal, but Bhutanese authorities fear that unrestricted current perceptions of tourism. It starts from a simple premise: that the people
we have in the 'first world' about the 'third world' is very unilateral and identification and liaison functions for the voluntary sector in India. tourism might exacerbate the problem. living in the places where vve take our holidays matter.
interest oriented. So many people in the west have little or no Under the new policies, the number of foreigners who will be allowed The fact that this needs to be stated tells us something important about today's
Contact A-I03 Nilgiri Apts.. Alaknanda. New Delhi 110 019, Phone: 643 0933 to attend the annual Spring Festival in Paro, near the capital city of
understanding about the 'third world'. This was also one of the reasons tourist industry. In the modern tourism equation, the once equal relationship
for coming, though Ididn't want to support all the problems between the Thimphu, will be sharply reduc~d. These few visitors will be charged a of host and guest is now heavily weighted in favour of the guest; and host
first and third worlds by 'visiting' a 'third world country'. So again Ifaced contd. from page 3 special daily hotel rate of US£200 a day. Himalayan peaks have been communities around the world are now counting the cost of tourism
dilemmas. Then Iheard of! CYE. It is an organisation for youth exchanges declared off·limits to tourists - not even authorized expeditions will be development that has failed to put their interests and rights on a par with those
journalists, tourism professionals and tourists.
allowed to climb Bhutan's sacred mountains.
with the aim of forming a better understanding between nations, to * Sharing information and experience and taking action where they can. According to the World Bank, Bhutan is one of the least developed
of thei r visitors.
exchange cultures. Part of the programme is to stay in a host family and
to. do voluntary work, mainly in the social or political sector. It is not * With a central co-ordinator. countries in the world, with a per capita income of US$140 in 1986. Yet
Documented cases of religious and cultural traditions debased, of natural
environments degraded, of livelihoods lost are being increasingly cited. Yet
meant to be an organisation that gives you easy and cheap travel. Only What will the Network do?
most of its 1.3 million residents enjoy a higher quality of life than their neither the tourist industry nor the public it serves seems to be responding to
the last month of every exchange year is meant for travelling. Ithought Tourism Concern's activities will reflect, the interests and skills of it members.
Nepalese and Indian neighbours. The country is self-sufficient in rice, this disturbing evidence.
this would be a very good idea, because you can get involved in the Current projects' are:
wheat and corn; most Bhutanese weave and sew their own garments Tourism Concern will seek to create a greater awareness of tourism's impact
culture, live in a family, get close to them and share many of the problems * preparing information sheets on the issues we want to raise. instead of buying them in shops. and a positive response to the issues raised, to the ultimate benefit of us aiL
that are based on the differences between two cultures. You also have a * devising case study materials for teachers of tourism and development In addition, Bhutan receives more aid per capita than any other country
in the world. Funds supplied by India, the United Nations, Japan and the
What are its aims?
big responsibility in representing your whole nation.
I think it is inevitable that alot of problems arise when somebody totally
studies.
* promoting resources on tourism and travel which challenge the usual tourist­ Scandinavian countries amount to US$80 per person per year. Thus it is * To promote greater understanding of the impact of tourism on host
unlikely that the loss in foreign exchange earnings from tourism will be communities and environments.
different in many respects - culture, mentality, morality, habits, diet and centered perspective. * To raise awareness of forms of tourism that take account of the interests and
so on, comes Into afamily with very different expectations. But in solving * examining and responding to the cOJerage of tourism and travel in the media. deeply felt.
At a 1987 meeting of tourism experts held in Bangkok, Thailand; an rights of those living in tourist areas.
these problems there is the possibility of learning from each other, of
cultural exchange, mutual understanding. This contrasts with normal
* working on productive ways of using and sharing what we know about the Indian specialist quoted Bhutan's King Jigme Singye Wangchuk as telling * To draw attention in particular to the impact of tourism on people in the
impact of tourism and about good practice in the tourist industry. 'long haul' destinations of the Third World.
tourism when two cultures just clash, Work Bank representatives that he was less interested in improving the
But back to my experiences.. ,There have been alot of problems so far. To become part of the Tourism Concern Network, contact: country's Gross National Product than he was in promoting its "GNH". * To promote tourism as a development issue, in a British and a 'MJrld context.
I have felt misunderstood, and especially as if I am doing everything The king explained to the suprised Washington economists that "GNH How does it operate?
wrong. One of the main problems is that I can't really justify coming to
Alison Stancliffe,
stands for Gross National Happiness." * As a network, linked to similar networks around the world.
India at all, since there is no need for aperson like me at all. I'm interested
Tourism Concern Co-ordinator,
8 St Mary's Terrace, Ryton, * A membership of development workers and educationists, writers and
in women's issues and in the problem of poverty, but Iam not able to work Tyne & Wear NE40 3AL. (091) 4135393. United Kingdom. from THIRD WORLD, No 14, 1988 rontd. on page 6
4 5

Questionable Moves on Tourism


-Hugh and Colleen Gantzer
The report of the National Committee on Tourism was well worth waiting for. themselves equal partners.
INDIA
There are other irritants too. A simple calculation, using official figures, will
em News and Views an enormous price.
Mr. Srinivasan said foolproofchecks were also
dealers stole from unprotected monuments and
unsuspecting villagers possessing antiques.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 6 luly 1988
It has both sanctified the creative ideas of the tra\€1 trade by givi ng them official
respectability, and revealed Government thinking pn many important issues. show that the Foreign Tourist Survey 1982-83 on which the Committee relies
for so many of its conclusions, is unreliable. For instance, the Survey claims
A LARGE number of fiscal and other incentives are being offered to the
private sector to involve itself in the country's tourism industry in a big way.
These issues are nO\N open to public debate. Hopefully this debate will influence The Union minister of state for tourism, Mr. Giridhar Gomango, said while
the National Development Counci I when it meets to hammer out the National the average tourist spent 27.6 days in India in 1982-83. All you have to do is inaugurating a seminar on the "development of tourism in India with special THE Prime minister has set up asix-member island development study group
to multiply the 806,178 tourist arrivals in that year by 27.6, and then try to fit I which will submit a report before the end of the year on how the Andaman
Tourism Policy. reference to Goa" here that besides wide tax reliefs, hotel and other tourism­
them into the hotel rooms available in that year. You'll end up with at least related activities would be entitled to benefits of an export industry. & Nicobar, Lakshwadeep, and other groups of islands can be developed for
The Committee's recommendations affect
this country. There are matters of direct concern to the Union Cabinet. 6.5 million bednights in search of accommodation. According to Mr. Gomango, efforts are being made to diversify tourism from the benefit of the islanders, without damaging the environment of these areas.
and Civil Aviation Secretary S KMisra claims that application of Section 80HH Such patently ill-founded conclusions throw into doubt every other opinion According to sources here, the study group will assess factors like the
traditional places of cultural or historical interest to holiday resorts. Besides
(of the Income Tax Act) to the tourism industry, increasing the capacity of based on this Survey. Do 92 per cent of foreign tourists really travel to India sustainable levels for exploitation of marine resources in the long term, and
extending the facilities in Goa, plans are afoot to develop the Andaman and
international airlines operating into India, even the remerger of the Depart­ independently? Do they really spend 54 per cent of their tourist dollars on food the suitable inputs of modern technology which will be required for this
Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands as popular resorts. Similarly, trekking,
ments of Civil Aviation and Tourism, were all triggered by the specific and accommodation and 25 per cent on shopping? Does shopping really purpose. All relevant aspects, like transportation, building materials and the
mountaineering, rock-climbing and winter sports are being projected in the
recommendations of the Committee. account for 65 per cent of a package tourist's expenditure in. India? Do 42.3 Himalayan region. potential for water harvesting, will also be considered. The study group will
Then, there are subjects whieh affect state organisations involved with tourism. per cent of tourists prefer'to stay in five and four star hotels? Are all these also review the efficacy of existing methodologies.
The special focus of the seminar was on where attractive incentives are
The Committee has endorsed the need for partial privatisation of the national conlu!iions based on faulty, non-representative surveys? Sources note that the study group's deliberations will be in the context of
being offered to lure private lot into the money spinning
airlines to solve their chronic problems; for the creation of an All India Tourism High Potential tourism industry. the Dresent government thinking that the developmental thrust for the islands
Service; to encourage charter flights; to give Indian Airlines and Air India But that isn't all. The Committee has made some positively aangerous Goa's tourism minister, Dr. L.P. Barbosa, said the incentives include a 25 per be in the sphere of exploitation of marine resources for the benefit of
Computer Reservation Terminals to travel agents; to dissuade the state from proposals. If the proposed National Tourism Development Corporation gets investment in hotels, a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost the islanders and not in terms of Dromotim~ luxury tourism.
investing heavily in those tourism services which can be left to the private sector. a 50 per cent hold on State Tourism Corporations, then burgeoning State of preparing feasibility reports of hotels and a remission of 50 per cent TIMES OF INDIA, July 3, 1988
At the third level there are certain recommendations which might not find initiatives will be stifled and the contagion of centralised labour unrest will duty. There is also a proposal to provide a 50 per cent concession to

.~/YNliJis'Jj;j,~dIIJitii~

favour with the travel industry. The larger hotel chains and major travel as dynamic little organisations are overwhelmed by asingle, sluggish, in the payment of electricity and water charges.
who have developed considerable expertise in marketing abroad, would not mammoth one. The monitoring of Central grants is the answer, not take-overs. Dr. Barbosa said that among the tourism-related projects the government had
like to pool their resources under the bureaucratic control of the proposed As for giving tax concessions and investment subsidies to all areas of high in mind for Goa were the laying of a golf course of international specifications,

srAy.·6RDE~~r~~i~d.~.·.the.·a¢n~.ho( Bom~:Hi~hi~o~ril:··.i".
Marketing Development Fund. And the tax incentives will hardly attract them: tourism potential, this'will destroy every hill resort. Developers will rush in, a cable car service over one ofthe major rivers and the setti ng up of amusement
with their business connections abroad, spending untaxed money is not an as the quarriers did, and violate every rule, ravage the ecology and leave parks. the'
insurmountable problem. Also, there's going to be quite a struggle for status despoi led mountains in their wake. And, indeed, the 'developers' are wreaking The chief minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane, made a fervent plea for the restral.hing theconstru(1ion',ofth~Ramada Hotel ·j~8oa?~~s<;
when the six-category star rating'syshim··is changed to the Deluxe, Standard such havoc even now. establishment of a national institute of water sports in Goa. He said though vaca~edatthefjl1alhearingirlate~~nltle~··JheJagrl.ltq~nk(l~~~L,. . . . . .
and Budget classification. In spite of Secretary Misra's assurances that tourism growth in the mountains the project had been cleared in principle, no funds had been sanctioned by " Fauz .had filed~~(it) petitjpn ~ta~jngthatthe,hot~1 !h~d~i?l~r~«
Bias towards hotels would be monitored, nothing of the sort is being done. the Centre, yet. If the Centre did not have adequate funds for the project, the erwiroomertal nQrj11s.~nGJ.·!riot:.fulfill~.mandatof¥r~t;lirern~l1~¥j~;·····
As for the so-called professionals in the various Departments of Tourism in the
The Report, has, in fact comedown heavily on the Ministry and Department state government could go ahead with it on its own provided it was permitted ~~ting the stay orclet;the~~~chhb~rqrdered thatc?n~tt~t1io?~{
of Tourism. It has implied that the moribund Indian Institute of Travel and to import material. ~;tliinthe?OOmet~fitnitohjthebeaehhead bedf?moli5ijedlan4~?···
Centre and the States, how on earth is anyone going to ensu re that they possess
Tourism Management has not performed its assigned role: It says, also, 'The TIMES OF INDIA, 27 June 1988 weUsinth,elimitsbeJillE!(jup. ..•.... ... ,'. '" ...• .....< .•....••. .'. .•. .
. .'
'a sound conceptual understanding of tourism' when many of them have
subsisted for years on filling out forms and pleasing visiting ViPs? It is also quite
role and the infl uence of the averseas offices of the Department of Tourism has . ••.. NQluflt~ers. ofttW.'lCF,led.by IiTof$ergio Ca~alnOfn~fda'

.StrafjOnaitb~·.ferry. whariorl4()thNQYembert•. topl'9te5ta~!i

certain that the States will resist the proposed inclusion of tourism .on the
Concurrent List, particularly the opposition-controlled states. Moreover, who
been extremely marginal: Then again: 'Our marketing strategy has remained
more or less static, in terms of spread, innovation, im::loin::ltinn S MUGGLING or theft of antiques is proposed to be made a cognizable
offence. This is one ot'the several amendments being considered by the ..8rrtisb..cfiarter taur,. Inspjration. tast,bro~gnt:.t(rGoaby fatal
.
is going to set up and hire terminals of the futuristic All India Tourism Computer
and coordination: Turning to tourism'S of India (AS/) to make the 1976 ':4ntiaues Act" more AirWays•...... '......•....•... •.•.··.·.···.·······.··<.i...;· .••. . . . . . . • </ .··•.•... ···..• i . • . . . < }•....•••.•...•
Network: Tournet?
Committee claims that every year since 1981-82, effective. JGf(1ctivi~ts disttiOOt«) ~phl~exptajniflgthe t:a~se~~ft'P~t,\
As we anticipated when this Committee was set up with a heavy bias towards
have fallen, with a slight peaking in 1985-86. According to ASI sources, the Central Bureau ofInvestigation (CBI) and law ttl t~~ tourists, ·8anne~andplap~rds~real$O·diSP{~~A:llatt~"'"~··.
hotels and hoteliers, it has tended to confuse the interests of the hotels with
And finally, one of the Terms of Reference of the Committee v.as to 'suggest enforcing authorities from several states "ere of the opinion that the existing ·.bya. tour guide (MsAnnab;f1a.ofTIn)Wa~}tograb.~ebaonet$ . ~~·.
those of tourism in general. Indeed, under a chapter headed Tourist Accommo­
a mechanism for monitoring the performance of... the Central Ministries, State law was not 'strong enough' and loopholes needed to be plugged for curbing .' r!:~~iste(L .... ....... . .< •.•. •. '. ..•. . . •. . '., ..... . . . . ..... ". ". .. ... ". ..•....
Government, Public and Private Institutions in the promotion of tourism... the menace more effectively. .• JCifstates that t~echa~~rs prOrn()teGoajnglossybrochure~ fill~.·
dation and Lodging, the Committee recommends the setting up of a Tourism
against the well-defined economic yardstick: The 1976 Ad made provisions for compulsory registration of a notified vvllh.half-truths and. blatart li~!.af)dwar[1$tl'latsuchdistortJQn of the
Finance Corporation when what they really have in mind is a Hotel Finance
Corporation. The Report's obvious obsession with this one segment of the
Why has this been ignored by the National Committee on Tourism? Is category ofantiques, licence necessary to deal in antiques and provisions for
acquiring antiques or art treasures.
Goanjmage will be stoutly ~isted.
accountability to be avoided at all costs, even in tourism?
tourism industry will make it suspect in the eyes of others who consider According to ASI's Director (Antiquity) LX. Srinivasan, the problem has been
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS, 31 August 1988
compounded due to financial constraints and the fad that Indian antiques fetch

""~ SPlSrJT TV«:> w~'So FoR 'Sc::> \f'I~ c.ouc..v FL-'(""'~ T...eV"~~ ~,~ttr, lT~es -(D~ 1b
~~ WPrS Y'c:::vfZ
vA<:I<nq! rFrlP'!! 1'0fJA( SHOPPlrJ C7 He:flfi.•·
WHAT AtJV StbP' FbP: Tilo "'' tt'S­ ~,A~'~
~.ATlOtJ,.L.. -
-st"JftJP' 1+N:>tJf!Y.I
\
ASK'• / ?.
/
\
\ 1

~ 10 ID-f'
4 5

Questionable Moves on Tourism


-Hugh and Colleen Gantzer
The report of the National Committee on Tourism was well worth waiting for. themselves equal partners.
INDIA
There are other irritants too. A simple calculation, using official figures, will
em News and Views an enormous price.
Mr. Srinivasan said foolproofchecks were also
dealers stole from unprotected monuments and
unsuspecting villagers possessing antiques.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 6 luly 1988
It has both sanctified the creative ideas of the tra\€1 trade by givi ng them official
respectability, and revealed Government thinking pn many important issues. show that the Foreign Tourist Survey 1982-83 on which the Committee relies
for so many of its conclusions, is unreliable. For instance, the Survey claims
A LARGE number of fiscal and other incentives are being offered to the
private sector to involve itself in the country's tourism industry in a big way.
These issues are nO\N open to public debate. Hopefully this debate will influence The Union minister of state for tourism, Mr. Giridhar Gomango, said while
the National Development Counci I when it meets to hammer out the National the average tourist spent 27.6 days in India in 1982-83. All you have to do is inaugurating a seminar on the "development of tourism in India with special THE Prime minister has set up asix-member island development study group
to multiply the 806,178 tourist arrivals in that year by 27.6, and then try to fit I which will submit a report before the end of the year on how the Andaman
Tourism Policy. reference to Goa" here that besides wide tax reliefs, hotel and other tourism­
them into the hotel rooms available in that year. You'll end up with at least related activities would be entitled to benefits of an export industry. & Nicobar, Lakshwadeep, and other groups of islands can be developed for
The Committee's recommendations affect
this country. There are matters of direct concern to the Union Cabinet. 6.5 million bednights in search of accommodation. According to Mr. Gomango, efforts are being made to diversify tourism from the benefit of the islanders, without damaging the environment of these areas.
and Civil Aviation Secretary S KMisra claims that application of Section 80HH Such patently ill-founded conclusions throw into doubt every other opinion According to sources here, the study group will assess factors like the
traditional places of cultural or historical interest to holiday resorts. Besides
(of the Income Tax Act) to the tourism industry, increasing the capacity of based on this Survey. Do 92 per cent of foreign tourists really travel to India sustainable levels for exploitation of marine resources in the long term, and
extending the facilities in Goa, plans are afoot to develop the Andaman and
international airlines operating into India, even the remerger of the Depart­ independently? Do they really spend 54 per cent of their tourist dollars on food the suitable inputs of modern technology which will be required for this
Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands as popular resorts. Similarly, trekking,
ments of Civil Aviation and Tourism, were all triggered by the specific and accommodation and 25 per cent on shopping? Does shopping really purpose. All relevant aspects, like transportation, building materials and the
mountaineering, rock-climbing and winter sports are being projected in the
recommendations of the Committee. account for 65 per cent of a package tourist's expenditure in. India? Do 42.3 Himalayan region. potential for water harvesting, will also be considered. The study group will
Then, there are subjects whieh affect state organisations involved with tourism. per cent of tourists prefer'to stay in five and four star hotels? Are all these also review the efficacy of existing methodologies.
The special focus of the seminar was on where attractive incentives are
The Committee has endorsed the need for partial privatisation of the national conlu!iions based on faulty, non-representative surveys? Sources note that the study group's deliberations will be in the context of
being offered to lure private lot into the money spinning
airlines to solve their chronic problems; for the creation of an All India Tourism High Potential tourism industry. the Dresent government thinking that the developmental thrust for the islands
Service; to encourage charter flights; to give Indian Airlines and Air India But that isn't all. The Committee has made some positively aangerous Goa's tourism minister, Dr. L.P. Barbosa, said the incentives include a 25 per be in the sphere of exploitation of marine resources for the benefit of
Computer Reservation Terminals to travel agents; to dissuade the state from proposals. If the proposed National Tourism Development Corporation gets investment in hotels, a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost the islanders and not in terms of Dromotim~ luxury tourism.
investing heavily in those tourism services which can be left to the private sector. a 50 per cent hold on State Tourism Corporations, then burgeoning State of preparing feasibility reports of hotels and a remission of 50 per cent TIMES OF INDIA, July 3, 1988
At the third level there are certain recommendations which might not find initiatives will be stifled and the contagion of centralised labour unrest will duty. There is also a proposal to provide a 50 per cent concession to

.~/YNliJis'Jj;j,~dIIJitii~

favour with the travel industry. The larger hotel chains and major travel as dynamic little organisations are overwhelmed by asingle, sluggish, in the payment of electricity and water charges.
who have developed considerable expertise in marketing abroad, would not mammoth one. The monitoring of Central grants is the answer, not take-overs. Dr. Barbosa said that among the tourism-related projects the government had
like to pool their resources under the bureaucratic control of the proposed As for giving tax concessions and investment subsidies to all areas of high in mind for Goa were the laying of a golf course of international specifications,

srAy.·6RDE~~r~~i~d.~.·.the.·a¢n~.ho( Bom~:Hi~hi~o~ril:··.i".
Marketing Development Fund. And the tax incentives will hardly attract them: tourism potential, this'will destroy every hill resort. Developers will rush in, a cable car service over one ofthe major rivers and the setti ng up of amusement
with their business connections abroad, spending untaxed money is not an as the quarriers did, and violate every rule, ravage the ecology and leave parks. the'
insurmountable problem. Also, there's going to be quite a struggle for status despoi led mountains in their wake. And, indeed, the 'developers' are wreaking The chief minister, Mr Pratapsing Rane, made a fervent plea for the restral.hing theconstru(1ion',ofth~Ramada Hotel ·j~8oa?~~s<;
when the six-category star rating'syshim··is changed to the Deluxe, Standard such havoc even now. establishment of a national institute of water sports in Goa. He said though vaca~edatthefjl1alhearingirlate~~nltle~··JheJagrl.ltq~nk(l~~~L,. . . . . .
and Budget classification. In spite of Secretary Misra's assurances that tourism growth in the mountains the project had been cleared in principle, no funds had been sanctioned by " Fauz .had filed~~(it) petitjpn ~ta~jngthatthe,hot~1 !h~d~i?l~r~«
Bias towards hotels would be monitored, nothing of the sort is being done. the Centre, yet. If the Centre did not have adequate funds for the project, the erwiroomertal nQrj11s.~nGJ.·!riot:.fulfill~.mandatof¥r~t;lirern~l1~¥j~;·····
As for the so-called professionals in the various Departments of Tourism in the
The Report, has, in fact comedown heavily on the Ministry and Department state government could go ahead with it on its own provided it was permitted ~~ting the stay orclet;the~~~chhb~rqrdered thatc?n~tt~t1io?~{
of Tourism. It has implied that the moribund Indian Institute of Travel and to import material. ~;tliinthe?OOmet~fitnitohjthebeaehhead bedf?moli5ijedlan4~?···
Centre and the States, how on earth is anyone going to ensu re that they possess
Tourism Management has not performed its assigned role: It says, also, 'The TIMES OF INDIA, 27 June 1988 weUsinth,elimitsbeJillE!(jup. ..•.... ... ,'. '" ...• .....< .•....••. .'. .•. .
. .'
'a sound conceptual understanding of tourism' when many of them have
subsisted for years on filling out forms and pleasing visiting ViPs? It is also quite
role and the infl uence of the averseas offices of the Department of Tourism has . ••.. NQluflt~ers. ofttW.'lCF,led.by IiTof$ergio Ca~alnOfn~fda'

.StrafjOnaitb~·.ferry. whariorl4()thNQYembert•. topl'9te5ta~!i

certain that the States will resist the proposed inclusion of tourism .on the
Concurrent List, particularly the opposition-controlled states. Moreover, who
been extremely marginal: Then again: 'Our marketing strategy has remained
more or less static, in terms of spread, innovation, im::loin::ltinn S MUGGLING or theft of antiques is proposed to be made a cognizable
offence. This is one ot'the several amendments being considered by the ..8rrtisb..cfiarter taur,. Inspjration. tast,bro~gnt:.t(rGoaby fatal
.
is going to set up and hire terminals of the futuristic All India Tourism Computer
and coordination: Turning to tourism'S of India (AS/) to make the 1976 ':4ntiaues Act" more AirWays•...... '......•....•... •.•.··.·.···.·······.··<.i...;· .••. . . . . . . • </ .··•.•... ···..• i . • . . . < }•....•••.•...•
Network: Tournet?
Committee claims that every year since 1981-82, effective. JGf(1ctivi~ts disttiOOt«) ~phl~exptajniflgthe t:a~se~~ft'P~t,\
As we anticipated when this Committee was set up with a heavy bias towards
have fallen, with a slight peaking in 1985-86. According to ASI sources, the Central Bureau ofInvestigation (CBI) and law ttl t~~ tourists, ·8anne~andplap~rds~real$O·diSP{~~A:llatt~"'"~··.
hotels and hoteliers, it has tended to confuse the interests of the hotels with
And finally, one of the Terms of Reference of the Committee v.as to 'suggest enforcing authorities from several states "ere of the opinion that the existing ·.bya. tour guide (MsAnnab;f1a.ofTIn)Wa~}tograb.~ebaonet$ . ~~·.
those of tourism in general. Indeed, under a chapter headed Tourist Accommo­
a mechanism for monitoring the performance of... the Central Ministries, State law was not 'strong enough' and loopholes needed to be plugged for curbing .' r!:~~iste(L .... ....... . .< •.•. •. '. ..•. . . •. . '., ..... . . . . ..... ". ". .. ... ". ..•....
Government, Public and Private Institutions in the promotion of tourism... the menace more effectively. .• JCifstates that t~echa~~rs prOrn()teGoajnglossybrochure~ fill~.·
dation and Lodging, the Committee recommends the setting up of a Tourism
against the well-defined economic yardstick: The 1976 Ad made provisions for compulsory registration of a notified vvllh.half-truths and. blatart li~!.af)dwar[1$tl'latsuchdistortJQn of the
Finance Corporation when what they really have in mind is a Hotel Finance
Corporation. The Report's obvious obsession with this one segment of the
Why has this been ignored by the National Committee on Tourism? Is category ofantiques, licence necessary to deal in antiques and provisions for
acquiring antiques or art treasures.
Goanjmage will be stoutly ~isted.
accountability to be avoided at all costs, even in tourism?
tourism industry will make it suspect in the eyes of others who consider According to ASI's Director (Antiquity) LX. Srinivasan, the problem has been
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS, 31 August 1988
compounded due to financial constraints and the fad that Indian antiques fetch

""~ SPlSrJT TV«:> w~'So FoR 'Sc::> \f'I~ c.ouc..v FL-'(""'~ T...eV"~~ ~,~ttr, lT~es -(D~ 1b
~~ WPrS Y'c:::vfZ
vA<:I<nq! rFrlP'!! 1'0fJA( SHOPPlrJ C7 He:flfi.•·
WHAT AtJV StbP' FbP: Tilo "'' tt'S­ ~,A~'~
~.ATlOtJ,.L.. -
-st"JftJP' 1+N:>tJf!Y.I
\
ASK'• / ?.
/
\
\ 1

~ 10 ID-f'
6 3
in a voluntary organisation mainly because of language problems, but
ICYE:
also because I don't know anything about the culture. I can readily The Dra~on Shies Away Boycott Singapore,
The International Christian Youth Exchan~e understand the reaction of some organisations: 'What kind of work do
from Visitors
[eYE's history dates back to the end of the second World War
you want to do? How do you think you can help us?' Ihave come to the think twice about the Philippines
conclusion that the best work I'll be able to do will be back in my own
when it was founded as an initiative for reconciliation between

S
country, by giving information about India, and making people aware of INCE it cautiously opened its borders to foreign visitors in 1974, We view with grave concern the deteriorating situation of human rights in
the formerly opposing countries. Thus if was initially a prog­ Bhuta~ had been earning US$2 million il. year from the tourist trade. Singapore. Early in 1987, more than 20 persons were arrested and detained
the problems here. But even hearing about hunger and water shortages
ramme between the USA and Germany. Presently there are 28 However, government authorities in this 47,OOO-square kilometer without charges, under the infamous Internal Security Act Several of them have
doesn't really communicate what is happening because it doesn't touch
participating countries all over the world and every year Himalayan nation have decided that the additional income is not worth been released and arrested a number of ti mes since then. Although the detainees
you personally.
approximately 600 exchangees participate in the ICYE the effect the industry has on the country's culture. have categorically denied the Singapore government's charges of their being
Another problem is that I expected something totally different but I
programme. [CYE aims to be a movement of young people who Early this year, the Bhutanese government virtually closed its borders involved in 'an alleged Marxist conspiracy: nine of them are still behind bars.
have come to stay with amiddle Class family. Ihave been really surprised
are able to accept the risks and challenges of living and growing to foreign~rs and recalled its tourist agents based abroad - keeping only In December 1987, the Singapore gOJernment asked the Christian Conference
at how similar it is. I came out of the first world to get out of consumer
in a different environment, among people of another culture. asmall office in India. In addition, the few foreign visitors who get in are of Asia (a regional federation of national Protestant church bodies) to close its
society, ruled by money and the quest for prestige. And yet here I find a
[CYE runs a one year exchange programme, special prorammes, denied access to monasteries, temples and sacred mountains. office, and gave expatriate staff notice to quit the country. Among the many
lot of people trying to be as western as possible, taking over awestern life·
disabled exchange programmes, professional exchange Squeezed between China, India and Nepal, - and known as the charges levelled at the CCA was one that pointed at the CCNs protest against
style and forgetting about the problems here in India. So again there are
programmes and vocational training exchange programmes. "thunder dragon country" - Bhutan is determined to keep at arms length the ISA arrests.
two totally different expe~tations clashing together. The problem is that
Below we give the account of Petra Hartmann who came to India it is very easy to be 'in touch' with these people, as they show a lot of from the world tourist trade. Only the wealthy will be able to afford the A number of groups and individuals worldwide have expressed their solidarity
on a youth exchange programme. interest in western culture. But Iexpected something different. Iwanted exorbitant new prices and they will be required to travel in groups. with the ISA detainees and the CCA, and some have called for a boycott of
to achieve something different. How do you find contacts with poor Bhutanese officials make no secret that their aim is to avert afate similar Singapore as a tourist destination and conference venue, as well as of Singapore
Iam a German exchangee from the ICYE, in India for about 5weeks so
people? But Icouldn't help them.. There is no need for me to be here, and to that of neighboring Nepal, a tiny nation annually invaded by some Airlines as a carrier. We join our hands with theirs to say, 'Until justice, no
far and with at least another 5months to go. My motive for coming to India tourists:
was to have a break from the 'normal' way of life in Germany - school, I can't speak their language anyway. It would be much easier if Icould be 250,000 foreign tourists. Bhutan's Director of Tourism Jigme Tshultim told
university, wedding. So after finishing school Ithought it would be agood satisfied by being involved in the middle·class culture of India. But then, a group of North American travel agent<; that the restrictions against Meanwhile, not so far away, the tragic arrest and torture under detention of
why did I come to India? lOreign viSitors were adopted because tourism was "undermining the Noel Villalba (coordinator of the Asian Committee for Peoples' Organisations)
time to break out of this scheme and have some new experiences. Ihave
Buddhist faith." under the Aquino regime, is yet another example of the threat to human rights
th.ought for a long time that it would be good to travel in a third world International Office: ICYE, Bachstrasse 1-2, D·1000 Berlin 21, F. R. Germany
country. But there were two problems, First I wanted to stay for a long The government measures were based on the recommendations of a and civi I liberties in South East Asia. Taking the mantle from Marcos was never
India Office: ICYE, 55A Moore Road, Fraser Town, Bangalore 560 005, India an enviable legacy, but Cory Aquino seems to be rapidly losing the confidence
time, so that ICQuld get more than abrief impression, and secondly, Ididn't special committee for cultural affairs which analyzed the effects of
tourism on the local society. The report, submitted to the Bhutanese the Filipino people placed in her.
want to go as a tourist and always stay in hotels, always being an outsider.
Tourism in the Philippines is ashattered industry, despite many efforts to attract
Also, Ididn't want to support the tourist industry, Ihave travelled a lot in
Europe, and always found a similarity between the countries. Ihave never
CONTACT Parliament, described how some cultural values have been severely
a.ffected by tourism. It pointed out that "Tourism is harmful to the holy visitors to the islands. The coming to power of a 'MJman President had led many
felt that the European way ofliving is aparticularly good one and so Iwas An Agency for Global Interaction nature of our Buddhist monasteries, contributes to the desecration of the to believe that Aquino would act decisively to eliminate sex tourism and mi litary
interested to discover something really different. country's holy places and corrupts the population." Most Bhutanese are prostitution in the US naval and air bases. Far from that, the only action the
Started by Michael Cordeiro in 1986 (also Imown as Safar Tours and Travels). it government has taken is to harass the women periodically. Child prostitution
Ihave often wanted to get involved in the problems of the 'third world'. evolved out of Mr Cordeiro's career in the mass tourism industry. HavinQ worRed Buddhists, following the country's official religion. Many live in monas­
teries, which are religious educational centres. in Pagsanjan continues unabated, with the support of many influential local
Ialways feel a kind of responsibility for these problems but it is easy to with a number of airlines and travel aQents. CONTACT was initiated with the politicians and others.
make excuses. But until now Inever found away of helping that made me 'idealistic note of providinQ budQet tours to the international marRets·. GNP orGNHl
feel that it would really change anything. Iknow that I will never find a CONTACT has successfully hosted student Qroups from the USA. Caribbean
solution to the problems, but I thought that by getting involved in the
problems personally I would becoine more sensitive·and perhaps find
and Europe, as well as orQanised conferences for the Society for Participatory Over 50 Bhutanese monasteries and temples have lost s.everal valuable
items since 1974. The pilfering is attributed to the desire by tourists to
Why Tourism Concern?
Research in Asia and the Voluntary Health Association of India, both Delhi-based
some personal solutions and ways ofunderstanding. Ialso recognised that non-government service agencies. return home with souvenirs. The losses suffered in Bhutan are few in Tourism Concern is a new initiative set up to change the one-way focus of our
Iwasn't able to form an idea of India before Icame, since the information Mr Cordeiro calls his WOft< 'development tourism'. and also provides project comparison with Nepal, but Bhutanese authorities fear that unrestricted current perceptions of tourism. It starts from a simple premise: that the people
we have in the 'first world' about the 'third world' is very unilateral and identification and liaison functions for the voluntary sector in India. tourism might exacerbate the problem. living in the places where vve take our holidays matter.
interest oriented. So many people in the west have little or no Under the new policies, the number of foreigners who will be allowed The fact that this needs to be stated tells us something important about today's
Contact A-I03 Nilgiri Apts.. Alaknanda. New Delhi 110 019, Phone: 643 0933 to attend the annual Spring Festival in Paro, near the capital city of
understanding about the 'third world'. This was also one of the reasons tourist industry. In the modern tourism equation, the once equal relationship
for coming, though Ididn't want to support all the problems between the Thimphu, will be sharply reduc~d. These few visitors will be charged a of host and guest is now heavily weighted in favour of the guest; and host
first and third worlds by 'visiting' a 'third world country'. So again Ifaced contd. from page 3 special daily hotel rate of US£200 a day. Himalayan peaks have been communities around the world are now counting the cost of tourism
dilemmas. Then Iheard of! CYE. It is an organisation for youth exchanges declared off·limits to tourists - not even authorized expeditions will be development that has failed to put their interests and rights on a par with those
journalists, tourism professionals and tourists.
allowed to climb Bhutan's sacred mountains.
with the aim of forming a better understanding between nations, to * Sharing information and experience and taking action where they can. According to the World Bank, Bhutan is one of the least developed
of thei r visitors.
exchange cultures. Part of the programme is to stay in a host family and
to. do voluntary work, mainly in the social or political sector. It is not * With a central co-ordinator. countries in the world, with a per capita income of US$140 in 1986. Yet
Documented cases of religious and cultural traditions debased, of natural
environments degraded, of livelihoods lost are being increasingly cited. Yet
meant to be an organisation that gives you easy and cheap travel. Only What will the Network do?
most of its 1.3 million residents enjoy a higher quality of life than their neither the tourist industry nor the public it serves seems to be responding to
the last month of every exchange year is meant for travelling. Ithought Tourism Concern's activities will reflect, the interests and skills of it members.
Nepalese and Indian neighbours. The country is self-sufficient in rice, this disturbing evidence.
this would be a very good idea, because you can get involved in the Current projects' are:
wheat and corn; most Bhutanese weave and sew their own garments Tourism Concern will seek to create a greater awareness of tourism's impact
culture, live in a family, get close to them and share many of the problems * preparing information sheets on the issues we want to raise. instead of buying them in shops. and a positive response to the issues raised, to the ultimate benefit of us aiL
that are based on the differences between two cultures. You also have a * devising case study materials for teachers of tourism and development In addition, Bhutan receives more aid per capita than any other country
in the world. Funds supplied by India, the United Nations, Japan and the
What are its aims?
big responsibility in representing your whole nation.
I think it is inevitable that alot of problems arise when somebody totally
studies.
* promoting resources on tourism and travel which challenge the usual tourist­ Scandinavian countries amount to US$80 per person per year. Thus it is * To promote greater understanding of the impact of tourism on host
unlikely that the loss in foreign exchange earnings from tourism will be communities and environments.
different in many respects - culture, mentality, morality, habits, diet and centered perspective. * To raise awareness of forms of tourism that take account of the interests and
so on, comes Into afamily with very different expectations. But in solving * examining and responding to the cOJerage of tourism and travel in the media. deeply felt.
At a 1987 meeting of tourism experts held in Bangkok, Thailand; an rights of those living in tourist areas.
these problems there is the possibility of learning from each other, of
cultural exchange, mutual understanding. This contrasts with normal
* working on productive ways of using and sharing what we know about the Indian specialist quoted Bhutan's King Jigme Singye Wangchuk as telling * To draw attention in particular to the impact of tourism on people in the
impact of tourism and about good practice in the tourist industry. 'long haul' destinations of the Third World.
tourism when two cultures just clash, Work Bank representatives that he was less interested in improving the
But back to my experiences.. ,There have been alot of problems so far. To become part of the Tourism Concern Network, contact: country's Gross National Product than he was in promoting its "GNH". * To promote tourism as a development issue, in a British and a 'MJrld context.
I have felt misunderstood, and especially as if I am doing everything The king explained to the suprised Washington economists that "GNH How does it operate?
wrong. One of the main problems is that I can't really justify coming to
Alison Stancliffe,
stands for Gross National Happiness." * As a network, linked to similar networks around the world.
India at all, since there is no need for aperson like me at all. I'm interested
Tourism Concern Co-ordinator,
8 St Mary's Terrace, Ryton, * A membership of development workers and educationists, writers and
in women's issues and in the problem of poverty, but Iam not able to work Tyne & Wear NE40 3AL. (091) 4135393. United Kingdom. from THIRD WORLD, No 14, 1988 rontd. on page 6
2 7
contd. from pase 1

Remember that the Ladakhi have thought patterns and time concepts that
Never disturb the monks at prayer. E~peciaily at the monastery }festivals: .
remember that these are not folk dances, but important rituals. AavishRar
THE EXPERIMENT
differ from your own: that does not make them inferior. Generally, try to - Never use a camera flash in the monasteries, since this is likelv to cause
AAVISHKAR which means DISCOVERY - is an alterllative travel agency
in International Living
be tolerant of differences between Ladakh and your home country. damage to the colour and paint of the fres'l)es.
responding to the needs of those for whom travel is an enrichment experience. The Experiment is a social-cum-educational organisation dedicated to the
- Whatever your status may be in your own country, in Ladakh you are - When"walking through a monastery, or when passing chortens, mani walls, Its operation is based on the convictions of its organisers who have worked development of a friendlier world. It believes that by living together, people
comparatively rich. This leads us to form a highly idealised image of life etc., always circumambulate clockwise, keeping them to your right. Never for many years in the field of development, and for the issues of peace and will respect cultural differences and discover human likenesses between
in the West: for example, it looks as though IM:sterners are on a perpetual remove stones from mani walls. justice. themselves and the rest of the world. Concretely, The Experi ment arranges for
holiday. At the same time, this causes us to see ourselves as backward and Trekking visitors from one region to stay in homes of other regions, as members of local
poor. Try to present a more balanced picture of life in the West, and make The services offered are:
Be aware of the cultural landscape - its highly sensitive ecology and economy. host families.
a point of telling the Ladakhi what you like about our culture. - formulation of itineraries for special interest groups} e.g. exposure to
Since the villagers generally grow just enough food to provide for their own developmenc agriculture, environment, culture, religion} education, etc. The Experiment was launched in 1932 and is an international movement with
- Try not to encourage begging children by giving money or other things. This
needs, do not expect to buy food from them. Instead, try to be self-sufficient. national offices in about 40 countries in all five continents. Under international
is how begging started in Ladakh, and by giving, you are maintaining a - logistical support, e.g. travel arrangements, accommodation and
- This also applies to fuel. Wood is an extremely scarce resource, so don't use it. programmes, there are incoming ones by which groups or individuals from
vicious cyt:le. There are other and bet~er ways of giving real help. guides, interpreters, resource persons, etc.
bury excrement. PreferablY'bring all waste back with you, otherwise foreign countries come to stay in the homes of Indian families after careful
- Please try to inform yourself about current rates and prices, so as not to package tours that combine leisure and a meaningful experience of India. orientation, usually for a few weeks. Other international programmes include
contribute to inflation. burn and bury it on site.
organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops, including full service educati9nal travel, special interest travel, outgoing groups and so on.
- Try to take an interest not only in the past and present, but also in the future Make realistic plans. Don't endanger yourself or others by pushing yourself
support. The Intra-India project is a novel extension of the Experiment idea. This involves
of Ladakh. too far. You should never rely on othersto get you out ofi:rouble.
Repair anything you damage: like walls and irrigation channels. The package tours offered are of two varieties, the first involving less travel than people from one region of India staying with a family in another, distant, part
Be aware that the sale and purchase of old thankas, statues and religious
Finally, try to be law-abiding: do not go trekking in restricted areas, or climb the second. The follOWing are examples of AAVISHKAR's repertoire of packages. of India. These programmes are arrar.ged in the summe~ the trip lasting for
objects are prohibited, and that there are restrictions on the sale of any object
peaks higher than the authorised limit. 3 \\leeks, with 8-10 days of family stay, and 10-12 days of educational travel. These
older than one hundred years. Please do not rob Ladakh of its cultural Intinerary I Intinerary II are open to·both groups and individuals.
heritage. Health
- Also, be respectful of local customs. What is courteous at home may be Jay 1 Arrive Bombay Day 1 Arrive Madras The Intra-India project is a unique experiment in domestic cross-cultural contact,
Do not go trekking as soon as you arrive in Ladakh. Every year tourists get ill and fulfills a need ofthe hour: emotional integration through an educational
insulting in Ladakh. Day 2 Journey to Aurangabad Days 2
with acute mountain sickness. Mountain sickness is serious, and young healthy experience.
-.Above all, try to dress decently: shorts, bare shoulders and backs, are not people are in no way exempt. Days 3 to 4 At Pondicherry
appreciated. Public display of affection (holding hands, kissing, etc.) are Trekkers should not ascend more than 300 metres (1000 feet) each day, and to 5 At Aurangabad Days 5 For details, contactthe Programme Director, The Experiment, D-144 Defence
frowned upon. if you do, you should hot sleep above this level. Smoking and alcohol can Day 6 Journey to Banga!ore to 8 At Madurai New Delhi 110 024 (Phone: 301 4329; cable: EXPERIMENT: telex:
aggravate mountain sickness. Days 7 Day 9 31-61288,
The tourist office should be informed of intended routes, espeCially in the to 10 At Bangalore to 13 At Bangalore
case of small unaccompanied groups. Day 11 Days 14
Medical services are overstretched in the summer: health insurance should cover to 13 At Goa and 15 At Bombay
medical services. Days 14
and 15 At Bombay
***
This brochure was producedby the Ecology Centre. If you have any questions,
or fee/like having a good meal, please come and visit the Centre. We have Intinerary III Intinerary IV
a library with books on many subjects. Open from 10 am till 6 pm except on Day Arrive Bangalore Day Arrive Madras
Sundays. Days 2 Days 2
and 3 At Bangalore and 3 At Pondicherry
Days 4 Days 4
and 5 At Mysore to 6 At Madurai
,h,~I~~a.1
;·~919:v,ly·?~tfjls.
Day 6 At Bandipur Wild Life Day 7 Journey to Trivandrum
Here are some cultural norms tRat you might want to be aware of: 9Od;;t~ptf~dIife~. ........c
It is polite to give and receive with both hands.
Sanctuary Days 8 .~~ __ 6Ul-i~eve~:~~~iffete~r
Jays 7 and 9 At Trivandrum _~I.4~k$f()rtabf~~J)d:chajts;.-/'<i - . .. . .
- Point with your whole hand, not with just one finger.
and 8 At Mananthawadi Day 10 At Kottayam •..•.. ···j~iay.~,chUd~~:f~JeDdQfI~ra~r,
- All religious objects, including books, statues and photos are kept high off
Day 9 Journey to Mangalore Day 11 By backwaters to Cochin l~d~~ft tl>,e~pI9re t~e .·pl~·()flhi
the floor. You may cause offence by leaving postcards, guidebooks, etc. on .i24,~_~,,_ i.cl:tfle.-e~~~ral uryH~~aJ
the floor. Day 10 At Mangalore Day 12 At Cochin
Day 11 Journey to Goa Days 13 id:fl9r~n()W·~~~t/·.~U
- Don't point your feet at, or step over, people, rei igious objects, tables, food, 'tm~atetr Jracks:~nqacc~ss
Days 12 to 15 At Bombay
etc.
and 13 At Goa ::¢~Ci~l1~cljJ11~SOoo;Yijaybegantakin$'@ri$tsffi?rri~~~~'~ .,<,.
It is impolite to be too quick in accepting offers of food and drink.
Days 14 .·~hi¢:b.~~ .c~Us'~~~"~:~lks'.. • . ,., .. :.. . •. . •. •. .••.. . :..•. •. .wi". ... •. . . ·.··.·<Y: .•....:......•. '>.:
- Cooking and eating utensils are not shared.
and 15 At Bombay
. '..... ···.~ufttis~lIytn~~~J1g~I~WJw~kethe<it~~'t~·

Monasteries ;;~~t~()I~f1)~tiYf?·~()·~.I<X:al··toulS/~uran~t1ndfi~;$~~I~~~:; .•.·.·


- Don't be put off by the entrance fees of monasteries. This money is used In the course of all the above packages the participants will be exposed to the ::y~~~nt~~~withthem -,:-a~mev$~a,I~P:ftiro~wilh.~ut.}
for the upkeep and restoration of the monasteries as well as for the issl,Jes of Indian rural dynamics, health and nutrition, environmental concerns, ·+yq1)(?Qfne.~realisingtbatwmtttheyd9l$ notj~tO~~!iv~~~,;;';
construction of new shrines. Also, most tourists visit monasteries as they education, religion, women in Indian society, tourism, and traditional crafts,
.'it 'i~:alifestyle,Withthem .·itl$pt:)s~iblelOint$dwitli·m.il~!lI~ ....
would a museum: to them, it is nota place of worship. Thus there is nothing interspersed with sight-seeing and relaxation. All the packages can be modified ~rybl~ully.andfruitftitlYtsince·it is notstrtJdUredor.?Ip!li~ft~I~·.·,
wrong with asking for a small fee. should the participants desire in-depth exposure to a given issue.
lil'llit~.()n~can'thelpfjut think again that trave(:mar, bad sUCh' •.. ha\ie
~ginninS$fcor 'rVhatis ~n mored~hable: that altem~t~:,ourism~ill' .
- Please dress properly! In Europe, there are sometimes guards at churches AAVISHKAR looks forward to assisting you on your journey to DISCOVERY. ;~9mlrt() take this shape; , . ..
and cathedrals, who check peoples' dress. In Ladakh, there are none (yet),
but very similar rules apply. So, please} no shorts! Aavishk4lr Services P. Ltd.,
88, Narayanappa Block, RJ. Nagar,
,;.~~,~~~ "&aRerv.·and.Restaurant•.. Kei~.··~'·.Nelt . t6.·CUft()~·H()tel.·• ·:.·
- Remember, you are visiting a holy place. Always take off your shoes before
Bangalore 560032. INDIA. Phone: 333876
:Bearst,ol~t PaIls Road; KodaJRantiI,Soutblttdia. '.
entering. Please refrain from smoking, drinkingalcohol and spitting. Never
touch the statues,' books} thankas or other religious objects. Telex: 0845-8147 PLI Attn: Aavishkar.
8

=z
NETWORK We invite Network members to contribute to the Network Letter

. -:_
NEWS
ROUNDUP
by sharing their work, ideas and plans through these pages.
Communication is vital to the life of a Network, especially when
physical distances cannot easily be bridged by closer contacts.
ALTERNATIVE NETWORK LETTER
A Third World Tourism Communication
Stop Exploitative Tourism (SET). Garhwal. India And Information Alternative
founded by Dr Shankar Kala, SET calls itself the 'first global movement against
modern tourism: Located in Garhwal Himalayas, an area which has witnessed
GAPP . ....... . . .·i~>
steady growth of trekker-tourism, an open debate was organised at its annual (Groap for AntbropolOif11JPoI1c1:IJrM11!f~~Cf)
meeting on August 20th. It calls for a return of tourism to original principles ·Fll'st confer~e onArJ~Idt1()fr~ . . For Private Circulation Only Vol. 4 No.3 December 1988
and philosophy. Write to SET, do Maya Zerox Photostat Building, Sri nagar
''\It.P believe thatcampaign.;; againstthe negativities oftourism are more effecth·!!,
(Garhwall, India 246 174.
necessaryand productive, than the education ofpotential tourists or promotion Welco,me to Ladakh
\\brltshop on the Coastall&sources Ma.naqement of Phulret. Thailand of alternatives." (Ed. note: The 'guidelines to tourists' reproduced below were devised by the
Held in March 19BB, the workshop aimed to pave the way for government and (from an open letter from EQUATIONS to the delegates of the Consultation on the group 'Ecology Centre' in Leh, Ladakh. As an example ofpositive response to
private sector collaboration in coastal environmental protection, and to provide Economics of Third World Tourism, Stony Point, USA, November 1988) tourism concerns by locals, it is perhaps unprecedented in India. ~ reproduce
these guidelines in the hope that they will inspire many others in tourist
guidelines for resolution of various issues on conflicting uses concerning coastal
zone resources. A section of the report is devoted to the economics of tourism,
an important feature of Phuket now. There has been a marked absence of land Wa EN drafting the letter to our North American colleagues and co­
workers, meeting for the fourth time in as many years, we were only

too aware of the increasing interest in tourism alternatives worldwide.

destinations to emulate this pioneering effort. )


OR centuries Ladakh has been a model of cultural and environmental
use planning, and the island's resources are subject to abuses such as pollution,
destruction of mangroves and coral reefs, contamination of water and loss of
scen ic beauty. Report available from UN EP, Inoostry and Environment Office,
The debate was given an impetus by the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World
Tourism in 1984, when the Chiangmai International Workshop on Alternative
Tourism brought more than 40 participants from various countries together.
F stability. Despite very limited resources and an extreme climate, the
Ladakhi have always managed not only to survive, but to prosper. The
wealth of Ladakh's art and architecture, its religious traditions, medical system,
Tour Mirabeau, 29-43 Andre Citreon, 75739 Paris 15, France. It has today achieved academic recognition, with the publication of Jost and the richness of its language serve to illustrate the high level of its civi lisation.
Krippendorf's thought-provoking book, The Holiday Makers. What is more, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians have traditionally lived
MA in Sociol~ and Anthropol~ of Travel and Tourism. UK Nevertheless, we stand by our assertion. Two years ago, a visitor to Thai land peacefully side by side.
On offer from October 1989, this is possibly the first time an MA in tourism who travelled the lalternative' way, wrote of his experiences thus: 'That we as
Lying on major trade routes, Ladakh has always been exposed to outside
with a sociological-anthropological emphasis is available in the United visitors, were more benefitted than the visited, was evident... it was not easy
influences. However, especially since the opening of the region to tourism in
Kingdom. The full-time course lasts one academic year, and consists of to give of ourselves.' This, to us, is the crux of the issue. If the benefits of
1974, the nature and intensity of these foreign influences have changed
compulsory units of 'Introduction to Tourism' and 'Tourism and Society; as well commercial mass tourism have been questioned over and again by the critics,
as 6 optional units, including 'Third World Tourism' and 'Tourism, Ritual and RESOURCES
. e s s essential to question the 'benefits' of alternati", tourism.
dramatically. Ladakh, for better or for worse," has become a'developing' country,
where the process of 'modernisation' or '~temisation' is affecting almost every
Myth: A dissertation is part of the course. Write to: Dr Tom Selwyn, Froebel
Tourism Management, Quarterly, Butterworth Scientific Ltd., PO Box 63,
sphere of life. Many of the changes that have come to Ladakh have caused and
College, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PU, UK. are causing severe problems. They affect the traditional way of life in a
Westbury House, Bury Street, Guildford GU2 5BH, UK. Subscription rates:

Interface Ecumenical.Academy. UK UK £BB, Overseas £92


fundamental way, especially in Leh.
Tourism Management is an international journal, with an international (though
No doubt, the visitors see things 'unspoiled' and 'different~ A deeper
InterFace is a member of the European Association of Academies and Tourism plCllf.; an important role in this process. As atourist, yQu are an important
with a distinct UK emphasis) Advisory Board. Its March 1988 issue carries papers
understanding of the social and political dynamics of the receiving country
Centres which offer centres of dialogue where people <;an explore issues, 'agent of cha~ge~ Through your attitude, your behaviour and your interaction
on the 'Emerging leisure market among the South African Black population'
may also take place. But what of the hosts? Do they get anything at all from
experience their potential to open discussion and see possibilities for common with the Ladakhi, you can influence this process to aconsiderable extent. This
and one on 'Nature-orientated tourism promotion by developing countries:
this new form of travel? Some say, solidarity: when the travellers return, they
action. The changing time patterns of work and leisure have led to the Academy brochure has a dual function: it is intended to help you understand Ladakh
as well as a review of Krippendorf's 'The Holiday Makers~
will be advocates for a third world cause. Is this true, is it really happening?
being asked to explore issues and opportunities related to t\lternative and and its people better, a(ld to give you some advice on appropriate behaviour.
Other than the occasional nevvs article or feature, other than perhaps a radio
Creative Tourism~ among avariety of other programmes. Recently, thei r work The UK and Third World Tourism, TEN Publications, 70 Dry Hill Park Road,
At the same time, if you follow the guidelines in this brochure, you will be
or TV programme, other than a few feeble attempts at recapturing the events
has focussed on the need to restrict tourism gr<M'th in developing nations, both Tonbridge, Kent, UK, TN10 3BX.
helping to preserve Ladakh's traditions, and the respect that Ladakhi have for
and spirit of a visit to a less-privileged nation, is there any real evidence that
on environmental as well as air safety grounds. Write to Canon Edward Finch, their own culture and traditional way of life. We hope that you will find this
A well-researched document, this publication should interest those who are
a deep, long-lasting solidarity is taking place? Though the mechanisms for such
InterFace, Moulsham Mill Centre, Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7PX, UK. involved in Third World tourism issues, especially with an emphasis on thr-­
brochure helpful, and that it may make yQU more aware of yQur role as atourist.
feedback do not yet exist, I have the feeling that even if they did, the answer
role of the UK and its travel industry. While the first section is an analysis'0.
would not be a clear and unequivocal 'Aye~ Although some of the following guidelines may seem patronising, they have
\\bmen's front. Norway UK travel industry trends, the second examines its impacts on the social,
The least, then, that alternative travel agents.can aspire to, is to ensure that been included because of negative experiences in the past. The behaviour of
In a highly ironic twist to a legal and press battle, asex-tour organiser in Norway environmental, economic (including employment) development processes in
the hosts receive a fair share of the economic benefits. If there were a code some tourists has aggravated many Ladakhi, and it is in order to prevent such
has sued the Norwegian Women's Front for 'violating his feeling of honour: the Third World, with a special chapter on sex tourism. There is however no
of conduct for alternative tourism, this dictum should be at the heart of the behaviour that these have been included. Please do not take offense, but realise
The Front has been battllng against the Scan.:rhai Travellers' Club, owned by mention of campaigns and other measures against exploitative tourism, nor
code. This should be the least common denominator, the basic rule of measure. that what may not apply to vou may well apply to others.

Mr Ivar Larsen, for over two years now, through public protests as well as even details of the work of TEN. Inclusion of such information would have
Otherwise, even the most cleverly packaged 'alternative' would simply be - Try to be sensitive to the feelings of the Ladakhi, in order to avoid causing

representations to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice. Mr Larsen has initiated helped the general reader. Nevertheless, awelcome contribution to the growing
catering to another segment of the tourism market. And that would be the offense. Bear in mind that the Ladakhi have private lives just like your own.

several legal cases againstthe Front, the latest against specific women, seeking literature on Third World Tourism. demise of ail we are seeking to achieve. Please, always ask before entering Ladakhi houses, gardens, etc. and, above

convictions on the grounds that the women behaved ina manner detrimental The commercial Viability of alternative tourism (which is fairly well­ all, before using your camera. Try to put yourself in the Ladakhi's position.
to the Club's 'name and reputation, and violated his personal feeling of honour: The Holiday Makers: Understanding the impact of leisure and travel, by Jost
Krippendorf, William Heinemann Ltd., 10 Upper Grosvenor Street, London WIX establishedl, is no doubt the reason why the World Tourism Organisation is contd. CM:rleaf
Write letters of support to Nina Christiansen, Ostensjoveien 62, Boks 53 Bryn, now in the running, with its proposed training institute. There are now many
0611 Oslo 6, Norway. 9PA, UK.
others waiting to jump on once the wagon gets going. Among us, the so-called
The English translation of Krippendorf's Die Ferienmenschen (1984), is an
critics, there are some who will see this process as the 'culmination of our efforts'
Project for Transnational Cultural Studies. USA important book in many respects. Krippendorf is an academic, one who is highly the industry is responding positively. Before we dive headlong into the
Since we last wrote about the Public Culture Bulletin, it is n<M' available as respected by the travel trade. His concern for tourism is unquestionable, his downstream current, stop once again, and ask ourselves: has the face of tourism
ajournal. Public Culture will place diverse cosmopolitan cultural forms - such credentials excellent. Both are clearly evident throughout the discussion, which really changed, or is it just another, mask?
as cinema, sport, video, museums and tourism conventionally treated as begins with an examination of industrial society, leisure and travel, goes on One possibility is that any alternative that emerges, must emerge from the
sub-specialities, under a single discursive rubric. for subscriptions, write to the to the lrecreation cycle~ and ends with proposals for the 'humanization of travel~ third world. Only this can assure - to an extent - that benefits are shared.
Editors, Public Culture, The University Museum, Box 99, University of Only sometimes is the translation of German syntax and usage disturbing. In this issue of ANL, we bring you a listing of some that exist in India.
Pennsylvania, 33rd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Inspiring, and thoroughly readable.
Paul Gonsalves
Published by: EqUitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS), 96, H Colony, Indiranagar Stage I, Bangalore 560 038, INDIA.
Design and Phototypesetting: Revisuality Digitised Typesetting and Graphic Design, 4211 Lavelle Road, Bangalore, India.

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