12
NETWONK vt1? Ilwite Network members to contribute to the NeMvrk Letter
by sharing their work, icleas andpl.CJns through these pages.
NEWS
NOUNDUP
Communication is vital to the lIfe ofa Network especially when
physical distances cannot easily be bridged by doser (Ol7tacts.
Child Prostitution Consultation, Thailanci
A consultation on the links between tourism and the growi'lg child
Drmtitution indu'>try was held (It Chiang Mai between May 1-5, 1990.
the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World Tourism,. it marked the conclusion
research project (overing Thailand, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Some reports
from othp( countries were also presented, including one on India by K T Suresh
of Equations.
Action stratct!,i(-'s from thf' mnSLJ Itation wi II form the next phase of
th is importilnt project, of which wi II be available from ECTWT, POBox
24, Chorakhebud, 10230, Thailand.
Tourism and Racism, Hawaii. USA
The annual "on~ultation of the North American Network for Responsible
Tourism (NANET) wi I! be held October 26-30, 1990, looking at issues of Racism
in Tourism. Collaborators include the nevvly formed Ilawaii Ecumenical
COillition on fourism (f IECOT). Write to NANET, 2 Kensington Road, San
An,elmo, CA 94960, USA.
Tourism in South India
1991 has been declared \7isit India Year by the Tourism Ministry
in New Delhi. Apart from the massive boost given to adventure
and recreation tourism. several areas have now been marRed
for special promotional efforts. amon\l them the Southern
Indian states, Rnmvn for their miles of sandy sea·fronts, game
industries, providing education for its children. ':At the same time;' he concluded,
sanctuaries, temples and 'friendly smilin"r people. EQUATIONS
"the war left bitter memories in the minds of most and we were not
has begun a programme of documentation. networt2ing and
consultation in order to develop coordinated action on the issue.
Every month. we will produce a set of ne\.'17S clippings (xeroxed),
and distribute to a limited group of people. Write to us if you
wish to receive these (at cost), and if you would liRe to participate
in related activities later this year.
Tourism and Socio-Cultural Chan~e, Warsaw
r.,n-.n.,;"" to contain the spread of AIDS in Thailand deserves total support,
The Institute oilourism in Warsaw has initiated a international study
on the relationship betwf'en tourism and socio-cultural The study spans
a 12-ycdl period from 1990 to 2002, and compares in both tourism and
other industrial sectors. Write to Dr julian Bystrzanows'" Institute
9a, 02·511 Warsaw, Poland.
Caribbean Tourism Conference, Trinidad and
Thf' Caribbean Tourism Organisation, in collaboration with the Government
oiTrinid.ld and Tobago, the World Tourism Organisation, and others, is
an intl'rnational Conference on Tourism and Socia-cultural Change in
Caribbean, june 25-25, 1990, at Trinidad andlobago. The list of
includes Rev Allan Kirton, executive member of the [CTWT.
Center for Solidarity Tourism, Manila The Nuclear Industry: The Death of Tourism in Goa, Gabriella Petra da Rosa,
A consultation sppkirlg to network alternative tourism advocates dnd the victims
of r11il)S tourism was held at Tagaytay, Cavite, on June 2 & 3, 1990. Dr Koson
Sri'>ang of EC.TWT made d keynote presentation, while Paul Gonsalves discussed
the experience of EQUATIONS in India. For a report, write to Norma
Tinambacdn, CST, 444 Cuadalupe Bliss, Makati, Metro Manila, Philinninp,
Pubhshed by: Equitable Touri~m Options (EQUATIONS), 96, H Cokmy, Indiranagdr Stage 1, Bdngalure 560 038, INDIA.
Design and PholOtypesmirig: Revisuality Digitised Typesetting and Graphic De'iigll, 42/1 Lavelle ROdd, B,mgaiore, India.
Paul Gonsalves
Tourism, Environment and the law
Our schedule for the includes a national consultation on the links
between tourism environmental and legal issues, Aug 2,
at Bangalore.
We would be glad to hear from people or institutions involved in any
of these areas who would like to participate, especially make a written
or visual contribution.
This will be a major event, and we expect oal1icioants from all over
as well as abroad, to be present.
Resources
Hosts and Guests: The Anthropology of Tourism, 2nd Edition, Valene Smith
University of Pennsylvania Press, 1989.
The second edition of a volume of essays includes postscripts written after
10 years by the authors of the first. The essays by Dennison Nash and Nelson
Graburn in the introductory 'theoretical overview' are excellent, and have been
left unchanged. Theron Nunez was unable to review his anthropological
perspectives on tourism (final chapter) owing to ill-health, but an eoilogue was
written and discussed with Nunez by his student James lett.
Most of the authors appear to be quite positive about the tourism industry,
sounding almost like apologists. One even concludes (rather unacademically)
that 'tourism is a bit of an escape from our local problems... to the carefree times
of childhood when someone else had to do the worrying for us, and
is here to stay!' One wonders if this has something to do with the fact
by the editor) that many travel industry conferences regularly schedule one
i
or two sessions on tourism research, and anthropologists thus find employment
as industry consultants'.
Cultural Survival Quarterly, Vol 14, Nos 1 & 2, 1990, 11 Divinity Avenue.
ambridgf' MA 02HB, USA.
Entitled 'I:3reaking out of the Tourist Trap: these two issues contain a wealth of
information on the socia-cultural changes wrought by tourism in ecologically
and sensitive regions (Ladakh, Tanaloraja, Greenland). Some
anthropologists consider tourism as inviolable academic territory. and some
of the articles reflect this imbalance, though most are of high
Tourism and Ecology: The Impact of Travel on a Fragile Earth, i'.A '\.JET/CRT.
Kensington Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960.. USA, 1990.
The report of Consultation V of the North American Network brings together
various reports and resources on tourism and ecology issues,
focussing on the USA.
Cvan Policy Research Cell, India, May 1990,33 pp.
an examination of nuclear power plants globrllly; the author focuses
on the threat posed by the Kaiga station (in Karnataka) on the health. economy
and well-being of Goa and its tourism industry. Copies ,:Nrl>:d;";. from
EQUATIONS (Rs 40 in India, US$ 5.00 elsewhere).
I~'etwork News Roundup
ALTERNATIVE NETWORK LETTER
A Third World Tourism Critique
For Private Circulation Only Vol. 6 No.2 luly 1990
Tourism in Algeria
O
n Sunday june 10th, I joined a group of concerned Filipinos on a visit
to Pagsanjan, a tourist resort famed for its water rapids, and notorious
,'N
by Chris Mcivor
for male child prostitution or pedophilia. The 2-hour jeepney (the
Ph i Iippi nes' unique form of public transport) ride from Manila passes through ot so many years ago Tamanrasset was nothing but a shanty town;'
some lovely countryside, notably the laguna backwaters. commented the manager of one of the new hotels that have been
The purpose of our visit to Pagsanjarl, however, WdS far from being touristic. built there in the last few years. "There was no electricity or running
Tourism offid:ils in Manila have recently woken up to problems water, hotels or roads;' he continued, "but now that the tourists have started
and decided that the be~t way to tackle them wou!d be to denounce coming this town has prospered to become one of the richest in the southern
destination. 'Pagsanjan is no longer a Fi lipino attraction, don't of Algeria:' This sentiment is one that is echoed by many of the merchants
~here: they wamed the intemational travel trade. No problem, traders of the community whose bU5ine~ses have thrived with the arrival
moved elsewhere in the 7,OOO-odd islands. of numerous French, German, Swiss and Italian tourists, Every year between
There is a problem, though: the boatmen who depended on tourists for their October and April they converge'on the town to visit the famous Hoggar region
livelihood were left high and dry. They got organised soon enough, but of the country. The growth of tourism however is not confined to Tamanrasset
but has also spread to many of the other communities in the Algerian Sahara,
discovered it was not just the tourism ministry they had to face. A variety of
and other bodies now counted among those who were clearly not an area which has become in recent years one of the most popular tourist
friends. Far from India though it is, the signs of Asia are unmistakable. propositions in North Africa.
its neighbours 10 the west and east, Morocco and Tunisia,
the boatmen, whose demand is simply:
we need tourists, so we want them back. But not the pedophiles. On June 12th, been slow to develop its tourist potential. Commented one government
in Tamanrasset, "In 1962, after independence, Algeria has little time to think
took out a rally in Manila, which was also celebrating Independence Day.
about tourism. The country was geared to rebuilding itself, developing its
we were not present then, we heard that 'major demands have been
met' as a result.
In Thailand, the government does not officially recognise the existence of
prostitution. though it is freely advertised even in daily newspapers under the open our arms to tourists from a country which had killed half a million
mhpm'l~nl<; 'massage parlours' or 'escort services'. It must have taken Public Also the large resources of oil and natural gas which began to be
extracted during the late 60's and 70's meant that Algerian demand for foreign
currency was not so pressing as its neighbours and so tourism was largely
-------
Just One Planet ----------
ignored as a means of bringing money into the country. Now the Algerian
Government,. having recognized the lucrative potential of this sector and the
Health Minister Marut Bunnag an incredible degree of political tightrope need for the tourist industry to find new unspoiled pastures, has opened up
walking to appear at the Cleopatra Massage Parlour early this year, to advise its southern region by building hotels in most of the major towns, organizing
'masseuses' to use condoms while having sex with their customers. While the
tourist agencies and travel bureaus and encouraging home crafts like carpet
and cloth manufacture. Most of the communities have also been provided
answer lies in other, more coruprehen5ive stratf'gies, elirfftPfj with airfields, and flights from Paris to the south of the country are now
the kind of tourism that brings Thailand a major part of its exchange possible.
earnings.
~~evertheless the arrival of thousands of touri<;ts every year is not
Returning to India, I learned that the Environment Ministry has in to that is universally welcomed throughout the south. Commented one resident
the tourism authorities, and that hotels will now be built allover the country's ofT.:lmanrasset, "In reality only a few people prO'ipered with the opening
beaches at the 200-metre high tide line, reduced from 500 metres. The Tourism up of tourism in our area. Most of these:' he claimed, "come from out,>iele the
Ministry's Visit India 1991 campaign appears to be directed to community, the businessmen, entrepreneurs, merchants from the north who
beaches and other ecologically fragile zones. have the money to build hotels, tourist agencies and souvenir sr,ops:' Even thE'
Gabriela Petra da Rosd has recently sent us dcopy of her study on the mutual staff who run the hotels, the guide~ who ferry tourists around the area are flot
thredt that the tourism indw,try in Goa and the Kaiga power plant po"e to each loca s, complained another, since the owner's of the nf'W establishments favour
other. While it is bound to arouse controver~y, WP nevertheles~ feel it is an their people over the original inhabitants.
aspect of the emerging debate on both nuclear and tourism i"sues At the same time the electricity, running water, dnd roads that were largely
introduced into the community' a~.l rf'sult of touri~m are noticeably lacki ng
fonrd dl/N'It'<lf
Goa. Pedophilia, AIDS, nuclear energy, tourism. It is
time we discarded the blinkered view that all things are unconnected,
that vve can deal with various issues in isolation. Such a vievv has precisely led to INSIDE
our current global situation of economic, social and ecological imbalance. The Tourism and Politics .... ............................. ........ 4
need for holistic government olanning is obvious. Till such time though, the India News & Views ..... ,................................... 7
,mel to ;:jet uf'ativE'lv, is rill thE' morf'.
J<tvillt5 [he Jpllilii'l. ............................................ 9
................... ......... 12

 2 11
,o"rd. pagl? I
in the outlying aredS of Tamanrasset which house the majority of its original
residents. The centre of town, "our tourist show-piece" as one person called
it, and the hotels, cafes and shops that surround it form a small private enclave
of development, all the more disturbing because of the poverty which surrounds
it. Many townspeople have also suffered because of the rise in prices which
have come from increased demand and the presence of new, richer customers.
"With the rush to build new hotels, shops etc., the price of a plot of land has
increased tenfold;' commented another resident. "None of us can afford to build
a decent house even if we manage to buy sufficient ground since
materials, which we have to import from the north, have also risen in price:'
In the market-place staple foods like flour, sugar, milkpowder and tea are also
more expensive. At times of food shortage, which is quite frequent due to the
distance oflamanrasset from the north of the country and the difficulty of
transporting goods across the desert, it is the hotels that are always provided
first since they have the money to procure any remaining stocks. As a
consequence of these factors the majority of people who have little or no access
to the spin-offs from tourism are materially worse off than before its arrival, a
phenomenon witnessed in many of the towns in the Algerian Sahara which
have seen a similar expansion in recent years.
At the same time the older people of these towns have come to resent the
arrival in their community of thousands of tourists many of whom show little
respect for the traditions and customs of the inhabitants around them. ''l\s a
oractising Muslim:' complained one resident from EI Golea, atown further north
themselves
our streets, drinking beer in our hotels and clicking cameras at
chi Idren:' Invariably as a result of tourism alcohol has become .
in the south, which more than anything has angered parents who are worried
habit. In a region of the countrv where
Islam is still very much in evidence this issue has become a real
between the advocates of "modernism" and those who wish to preserve the
society as it is.
Also the increasing wage differences between those involved in the traditional
activities of the area, like agriculture and herding, and those fortunate enough
to profit from tourism has introduced a note of further discord into once settled
and close-knit communities. The traditional hospitality of the Sahara, complain
many residents, is changing to something more selfish and commercial.
Incidents of theft and robbery have also increased in recent years resulting in
an expansion of the police force throughout the southern region. "We are
throughout the south;' commented one resident of
for the better. Even our
have become commercialized
are less acelebration of our traditions, agesture of respect towards our ancestors
than a means of hringing us monty Tourism it is true has brought hard
into the country;/ he concluded, "but the results are not as beneficial as
government and the businessmen would like to maintain:' • TIMES OF INDIA, 10 April, 1990
Karnataka's Massive project
BOOK REVIEW
The government of Karnataka has decided to seek financial assistance from the
Overseas Economic C(H)peration Fund (OECF) of Japan for a Rs 162.40 crore
tourism development project, out of which Rs 62.40 crores would be in the
private sector. The objective is to make Karnataka a major tourist destination
in the '90s.
The state Tourism, Information and
said that the government had
had subsequently scaled it down, keeping in view the resources constraint.
Over Rs 8 crores had been allocated to the department oftourism, Karnataka
State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) for adding more rOOmS to
its existing hotels, inducting fresh buses into the fleet, constructing roadside
facilities, developing adventure tourism and for publicity and training. Important
fairs and festivals would also be supported by the department of tourism so
as to attract foreign and Indian tourists.
A unique feature of the project according to Mr Moi Iy, was the proposal to
reserve for the private sector certain activities like setting up new hotels and
running luxury cars and amusement parks. The private sector could also
organise luxury cruises, starting from Goa and going down the western coast,
while stopping at places like Karwar, Malpe, Mangalore and Kovalam, so that
the tourists could sample different cuisines and cultures, including art forms
like Yakshagana and Kathakali
The minister noted that an attempt was being made to get funds from the
OECF for such ventures by the private sector. The project, he added, was likely
to be implemented over a five-year period coinciding with the Eighth Plan.
The KSTDC managing director, Mr Shantanu Consul, noted that a study by
a leading consultancy firm had estimated that based on the originally projected
investments of Rs 209.37 crores, the project would generate a return of Rs 755
crores within 10 years of commencement of implementation, including a direct
return of over Rs 354 crores and an indirect one (by way of spin ofts like
employment generation following larger tourist inflows) of over Rs 401 crores.
The net value added on the investment of Rs 209.37 crores would, he said. work
out to 1:1.2.
THE ECONOMIC TIMES, 24 February, 1990
Incentives to Hotels
The government has decided to give a package of incentives to
the hotel industry in an effort to accelerate the development of
tourism infrastructure in the country.
The incentives include exempting new approved hotels set up
in the hill stations and other areas from expenditure tax for 10
years. These hotels will also be given 50 per cent exemption from
income tax.
These decisions were taken at the first meeting of the cabinet
committee on export strategy and performan.ce presided over by
the Prime Minister, Mr V P Singh.
The Commerce and Tourism Ministry, Mr Arun Nehru, said
the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will be
permitted to import 300 air-conditioning units for use in tourist
coaches at a concessional duty of 50 per cent. Restrictions on
photography of historical and archaeological monuments will
also be relaxed.
Under the package, the tourism ministry will undertake an
intensive development of few suitable sites which have potential
for adventure and beach tourism. This will be done in co­
operation with the concerned state governments.
The government is also likely to take some decisions in the
near future regarding simplification of immigration and visa
procedures.
Exodus Revisited
The Tourist. A New Theory of the Leisure Class. Dean MacCannell, New
York, Schocken Books Inc., 1976; London, The Macmillan PressUd., 1976,
X 214 pp.
MacCannell has achieved in 'The Tourist' what social scientists
of the structuralist school and functionalist lineage, from Emile
Durkheim to Louis Dumont, failed to arrive at, viz. the deep
structure that holds Western civilization together. An ethno­
graphy of modern SOciety eluded them. "Modern SOciety is just
too complex; history has intervened and smashed its structure",
recalls MacCannell in his introduction (p.l), a brief statement of
Professor Levi-Strauss at Maxim's Restaurant in Paris in 1968. "No
matter how hard one searched, one would never find a coherent
system of relations in modern society". The structural­
functionalist framework of Parsons, celebrating American
holism, was too harmonious for a conflict-ridden world. His own
students abandoned it for other methods of interaction and
exchange in everyday experiences. They abandoned the totality
of society. Class analysts were always there in the Marxist fold.
Primitive accumulation of colonial practise and imperialist
domination of finance capital explained the modern structure
of society in classical and neo-Marxist traditions. But that was
and is too economistic and reductive an explanation. Their
reformers found so many bundles of signifiers in SOciety that
they mistook trees for the forest. Louis Dumont came to India,
the representative of non-modern world, in search of mirror­
images and foils of reflection, to re-establish a sense of identity
in modern civilisation.
MacCannell seems to succeed in this book in restoring unity
to modernity. Amidst the disorganized fragments, "alienating,
wasteful, violent, superficial, unplanned, unstable and in­
authentic" (p.2), he discovers a unity. Not that all humans are
essentially the same 'underneath/, but that all cultures are
composed of the same elements in different combinations.
The unity is established through an analysis of what Mac­
Cannell calls middle-class culture or modern mass leisure. It is
summarized in the universalizing experience of the tourist.
Modern values expressed through tourist culture bring out the
total design of society in a single framework. To that extent the
old divisions between Communist East and Capitalist West on
the one hand, and the new divisions between the developed
world and the Third World on the other hand, are transcended.
He derives from the touristic sightseeing, culturally, values
embodied in work-in-general rather than from the production
system, materially, the value of commodities. Conversion of the
work of others into 'do-it-yourself amusement, or shift from
material production to cultural production of values, unites
modernity.
Tourist, in MacCannell, has two meanings. It designates actual
tourists. sight-seers, going round the world in search of
experience. There is another sense in which the tourist repre­
sents the modern-man-in-general and thereby becomes its value
centre.
The tourist differentiates the whole world into a
Development and modernization are roughly the same as
differentiation. Sightseeing becomes the ritual performance
both at home, the world of early industrialization, and the world
at large, the world of pilgrimage. The Sightseeing middle class
holds this experience together into a single whole. In this
exercise the middle class sightseer subordinates the other people
to his own values, industry, leisure and future designs. His own
past within the West, and the past and present of all others, he
interprets and reconstructs into modern cultural heritage.
In Chapter 2, MacCannell analyses the sightseeing process
within its structure of attraction, a relationship between the
tourist, the sight and the marker. The tourist himself does not
analyse the sight. he apprehends at the spontaneous level of his
consciousness the sight in its otherness. MacCannell relates it
to the differentiation of the experience deep at heart in the
exercise. What is important is the semiotic of attraction, a process
by which a sight - a sign which represents something to
someone - is converted into a marker of profound meaning.
His final chapter takes up again the issues of theory and
method in re-presenting the world: its people, institutions and
values, through the eyes of modernity and extends it to the Third
World' - an unconscious exercise, an exercise of pleasure and
image making. Going beyond it and behind it - to the deep
structures - MacCannell restores the 'sacredness' of the
experience, its unity and holism, With sacredness returns
religion by the back door, so to say, and establishes the hierarchy
of values and stability of the world order. The invisible religion
of secular man (as Thomas Luckmann pu tit) is traced back to its
roots and made visible in the tourist and his sightseeing.
w. R. O'Silva
(Or D'Silva teaches Social Anthropology at Goa University)
Strange Bedfellows
The Politics of Tourism in Asia. linda K Richter. University of Hawaii
Press, 2840 Kolowalu St., Honolulu, HI 96822. 1989.x + 263 pp, $24.
Cloth. Notes, bibliography, index, list of abbreviations, tables.
Tourism, all innocence on first glance, is in fact a near relative
of some serious global activities, foreign policy and foreign
relations. It is indeed, as authe>r Richter states, a "crude but
reliable barometer of international relations," This book is based
"on the premise that tourism is a highly political phenomenon,
the implications of which have been only rarely perceived and
almost nowhere fully understood."
The book does much more than simply pose interesting and
seldom-considered facts: tourism is the largest industry in the
world; tourism has been used as a political weapon by the United
States; tourism precedes the normalization of relations between
two countries. The book is significant because it goes on to ask
not only "why?" but also "so what?",
The case studies of areas mostly explored firsthand by the
author through her travels and interviews, consider the People's
Republic of China, the Philippines (under both Marcos and
Aquino), Thailand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the
Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan, and form the central core of the
book. Richter considers the reasons a government uses tourism
to advance its policies and the political and economic problems
within a country that can prevent tourism from functioning as
expected. These seven chapters are nicely framed by an intro­
duction on the politics of tourism and a final chapter on
alternative strategies (or tourism development.
The 46-page bibliography is composed mostly of books and
articles, but it also includes lists of official publications, videos,
speeches, and interviews.
from Third World Resources, Vol. .'i (2), 19B';

 10
Hippies in Gokarna
The scum of Western Society the unwashed, scantily clad hippies
seem to be focusing their attention towards other safe havens, Goa having
become a bit too hot for them.
And the Ilew safe haven they have found is among one of the holiest
spots of Hindu mythology - Gokarna. A small sleepy town on the west
coast in Karnataka, Gokarna houses the famous Mahabaleshwar temple
where ttindus perform the last rites of their near and dear ones. Much
to the disgust of these pilgrims, hordes of semi-nude hippies can be seen
sunning themselves on the beach which is hardly a stone's throw from
the temple.
"t)ut its good for us', says Abdul Rashid, 45, a coconut vendor at the
beach at whose makeshift stall at least ten of these 'rebels' sit munching
tender coconut between puffs at strong smelling chillums.
Surprisingly the local populace seem Lo share his view. The tiny town
now boasts of a couple of swank ice-cream parlours where one can relish
fresh pistanchio ice cream or watch latest Western thrillers on one of the
numerous close circuit television networks that have sprung up.
Although many of these hippies are those outcasts who have moved
out from neighbouring Goa after the friendly State raised its eyebrows
at their vagabond and lawless tactics, the proximity of Gokarna (l85
kilometres from \:>anjim) is obviously a boon for them.
"We'll never come to Goa, Your police are brutes;' exclaimed 2&year­
old self-styled sanyasin Michelle, But the lady, who was clad in the shortest
of short,,; and a hosom-hugging 'I~shirt was at a loss when Questioned
as to what police brutality she suffered during her one month jaunt at
Calangute.
According to a local police officer liquor and other soft drugs like grass
and charas are regularly transported from Goa to aid, as he put it
meditation. A tall frenchman clad in crisp saffron sits at the gate of the
temple, eyes closed in the bliss of approaching nilvana. "He comes Quite
often;' explains the temple priest "but unfortunately we cannot let him
in:' Fearing the ire of the orthodox, the doors of the temple have virtually
been barred to all whites,
But Gokama is a poor substitute for golden Goa. And they will come
rushing back to Goa when the local hospitality wears off alongwith their
new found taste tor 'nirvana'.
THE HERALD (Panjim), 19 March, 1990
Tourism lk Aids in Thailand
The survey of the policies and actions taken by the Thai authorities
and public organisations to monitor and prevent the spread of AIDS
in the sphere of commercialized sex indicated that these have been
almost exclusively oriented to the local sex workeIS, male or
female, rather than their customers, whose health and conduct
remain virtually unchecked. This approach is congruent with past
policies regarding prostitution in Thailand, Ever since it was first
outlawed in 1960, virtually the only persons against whom the law
was applied were the prostitutes themselves. ProcureIS, brothel­
owners and customeIS were rarely, if evec apprehended or punished
for their role in the furthering of prostitution. When AIDS appeared
on the scene, the authorities were similarly reluctant to take any
actions which could inconvenience the tourists and thus negatively
affect the tourist industry.
hik Cantil, in Alii/dIs uf Tourism Re!Jear<.iI, Vol. i5, 1~68
Affliction and Reproach
The alternative is inescapable: either I am a traveller in
ancient times, a nd faced with a prodigious spectacle which
would be almost entirely unintelligible to me and might,
indeed, provoke me to mockery or disgust; or 1 am a
traveller of our own day, hastening in search ofa vanished
reality; In either case I am the loser - and more heavily
than one might suppose; for today, as 1 go groping among
the shadows, 1 miss, inevitably, the spectacle that is now
taking shape. Aiyeyes, orperhaps my degree ofhumanity,
do not equip me to witness that spectacle; and in the
centuries to come, when another traveller revisits this
same place, he too may groan aloud at the disappearance
of much that 1should have set down, but cannot. I am the
victim of a double infirmity: what I see is an afflication to
me; and what I do not see; a reproach.
- Claude Levi-Strauss, in Tristes Tropiques
Golden Triangle
The agreement by the military authorities of Thailand and Burma to jointly
develop the 'golden triangle' could transform the remote opium-producing
region on their common border.
If the plan materialises, the poppy fields of Northern Thailand and Burma
could give way to tourism and development projects.
Thai military officials who returned from a trip to Rangoou said the project
involves developing tOUl ism and 'other businesses' to give farmers an alternative
to poppy cultivation, opium and heroin prodilction.
"It is our hope that such a joint undertaking will promote the tourist industry
in the golden triangle to benefit all three countries;' said Gen Pat Akanibutr,
Inspector-General of the Thai armed forces.
THE HERALD, Panjim, 18 March, 1990
Packaged Bliss
The problem with paradise is that it soon becomes boring.
Established religions have never satisfactorily answered the
question, 'What do people do in Heaven?' The disembodied
spirituality of the Christian Heaven and the interminable group
sex of the Islamic paradise are enervating prospects for all but
confirmed quietist mystics or inexhaustible satyrs. The human
mind seems unable to conceive of any purely pleasurable
activity (or blissful inactivity) that would not eventually pall. We
should not expect the tourist industry to have solved the problem
that has defeated the world's theologians - even if it does claim
to offer us a variety of paradises to suit every pocket.
from The Colden Hordes, Louis Turner & John Ash
Blinkered Vision
Those policymakers who make tourism policy by simply
repeating a common formula may think they have provided the
answer, but without comparing, searching and probing the
experience of other societies, that answer is surely limited and
. . . ",,1'" .. ,,:,,11 'h~ ,,'~r>p­
'-.V'-oG...l.U 1't \....J.J V'-J ", .lV..i..1~.
from The Politics of Tourism in Asia, linda K Richter
3
US Ecologists Tour India
Linking the Narmada Valley Dams, the Tehri Dam, the Bhopal gas tragedy, a
team of eight American environmentalists questioned the role of US corporate
involvement and the us GCNerriment'~ support lor World Bank projects in India,
Expressing support for community based organisations and protests such as
in the Narmada Valley, the team called on the Indian Government and the World
Bank to pursue a socially and environmentally just development policy_
"Indian environmentalists are absolutely right to question development
priorities here'; said team member Richard Krejsa. "In the United States and
throughout the world these megd-projects tend to cause mega-disaslers':
The group met with Governmental officials, environmental activists and local
residents, finding fault with Union Carbide's handling of the gas tragedy, the
World Bank's unyielding support for the '\Iarmada Valley Development Project
and the Indian GCNernment's pursuit of central ised high technology and capital
intensive development projects.
the Narmada Valley, the group learned of the determination of the
residents not to be displaced. Neither the World Bank nor the Indian
Government had consulted the local population before beginning work on the
dam.
No relocation plans had been formulated and the project is underway
although good land is not available as compensation for more than two lakh
people of the river valley, The group saw the current protests at the Narmada
Valley as a logical response to the situation. "When the people are locked out
of the decision making process, they have no other option, but to take matters
into their own hands'~ commented team member Sara Nelson.
Referring to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Dr Andy Smith of the American Baptist
Church said "Carbide officials have systematically evaded the enormity of this
disaster, They have misled the public and little relief has reached the victims':
In Tehri the team heard at least four dynamite blasts at the dam site
a moratorium on construction.
"The problems we have observed in India are not isolated. They are occurring
in aimost all areas of the world'; said Josh Kariiner, an environmental journalist
with the team. "Citizens' groups are actively addressing these issues not only
in India and the US, but also in Latin America, Europe, South East Asia and
Africa':
VENTURE TOURS, New Delhi
r Pacific Paradise
No mistake about it, Christopher Cocl;?er's task as Tonga's chief
I I
tourism promoter is a hefty one. True. the South Pacific islands
offer everything Tahiti has in the way of palms and beaches, even
jfa political storm is clouding them at the moment. Stm. yearly
arrivals of 11.000 'Visitors by air and 13,000 by sea to King
Taufa'ahau lI.1poU lV's domain is causing hospitality among the
well-proportioned Polynesians to wear thin Sunny Tongans
recoil from phalanxes of camera-clicking tourists who invade
their privacy and. ignoring the Sunday laws, get restless on the
ordained day of rest. But Cocker. 26 is stout of heart. By way
of an 'Awareness Program" aimed at school-children he says,
"We presenr a general overview of the significan t benefits of
tourism" A graduate of hocel training in Brisbane, he is also
nudging Tongans "to improve cheir host-guest relationship,"
Plans are afoot for a new international terminal and JOo-room
hotel at the airport. "Tonga has not reached the stage of resisting
tourism," says Cocker thoughtfully "But we don't want to do
that too much"
ASIAWEEK, 20 April, 1990
In Quotes
Stephen Haseler. Lecturer, City Polytechnic. London
r!il
:;
", :
I
!
"j don't like the idea that we are subjects, Why should we be
anyone's subjects'! We should all be citizens, I can't think of a
single advanta~e in hiMng a monarchy in a modem country The
ar~ument that it brin~s in tourists is overdone. Countries like
France conNnue to attract tourists. Anyway do we want to be
seen as a theme park. a coumry where people look at us for our
antique and quaint ways?"
Editorial in THE TIMES OF INOlA, 23 february. 1990
That cultural crosstalk knows no boundaries is su~gested by the
case of the new world visitor to india who gushed delight at
having seen the Aqa Khan by moonlight. Another case of Jet­
lag relates to the tourist couple who. on arriving at the historic
battlefield of Runnymede ofMagna Carta fame, asked the guide
when that celebrated document had been signed. and were told
1215. Whereupon the husband consulted his watch and sj~hed.
"Gee, Martha. We just missed it by 10 minutes"
The Great Elephant March
Dear Tourist Friend,
While we identify your real spirit (certainly Wf' believe the humanness is not
totally dried up, be it in the North or the South) to know our culture, we invite
your attention to some danger signals that our tourism business
Kerala, as any other people, has its own culture. Dialogue among different
cultures, is necessary and healthy. But when culture i~ made instant and ~old
for dollars, it is an entirely different matter. Festivals, pooram, folk arts, all are
part and parcel of our culture. In every culture every festival or folk art has its
own context. For example, Trichur Pooram festival is of April-May, On am is of
August-September. They have their own socio-historical reasons. When a folk
art or pooram is taken out of a particular cultural context it loses its essence
and soul. The people who perform them do it artificially. They can't infuse their
into such buffooneries, So what is exhibited as culture is soulless dead
matter,
The state is eager to earn some dollars, since its
the economic, social and cultural vaccum, created
development
are few to fill up
its own anti-people
Kerala was rich in natural resources,
the resources dwindled. Now the state i~ short
of grains, short of vegetables, short of all necessities, Our agricultu re is stunted.
Industrial growth is stagnant Only the tertiary sector comprising education,
health etc. is inueasing. All our resources have hepn dGlllled. In its placr: the
state is flooded with modern consumer articles, In short Kerala is a
of multinationals and transnationals. More than three million
unemployed ...
The state instead of trying to solve the social and economic issues that haunt
the people, make the people more fools and ask them to sing and dance to
untimely culture calls, This is in the name of culture, in the name of tourism!
The state tries to hille the real state of the people by staging Great Elephant
Marches, It is betrayal of the people dnd ppople'<, culture.
Dear tourist friend, we request you to note the real motive behind the Great
Marches, Please take pains to explore the real state of our oeoDle and
by initiating such a normative stefl, we
dnd enter Into a new dawn at
Prathikarana Sangham, (A Movement for People\ Cause)
16- Vanchi Lodge, Trichur-21. Kerala
 4 9
Dear Editor,
I have been following with interest the letters and your editorial of
March 12 concerning tourism in Goa and Jam forced to the conclusion
that you cannot decide whether you want tourists or not.
Concerning the use of drugs of aJJ kinds, J whole-heartedlyagree
that this needs stamping out entirely, though whether this causes as
much harm to the locals as the cheap sale of Fenni I would think
el(lremeiy doubtful. I have seen far more drunken waiters, dhobis, taxi
drivers etc. than I have ever seen "hepped up hippies:'
Concerning nudism -what is it about the Indian mentality that regards
a nubile, young woman without clothes as shocking, when it can
contemplate a bare posterior excreting iIi full public gaze on the side
of the road with complete calmness which an European sees as
completely disgusting.
I have never seen anything more ridiculous than the sight oflocal
women who go into the sea to bathe fully clothed, complete with saris.
The other point ofcontention - the hiring ofmotorbikes. Why can't
the company or persons hiring out the vehicles be responsible for
ensuring that the hirer has the correct documents, crash helmets etc.,
as is done throughout the rest ofthe world. Though in a country where
any kind oflicence can be obtained for modest bribe, it is difficult to
see why it ma(ters!
Concerning harassment by the police. I entirely agree with the Editor,
this is the fault ofthe Europeans for tolerating it. I find in dealing with
the police that ifone is kind but firm in the old colonial manner, they
will immediately back off. And never ever offer them money. Although
the present force is far too young to remember the old days, they can
still recognise a Sahib when spoke to with authority.
To revert to my original argument only you people in Goa can decide
whether you want tourists or not, but ifas you state you are receiving
bad publicity in papers as important as the Sunday Times in U.K. then
you certainly won't get them.
It is not in the nature ofEuropeans to suffer harassment in Asian
countries. And if you wish to earn foreign currency and to build up
a thriving Industry, one thing is certain, you won't get rich from the
middlec1ass Indian tourists who visit Goa. Its up to you, the decision
is yours.
Paul Scott, Bombay in HERALD (Goa), 17 March, 1990
Sikkim and Darjeeling
The Union Government is considering West Bengal's proposal
to do away with existing restrictions on foreigners visiting certain
areas of Darjeeling and Sikkim to encourage tourism in this part
of the country.
Mr Manish Beht Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, said a number
of foreian tourists were expected to participate in the inter­
festival in Sikkim during April. Tourists would
be given temporary permiSSion to attend the fortnight-long
festival.
Mr BehI announced that the Centre proposed to invest Rs 11.19
crores in West Bengal in 1990-91 for developing tourist spots in
the state. He said the development of Sunderbans and Sagar
island would be centred on Calcutta.
It was surprising to learn that despite adverse criticism about
Calcutta, the city generated 30 per cent additional foreign
tourists in 1989-90. More people would visit Calcutta if some new
hotels in the three-star range were built in the
TIMES OF INDIA, 16 April, 1990
Tourism and Politics
by Frederick Noronha
Goa's new Government, the first non-COngress(l) one in a decade, is much
concerned about tourism's impact on this small State.... At least, this was
the impression sought to be conveyed after the P.1lF. (Progressive
Democratic Front) ministry took over here at the end of March.
Deputy Chief Minister Ramakant Khalap stressed this concern more
than once, immediately on taking over. (Khalap remains the supremo of
the new ruling coalition's dominant M G Party partner.) He also echoed
the worries some here feel over the manner in which Goa is projected
to lure tourists.
But then, this is only one side to the picture.
Even while Khalap spoke, Goa's (then) interim P.IlF. Chief Minister
Churchill A1emao made it a point to stress the "need" Goa has for tourism.
In the background also, there are other factors which have an important
bearing on the situation.
1burism's impact on local politicians remains stron~ for one thing. And,
as seen from the functioning of similar economically-powerful lobbies
in Goa's recent past. such an influence is not restricted solely to the
party alone or to just the opposition benches.
Apart from Alemao, at least two Congress(l) former Ministers (Luizinho
Faleiro and Dr Wilfred de Souza, the latter now Goa's Opposition leader)
have a cosy relationship with the State's tourism industry. Directly or
indirectly, they are tied to some major hotel projects here. Then, one top
M G Party functionary also has proprietorial interests in a prominent Panaji
hotel. Further, if some newspaper reports and activists are to be believed,
major five-star hotels have already begun playing a role in financing
candidates for panchayat and even Assembly elections in some areas.
And, irony of ironies. The 'concerned' P.1lF. Government is now headed
by none other than Dr Luis Proto Barbosa, the bugbear of activists
working on the tourism issue here. Barbosa, a prominent member of the
previous Congress(l) Government, was tourism minister in mid-1987.1t
was at that time that the controversial Goa tourism 'master plan' was
sought to be pushed through, leading to the birth of anti-luxury-tourism
protest groups like the Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fauz (JGF).
Goa has also seen a large-sc.ale intermingling of political blood among
leaders of the three dominant State parties of the Eighties - the (then)
ruling Congress(I), the M G Party and the erstwhile Goa Congress. This
is relevant, inasmuch as it has made policies and protagonists of different
parties now appear rather indistinguishable quite often.
Generally it has been seen that the approving next if not an active prod,
from New Delhi has been a key emboldening factor for egging on Goa's
overambitious tourism plans. Now, once again, we have the central
National Front (Nf) government paternalistically taking the PDF
government under its win~ to perhaps replicate the relationship which
the earlier Congress(l) State Government had with Delhi.
One small consolation perhaps awaits those concerned about the
impact of tourism in this State. The P.IlF. can less afford to put on airs
of arrogance - as compared to the Congress(l) after a decade-long rule
in Goa. Not only did the present ruling coalition assume office in an
unusual way, but its political stability is also being doubted by some
quarters.
But still, a strong stake remains to project tourism's 'benefits' in a
grossly-overrated manner in Goa. So was the case, in past years, with the
mining and mechanised fishing industries here. When those industries
were given dirt-cheap land leases or over-generous subsidies, they too
were talked of as the panacea for this State's economy.
Whatever the (,1l5e, one still hopes that the PDF's initial assurances and
concern is genuine, and not merely a populist step simply meant to gain
the much·needed support.
Saving the Sphinx
By Deborah Pugh
After surviving for 4,8(X) years, one of the world's oldest monuments, the
Sphinx, is under assault from the advance of civilisation - threatened
by rising human sewage, smoke and car exhausts. Now Egypt has a
programme to save the monument.
After years of argument over the future of the Pyramids, and what to
do about damage to the Sphinx in particular, the Egyptian Antiquities
Organisation (EAO) has embarked on a new renovation programme. This
has coincided with the recent inauguration of a sewage draining scheme
for the Pyramids area, the first practical step to protect the 4,8O(}year­
old Sphinx from rising sewage water.
The magnificent limestone figure, on the outskirts of Cairo said to
depict the Pharaoh Chephren, has been deteriorating ever since a
protective covering of sand was removed from its 240-feet high body in
19205. Its exposure took place just as rapid industrtal, agricultural and
tourism development began in Egypt. Each sector has added to the
physical pressures on Egypt's heritage of Pharaonic, Roman, Christian
and Islamic monument'i.
The sewage draining scheme is aimed at cleaning up the squatter
settlement at Nazlet Essimman, which has mushroomed over the last
decade in the shadow of the Pyramids, drawn by the dollars of the
thousands of tourists who arrive daily in their huge tour buses. Waste
water from the village is absorbed by the porous limestone from which
the Sphinx is carved and which eventually crumbles the rock.
Apart from the rtsing water table and the polluting effect of the tour
buses, the settlement's sewage and fires generate "chemical pollutants
three times greater than the limit permitted in archaeological areas;' says
Dr Fekli Hassan, an archaeologist heading the panel of experts studying
the area's problems.
Hassan has a vision of the Pyramid'S terrain as a "sanctuary". But his
vision is bitterly opposed by the commercial interests it would curb. Much
of the squatter settlement would be removed, including the trashy shop
selling "authentic" Pharaonic souvenirs. The huge tour buses belching
fumes would be banned from the immediate vicinity and replaced with
an electric car shuttle service.
Specialists recognise that it is not enough to protect only the immediate
environment of the Sphinx: air pollution in Cairo is so intense that a wide­
ranging programme is required. The Government is already committed
to limit pollution by installing filters on the three state cement factortes.
located only a few miles from the Giza plateau on which the Sphinx
crouches. These factories spew out a staggering 2,CXX) tonnes of cement
dust daily.
But no action has been taken to reduce the car pollution. The high­
sulphur petrol used by the city's one million cars emit sulphuric and nitric
emissions which attack the surface of the Sphinx and other monuments,
producing a thin crust, says Dr EI Goresy, an Egyptian scientist. "With
the first sand storm, these thin layers are sandblasted and a fresh surface
becomes exposed:'
This constant removal of the surface has led to a loss of detail of the
Sphinx features which will soon be impossible to restore. Work will begin
soon on bonding the cracks which give rise to serious concern, especially
since part of a shoulder fell off two years ago, prompting the dismissals
of the then chairman of the EAO.
Tourism is currently Egypt's number two foreign currency earner,
generating over US $2 billion in 1989. Having heavily backed Egypt's
tourist industry, the Wortd Bank is nervously alert to the fact that an Egypt
with decayed antiquities will attract few tourists.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 13 March, 1990
Austrian Campaign
The Austrian Hotel, Restaurant and Personal Service Workers' Union (HGPD)
launched a campaign at the height of the summer tourist season to inform
and domestic tourists of the poor social and workim:!. conditions in the
and tourist industry.
the union's '~ustria Bus" toured the country's major tourist centres,
as well as border crossings, train stations and airports, with the aim of informing
the maximum number of holiday-makers of the below-standard conditions for
workers in the hospitality industry, and asking them to support the union's
demand for better conditions, including a five-day working week.
Union members and supporters passed out the following leaflet, in English,
French, Italian and German:
Dear Holiday-Makers!
Thank. you for chOOSing Austria for yourholidays. We sincerely hope that
you like our country and feel at home here.
Austria is a country that is proud of the job security and high standards
of welfare it offers to its workers, even though a large part of those
employed in the tourist industry are excluded from these benefits.
Did you know that most employees in the hotel and catering business,
those people who make your stay comfortable, are not entitled to two free
days a week?
Did you know that wages in the hotel and catering business are among
the lowest in Austria?
And did you know that employers have for years made promises to the
union to improve welfare and working conditions in the hotel and ca tering
business, but have consistently failed to keep their promises?
We ask your understanding for our protest activities which areintended
to improve the conditions of working and living for workers in the hotel
and catering business. After all, they wjJJ be in your interest as well: the
tourist industry needs content and committed employees to tum out
guests into our friends. We would be grateful if you could support us vis­
a-vis your hotel or restaurant operator.
We wish you happy holidays and we hope to see you again at your next
stay in Austria!
The HGPD reports it received widespread sympathy and support from foreign
tourists and the Austrian public as the '~ustria Bus" toured the country. The
action was also supported by many trade unions abroad. In the view of National
Officer Karl Prokes, the action helped to build up international solidarity:
"Holiday-makers in Austria are also workers, who in their professional lives in
their own countries rely on their trade unions. In our Austria-bus action, we
have therefore built on this spirit of international trade union solidaritv.
The IUF, in an emergency resolution approved by the 21st Con!
its full support for the continuing struggle of the HGPD "for better social and
working conditions, in particular for the introduction of two consecutive
off per week for employees in the hotel and restaurant sector:'
IUF NEWS BULLETIN, September/October, 198'3
Mail Order Brides
The Philippine Congress is cracking down on child sex and the mail-order-bride
business.
A house of representatives committee endorsed a bill this week that would
terms of 10 to 20 years for adults who have sex with children
, )Id. Another committee sought to ban nP\lII<;;n;mPr ArhlPrti.:pmpntc;
for mail-order-brides
The advertisements offer foreign husbands to Filipinos, many of who end
up virtual slaves in Japan, Europe, Australia or the United States.
"The proposed Bill did not bar marriage between foreigners and Filipinos,
but was an attempt to curb the business in young and often ill-educated Filipinos
attraded by advertisements to a life abroad;' Congresswomdn Lorna Verano said.
The House committee on justice endorsed a separate Bill to protect children,
particularly from foreign paedophiles.
If approved by the full House, the Bi II wou Id bar foreigners from clSSCX iati ng
with children under 15 unless there is a blood relationship or a Ift!al link.
TIMES OF INDIA, rphnhlrv, 1'19{:
 8 5
BUSOL: I Lessons lost
Bordi Says 'No'
Until recently, Mayor Ramon Lobo and Company's development scheme for
the city to make it a fantasy resort for Japanese tourists raised nothing but
eyebrows. But the current "tourist" development plan seems to be creating panic
reaction~ and raising a number of issues that should be resolved immediately.
The Sodo Planning, Inc. - aJapanese golf course builder, with Mayor Lobo,
some city councillors, and a board member of the Baguio Water District, as
local incorporators-presented a bold proposition to build a 28
and a 180-room hotel right in the middle of the Busol watershed.
The idea was not rejected outright as an impertinence by the regional office
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Regardless
of legal impediments, the DENR gives the impression that the offer is negotiable
as it awaits the opinion of a national team of watershed management experts
to inspect the area and study the feasibility of the proposal.
The Manila experts' opinion would be superfluous. Already, it is the consensus
of those in the forestry sector that a forest cover is superior to grass cover in
the maintenance of the watershed. Furthermore, observers note that no golf
course has ever yet served as a watershed anywhere in the world. Yet we
hope to be the exception. Camp John Hay, which occupies a considerable
percentage of the city's land area, including a forested park, is a water llser.
So is the Country Club. If this were so, we would not only be inviting competition
to the city' meager water resources, which an international resort will be. We
would also be risking the management of a critical watershed to the goodwill
of the golf course builders.
The watershed reservation in question supplies about a third of the current
domestic water consumption of city residents. If the Sodo plan does have its
advocates, it seems to be because the group at least proposes an alternative
to the mismanaged state of affairs at Busol. It doesn't matter that Sodo makes
its alternative sound a bit too simple. The Japanese outfit promises to do us
the service of reforesting the watershed in places and fencing off the area against
squatters and ancestral land claimants. The displaced can be employed as
caddies and hotel workers!
It is a reality that all of Baguio's watersheds are occupied and that watershed
management is plagued with the problem of so-called "squatters" and ancestral
land claimants. But the Busol watershed issue should be treated in all its
complexity; otherwise a dangerous precedent will be set to compound
existing problems.
Sadly, it seems lost on the concerned policy makers that the Busol case
actually represents more than an environmental and a watershed management
problem. The crisis over Busol raises basic questions regarding resource
management and development, which should urgently be addressed if similar
issues will be avoided.
The city's foreign investment attraction policy will certainly increase demand
for large tracts of land. But where the majority of the city is government
reservation and where the rest is for the subdivision needs of non-residents,
what with the influx of rural folk fleeing from poverty and militariLation in the
countryside, is it to be the policy to prioritize land for the recreation needs of
toreigners? Are watersheds up for sale?
Do the concerned agencies feel a complete absence of control over the
water5hed problems that they would consider abdicating their functions to the
private sector? If so, then the other watersheds which are exactly in the same
state as Busol dre equally vulnerable to being auctioned off to any wise guy
who can offer a pat solution to the lingering problems of the sector.
If the Sodo proposition should be considered at all, why not consider also
the counterproposal of the watershed occupants to plant and tend 2,000 trees
per family in the area-with arrangements to sufficiently address long-term
ecological and watershed management concerns?
Although the DENR has jurisdiction over watershed, the Sodo is negotiating
to buy Busol from the current occupants. Does this in effect concedeovvnership
to the "illegal occupants"? What happens if for some reason the people decide
to sell?
It is the ambiguity of policies over private land c.laims in the watersheds that
is encouraging land speculation in Busol and elsewhere-which is not to say
that there could be no valid ancestral land claims in these areas. Unless the
Colombo's Bid
Teatime at Motels
Indian tourism officials wrestling with unfavourable international
only look south to see how much worse things can get. Sri
resort paradise, has vi rtually dropped out of global destination lists due to its seven­
year civil war. Since late last year, however, business has picked up, thanks to a
concerted effort by the public and private sectors. In the central town of Kandy the
venerable Queen's Hotel had at one point closed half its 100 rooms. It now sports
afresh coat ui pai nt, and shortsclad visitors stream through its Victorian-era lobby.
Indeed, in much of Sri Lanka tourists are increasing and cash registers are ringing
louder.
in 1982 when 407,230 visitors spent nearly $150 million. But
mareds died in ethnic riots in Colombo and elsewhere in the country.
ruined our reputation;' says Priantha Fernando, marketing director
for the state Tourist Board. Arrivals had plummeted below 200,000 by 19R7, and
earnings to about $80 million. An estimated 17,000 job~ were wiped out. UThatwas
the bottom;' 5ays proprietor Saman Ranasinghe, who had to close his souvenir shop
at a beach resort in western Negombo town. In 1988 terrorists intensified attacks,
and the board itself had to advise foreigners to leave.
Since November, however, things have improved. Arrivals in the last
1989 were 2,000 more than a year ago - the first significant gain in a
Tourist Board chairman Prema Fernando expects more than 250,000 visitor.; th,e
Most recent ones have been West Europeans on package tours to beaches.
don't even come to Colombo;' mmplai ns Lanka Oberoi manager Ranil Bibile. With
less than 20% occupancy, many of the capital's big hotels have resorted to
undercutting. Resort areas, meanwhile, are bursting. "If predictions are right, there
won't be enough rooms in Kandy;' says Queens's boss Leslie de Soyza. Hotels in
Negombo and coastal Bentota and Hikkaduwa are almost fully booked.
The upturn is still too small for Tourist Board chairman Fernando. He reckons the
industry needs about 600,000 tourists ayear "so it can pay back (loans):' The board
hopes to attract bigger-spending tourists. rearing Soviet-bloc competition for its
traditional West European market, Sri Lanka is also turning to East Asia. Last
16,000 visitors camp from Hongkong, the fa<;test-growing market.
over 1988. Colombo has persuaded Tokyo to remove "unsafe destination"
tags from Sri Ianka brochures, though the warning is still officially in effect. Fernando
ha, another ace. "Much of the industry is private sector;' says he, "and it has shown
considerable resi Iience:'
ASIAWEEK, 2 March, 1990
occupancy of the watersheds is decisively acted upon with a solution that is
acceptable to the people and until land use poliCies are rationalized, it is not
realistic to expect a fence would keep away "squatters" from Busol or from any
watershed.
Government's resources management policies can only be implementable
to the extent that they fit the genuine needs of the people. And here,
conservation and development issues are ultimately linked.
Watershed degradation is caused by both direct and indirect effects of poor
policies outside the forestry sector. It is significant that no review of the city's
land use policy has yet been attempted within a comprehen<;ive framework
that weighs the competing demands on the remaining land and forests, that
lays down policies that are integrated and compatible with existing realities.
The Americans decreed the Baguio townsite as a recreation center to support
a population of no more than 30,000. Baguio now supports a population of
over 200,000.
So far, the action on Busol is to announce' its reforestation. This is
commendable. But so long as the land problem is not faced squarely and the
illegal cutting of tree~ is unchecked, tree planting, whenever we get reminded
of the critical state of the area, will not ensure its viabilitv as a water source.
Trees do need to be tended.
It might be that because of local opposition, Sodo will withdraw its
proposition. It shouldn't mean, however, that the issues can be left unresolved
until the next crisis. If there is anything to the preposterous offer of the Japanese
firm to take-over Busol, it is that a more effective watershed management
alternative should be worked out together by the concerned government
agencies in the light of realities. This might be the only way to quash any further
designs on our mismanaged water sources by gentlemen conspirators in
Hall and the Bagulo Water District.
C. S. Gamiao in BANTAYAN, Philippines, July-September, 1989
Bordi, a lovely seaside village in Thane district, is resisting the The Khaitans of Macneill and Magor fame appear to have taken over the role
of paterfamilias of the entire tea industry in Assam.
inroads made by the tourism industry and builders from Bombay.
The village has grown up in a Gandhian tradition, and is a major Khaitan of the group announced that Macneill and Magor will put
education centre. Not even a cinema theatre or a liquor bar has up a string of motels along National Highway 46 in the state, which means
been allowed to come up there. nearly the entire tea growing area in Assam will be covered.
The villagers are now opposing the proposal of the Maha­ Announced almost off the cuff by Dipak, the project is still in the embryonic
rashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to convert stage but he knows what he wants. His plan is to have a motel at every 8 to
the local government PWD rest house into a tourist resort. They 10 km interval on the national highway.
fear that the tranquil character of the village will be affected by In fact, so carried away was he by his own idea that he ordered right there
the onslaught of tourists. Some construction companies from and then the cordoning off a plot of land for the first of the motels at Addabari
Bombay are also proposing to build lUXury houses to provide an tea estate, belonging to his group.
escape for the rich from the metropolis during the week-end.
Not content with that, he also picked the site for the second such motel. His
Land prices here have shot up as builders are on a buying spree choice is the Behora tea estate, another M & M property. Both sites are located
and it is feared that the village may no longer have the chikoo at vantage points, at important road junctions on NH 46.
orchards for whieh it is famous.
has already thought of spawning a new company
The villagers in Bordi are not opposed to tourism per se. They styled Assam Valley Motels Limited. It will take land on lease from the tea estates,
say thousands of school students come to Bordi for holidays and
put up the motels and manage them too. The idea is to run the show single­
stay on the camping grounds on the beach. They welcome these
handedly but Assam Vallf'Y Motels won't shrink from taking help, if necessary,
little tourists. What they object to is nOise, vandalism and liquor. from ITC whose Welcomgroup has made a super success of its hoteliering
Bordi has one of the most lovely sea fronts in Maharashtra. And business. But the role of ITC wi II be limited to that of a TTldnagement consultant
the best view of the sea is had by the educational institutions with in running the motels.
huge playgrounds that dot the coastline.
Mr Feroze irani, a horticulturist in Bordi, said that with tourism BUSINESS STANDARD, H February, 1990
would come many unhealthy tendencies. "Our girls who can
walk safely at night on the beach today will no longer be able
to do so;' he said. Gangotri Close Down
Mr Vijay Mhatre, sarpanch, said the local gram panchayat had
The Gangotri region of the Himalayan range in Uttar Pradesh may be
planted nearly 35,000 trees on the beach to prevent construction
closed down for showing signs of ecological degradation, according to
of tourist facilities by outsiders. "What the village needs is better Capt. M S Kohli, Chainnan, Himalayan Adventure Trust, New Delhi.
educational infrastructure, like an engineering college, not
Capt. Kohli said here that the Government of India had closed the
luxury bungalows and beer bars;' he said.
"Nanda Devi Sanctuary" in the indian Himalayas about five years ago and
Fbur years ago, nearly 20 acres of prime land facing the sea at had declared the "Valley of flowers" as a national park.
Chikhla Village, 4 km away, was acquired. However, no effort has
"We are now intending to close down the Gangotri area, which receives
been made yet to begin construction causing fear that the land
over 70 expeditions every year and is showing signs of strain and
may be used to build a luxury hotel.
ecological degradations because of its carrying people beyond capacity;'
Mrs Malti Churi, principal of the Soonawal school, also opposes he said.
the proposed coastal highway as it would spoil the beauty and Capt. KohlL who is also president of the Indian Mountaineering
calm of the village and bring in avoidable traffic.
Foundation, said the Nepalese Government would also do well to close
A taste of what upper class tourism can do was provided by an down the Mount Everest area and the south sanctuary of Mount
lAS official some years ago. As part of an adventure, he drove his Annapurna "for rest", at least for a couple of years, to give them chances
jeep far into the sea during low tide. to revive.
TIMES Of INDIA, 19 December, 1989 INDIAN EXPRESS, 6 February, 1990
JGF at International Tourism Fair (lTB), Berlin
jamboree of the tourism industry (March 6-13) witnessed some unusual activity
this year. Sergio Carvalho and Roland Martins of the Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fauz (Goa's
anti-tourism 'army') turned up, armed with evidence that West German investment
with others) is a prime cause for ecological destruction in Goa's burgeoning tourism
hotel business. Invited to participate at ITB '90 by the 'Tourism with Insight' group in
Europe, Sergio and Roland were pursued by their Minister for Tourism, Dr Willy D'Souza,
who followed through with counter-propaganda at hastily-convened press conferences.
The press was not entirely convinced, so it's one more round to the JGF, who were awarded
a solidarity award by their hosts.
 6 7
Destination South INDIA
Speakers at a recent seminar in Madras on "Tourism Promotion
in South India" were effusively optimistic about the Southern
States luring hordes of foreign tourists in the near future. The
optimism is not without reason. Besides the conventional sun­
sea -sand mix, there are a host of historical, religious and scenic
attractions that can match the best elsewhere. That such a high
potential area for tourism has so far remained untapped is
surprising.
In the last couple of years some corrective measures have been
initiated and, consequently, some benefits have started flowing.
What is important, however, is the course of action the four
Southern States should pursue in the coming years. The first task
is to identify the target group. This is important because of the
emerging competition from the ASEAN countries. Malaysia is
currently celebrating the "Fascinating Malaysia Year". Next year,
which incidentally coincides with "Visit India Year" it is Indo­
nesia's turn, the theme being "Enchanting Indonesia". This
regional challenge has relevance to India as a whole, though its
is likely to be more on the Southern States. Any promo­
tional programme the Southern States contemplate must take
this into account.
Editorial, INDIAN EXPRESS, 12 March, 1990
Assam Tourism
Restrictions on foreiqn tourist entry coupled with paucity of
funds has retarded the qrawth of tourism in Ao:;sam. accordinq
to the state tourism director. Mr Anil13aruah.
Referred to as "the Shanqri-Ia" of the north-east and famous
for its one-homed rhinos. Assam became Jess accessible to
foreiqners folJowinq the introduction of the restricted area
permit (RAP) in 196P durinq the Chinese aqqression.
The total foreiqn tourist inflow to A<;sam was only 1.000 in
1980 as aqainst the all India fiqure of abou t 800,000 Mr 13aruah
said, addinq. the number dropped to 3P in 1983 when it was
nearly 900,000 at the national level.
With relaxation of restrictions and introduction of qroup
tourism, there has been a qradual nse in the number of
foreiqn tourists. But their movements are confjned to the
Kaziranqa national park. the Manas tiqer project and
Guwahati city. Mr 13aruah said.
However. the stare with its scenic extravanganza. a mosaic
of colourful people and wildlife with PP of the 40 endanqered
species attrac ts tourists within the coun try; especiaJly durinq
the tourist season from November to April.
Tourism has also been hit by the Bodo aq/cation in the State
and the closure of Mana5 riqer reserve to tourists.
Despite a11 odds. the tourism department and the Assam
Tourism Development Corporation have made determined
efforts to promote tourism, A Rs PO crore Disneyland-type
"amusement park" spread. over about 200 acres of land is
taking shape,
THE TIMES OF INDIA, 14 December, 1989
~.!;7t..·I~.·~·1
~ The union finance ministry has recently given clearance to 'Club Mediterranee,
Ooty: Now or Never
Calling Ooty the Queen of the Hill Stations has become ajoke now. It is, indeed
an insult to the Hill Station today. One look at the main stretch of the town
from the Boat House to the Botanical Gardens would confirm this. Perennial
shortage of water, open drainage, uncleared garbage, over crowded streets and
over flowing traffic, a rash of ~gly constructions, incredibly horrible roads,
encroachments everywhere Ooty unmistakably is CHOKING, GASPING,
DYING.
The putrefaction has already started. Overpowering stench of drainage and
garbage hangs over the main thoroughfares. Even Charing Cross, once the centre
piece on the Queen's Crown, has not been spared.
Time is fast running out for Ooty. If immediate steps are not taken to check
this rot, Ooty may be lost for ever. It is NOW OR NEVER for Ooty,
There are, of course, no soft options open to the administration. It has to,
necessarily,-taKe some tough decisions. We hope the proposed Hill Area
Conservation Authority will provide adequate financial &statutory support to
the administration to carry out a massive cleaning up operation. Some
suggestions:
1. Declare a moratorium of at least five years on all constructions for
commercial purposes, especially hotels.
2. Restrict the number of tourist buses that enter Ooty every day through hefty
entry fees, traffic restrictions inside the town etc.
3. Evict the encroachers on pavements and do not allow them to return. Keep
them out for a year and the tendency will weaken.
4. A master plan should be drawn up to augment and maintain the various
public amenities water! drainage, roads, etc. - of the town to meet the
demands of its over one lakh residents and the thousands of visitors every
day.
5. Earmark a portion of the HADP funds for the special needs of Ooty.
6. In view of the ecological Significance of Nilgiris, the administration should
explore the possibility of securing grants from international bodies like the
World Bank for its proper upkeep.
Save Nifgiris Campaign, NEWS LETTER, March, 1990
I.e Meredian 'IaRe-Over
The employees of Le Meredian! who have been on strike since January 18, are
happy at the prospect of government take-over of the Rs 100 crore hotel. The
notice cancelling the licence was served by the New Delhi Municipal
Cqmmittee to the management of the hotel after receiving clearance from the
Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi.
The licence has been cancelled on the ground~ that the hotel has defaulted
in the payment of Rs 25 crores to the NDMe. "The management has been
requested to peacefully hand over the possession of the hotel within a week
to the NDMe; a s€nior official of the civic body pointed out.
The official explained that when the hotel was under construction the hotel
management was given a moratorium to pay the earlier licencing fees in 30
instalments. The licence fee was fixed at Rs 2.68 crores yearly or 21% of total
turnover, whichever was higher.
The official said that this option was up to September 1988 after which the
hotel was required to pay advance licence fees, like other hotels. The sum.
remained Rs 2.68 crores per year. 'The hotel authorities have not paid this for
1988 and 1989': he said. "Today Rs 6.80 crores and interest of Rs 4 crores is
due by the hotel management for immediate payment to the NDMe:
THE STATESMAN! 8 March 1990
News & Views
Caving in
The Maharashtra government is presently working on a 10-year master plan
to boost tourism and has planned to build all infrastructure in all holiday resorts
in the near future.
The plan includes afforestation of many holiday resorts by establishinga body
called 'Cave Development Authority: The MTDC has already asked the
government to declare Ajanta, Etlora and Elephanta as "No growth zone'~
Apart from the present three hill stations the MTDC wi II throw open another
three such stations in the state. The places are Chikaldara near Amravati,
Chapurdara before the Gujarat border and Kass near Satara.
fREE PRESS JOURNAL, 12 February 1990
Watersports
The Pathiramanal island in the Vembanad lake would be developed into a tourist
resort for which a master plan has been prepared, acco;d ing to Kerala's Tourism
Director K Jayakumar.
A boat jetty and a multipurpose pavilion would be constructed as part of the
first stage of the master plan. Cottages would be constructed later. A tourist
boat was also proposed to be launched for taking tourists to the island.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 10 January, 1990
100 (rore Resort
A host of tourist and entertainment complexes are to come up in Tamil Nadu
led by Rs 100 crore beach resort at Vattakottai near Kanyakumari promoted by
Japanese company.
A delegation from Japan wi II be in Madras to discuss the detai Is ofthe project
according to Tourism Minister K P Kandaswamy.
He said a Rs 20 crore children's amusement complex with electronic gadgets
would come up at the Island Grounds in Madras, promoted by some
industrialists, while a Kerala-based entrepreneur had been granted permission
to construc:t a centrally-funded Rs 15 crore amusement complex at Tambaram.
Another entrepreneur had submitted plans for a Rs 10 crore amusement centre
on the Mahabalipuram coast and the Government was giving him all
encouragement.
Mr Kandaswamy said the Government was keen to go in for such amusement
complexes in every major city like Coimbatore! Madurai and Tiruchi over the
next five years.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 1 April, 1990
Operation Hardsell
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) of late has
launched a massive campaign to promote tourist places in the state. Sleek ad
in all the major dailies, colourful information brochures and glossy
posters printed on art paper invite tourists to various beach resorts, forts and
monuments scattered allover the state.
The estimated budget to promote tourism in Maharashtra is ahefty Rs 3crore,
out of which Rs 1 crore has been allotted for publicity alone. Starting from a
measly Rs 15 lakh a couple of years back, irs quite a leap.
Bringing in culture to promote tourism was yet another new angle given by
the tourism planners. First in the line, was the Ellora Dance Festival, a festival
similar to the Khajuraho Dance Festival. From a very low profile in the
beginning, it is now included in the international tourtsrn calendar of the
Government of India
THE DAILY, ~ March, 1990
Club Mediterranee
a French company developi ng 'most exclusive' beach resorts in different parts
of the world, for two projects in India - one in Tamil Nadu and another in Goa.
Speaking at a workshop on "Development of tourist potential in South India"
B K Goswami, Director General, Central Department of Tourism (CDT), said
that four more projects to develop beach resorts in the country were in the
He said that Club Mediterranee, which would have a tie-up with the Taj
Group, would also put in equity. The Tamil Nadu project is expected to be
located somewhere between Madras and Pondicherry.
THE INDEPENDENT, 20 February, 1990
Dons VI Hoteliers
Two senior bureaucrats, Tourism Secretary Manish Behl and Ani! Bordia,
secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, are heading
for a confrontation. The issue: whether or not to convert Shimla's
Viceregal lodge - which has been housing the Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies since 1966 - into a hotel.
Earlier proposals to convert the lodge- apart of which is the official
summer residence of the President - into a hotel were opposed by the
institute. Now, the Tourism Department wants the public sector India
Tourism Development Corporation to spend more than Rs 10 crore to
revamp the Rs 100 crore property. Butthe Education Department is not
amused.
With Bordia supporting the dons and Behl equally keen on setting
up the hotel. a heated tussle is on the cards.
·INDIA TODAY, 15 February, 1990
Five-Star Competition
The five-star hotels business continues to boom. At least 18 corporate groups
are competing to construct a hotel on a prime 4.5 acre plot in the capital. Those
that have pre-qualified include the Tatas (Taj chain), the Oberois, Asian (Hyatt),
IT( (WelcomgroupJ and Regent. Also in the fray are the Ansals, the Hong Kong­
based Harilelas, Shaw Wallace and Unitech Builders which has tied up with
the Edwardian group of UK. At the same time, Welcomgroup and Srinivasa
Resorts have also decided to jointly set up a Rs 25 crore hotel in Hyderabad.
INDIA TODAY, 28 February, 1990
Foreign Hotel Chain
A Hongkong-based hotel chain and two other prominent hotel chains in the
country have shovvn interest in setting up hotels in Kerala. The Hongkong-based
group held talks with the State Tourism Department officials on lanuarv 26 in
Trivandrum to finalise the project.
The Director General of Tourism, Government of India! Mr B K Goswami
told newsmen that Kerala has enormous potential to attract a Jarge number of
tourists from abroad if infra-structural facilities are expanded here, The
marathon which was a "success" would be made a regular feature in the
with the involvement of foreign tourists.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 21 January. 1990
 6 7
Destination South INDIA
Speakers at a recent seminar in Madras on "Tourism Promotion
in South India" were effusively optimistic about the Southern
States luring hordes of foreign tourists in the near future. The
optimism is not without reason. Besides the conventional sun­
sea -sand mix, there are a host of historical, religious and scenic
attractions that can match the best elsewhere. That such a high
potential area for tourism has so far remained untapped is
surprising.
In the last couple of years some corrective measures have been
initiated and, consequently, some benefits have started flowing.
What is important, however, is the course of action the four
Southern States should pursue in the coming years. The first task
is to identify the target group. This is important because of the
emerging competition from the ASEAN countries. Malaysia is
currently celebrating the "Fascinating Malaysia Year". Next year,
which incidentally coincides with "Visit India Year" it is Indo­
nesia's turn, the theme being "Enchanting Indonesia". This
regional challenge has relevance to India as a whole, though its
is likely to be more on the Southern States. Any promo­
tional programme the Southern States contemplate must take
this into account.
Editorial, INDIAN EXPRESS, 12 March, 1990
Assam Tourism
Restrictions on foreiqn tourist entry coupled with paucity of
funds has retarded the qrawth of tourism in Ao:;sam. accordinq
to the state tourism director. Mr Anil13aruah.
Referred to as "the Shanqri-Ia" of the north-east and famous
for its one-homed rhinos. Assam became Jess accessible to
foreiqners folJowinq the introduction of the restricted area
permit (RAP) in 196P durinq the Chinese aqqression.
The total foreiqn tourist inflow to A<;sam was only 1.000 in
1980 as aqainst the all India fiqure of abou t 800,000 Mr 13aruah
said, addinq. the number dropped to 3P in 1983 when it was
nearly 900,000 at the national level.
With relaxation of restrictions and introduction of qroup
tourism, there has been a qradual nse in the number of
foreiqn tourists. But their movements are confjned to the
Kaziranqa national park. the Manas tiqer project and
Guwahati city. Mr 13aruah said.
However. the stare with its scenic extravanganza. a mosaic
of colourful people and wildlife with PP of the 40 endanqered
species attrac ts tourists within the coun try; especiaJly durinq
the tourist season from November to April.
Tourism has also been hit by the Bodo aq/cation in the State
and the closure of Mana5 riqer reserve to tourists.
Despite a11 odds. the tourism department and the Assam
Tourism Development Corporation have made determined
efforts to promote tourism, A Rs PO crore Disneyland-type
"amusement park" spread. over about 200 acres of land is
taking shape,
THE TIMES OF INDIA, 14 December, 1989
~.!;7t..·I~.·~·1
~ The union finance ministry has recently given clearance to 'Club Mediterranee,
Ooty: Now or Never
Calling Ooty the Queen of the Hill Stations has become ajoke now. It is, indeed
an insult to the Hill Station today. One look at the main stretch of the town
from the Boat House to the Botanical Gardens would confirm this. Perennial
shortage of water, open drainage, uncleared garbage, over crowded streets and
over flowing traffic, a rash of ~gly constructions, incredibly horrible roads,
encroachments everywhere Ooty unmistakably is CHOKING, GASPING,
DYING.
The putrefaction has already started. Overpowering stench of drainage and
garbage hangs over the main thoroughfares. Even Charing Cross, once the centre
piece on the Queen's Crown, has not been spared.
Time is fast running out for Ooty. If immediate steps are not taken to check
this rot, Ooty may be lost for ever. It is NOW OR NEVER for Ooty,
There are, of course, no soft options open to the administration. It has to,
necessarily,-taKe some tough decisions. We hope the proposed Hill Area
Conservation Authority will provide adequate financial &statutory support to
the administration to carry out a massive cleaning up operation. Some
suggestions:
1. Declare a moratorium of at least five years on all constructions for
commercial purposes, especially hotels.
2. Restrict the number of tourist buses that enter Ooty every day through hefty
entry fees, traffic restrictions inside the town etc.
3. Evict the encroachers on pavements and do not allow them to return. Keep
them out for a year and the tendency will weaken.
4. A master plan should be drawn up to augment and maintain the various
public amenities water! drainage, roads, etc. - of the town to meet the
demands of its over one lakh residents and the thousands of visitors every
day.
5. Earmark a portion of the HADP funds for the special needs of Ooty.
6. In view of the ecological Significance of Nilgiris, the administration should
explore the possibility of securing grants from international bodies like the
World Bank for its proper upkeep.
Save Nifgiris Campaign, NEWS LETTER, March, 1990
I.e Meredian 'IaRe-Over
The employees of Le Meredian! who have been on strike since January 18, are
happy at the prospect of government take-over of the Rs 100 crore hotel. The
notice cancelling the licence was served by the New Delhi Municipal
Cqmmittee to the management of the hotel after receiving clearance from the
Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi.
The licence has been cancelled on the ground~ that the hotel has defaulted
in the payment of Rs 25 crores to the NDMe. "The management has been
requested to peacefully hand over the possession of the hotel within a week
to the NDMe; a s€nior official of the civic body pointed out.
The official explained that when the hotel was under construction the hotel
management was given a moratorium to pay the earlier licencing fees in 30
instalments. The licence fee was fixed at Rs 2.68 crores yearly or 21% of total
turnover, whichever was higher.
The official said that this option was up to September 1988 after which the
hotel was required to pay advance licence fees, like other hotels. The sum.
remained Rs 2.68 crores per year. 'The hotel authorities have not paid this for
1988 and 1989': he said. "Today Rs 6.80 crores and interest of Rs 4 crores is
due by the hotel management for immediate payment to the NDMe:
THE STATESMAN! 8 March 1990
News & Views
Caving in
The Maharashtra government is presently working on a 10-year master plan
to boost tourism and has planned to build all infrastructure in all holiday resorts
in the near future.
The plan includes afforestation of many holiday resorts by establishinga body
called 'Cave Development Authority: The MTDC has already asked the
government to declare Ajanta, Etlora and Elephanta as "No growth zone'~
Apart from the present three hill stations the MTDC wi II throw open another
three such stations in the state. The places are Chikaldara near Amravati,
Chapurdara before the Gujarat border and Kass near Satara.
fREE PRESS JOURNAL, 12 February 1990
Watersports
The Pathiramanal island in the Vembanad lake would be developed into a tourist
resort for which a master plan has been prepared, acco;d ing to Kerala's Tourism
Director K Jayakumar.
A boat jetty and a multipurpose pavilion would be constructed as part of the
first stage of the master plan. Cottages would be constructed later. A tourist
boat was also proposed to be launched for taking tourists to the island.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 10 January, 1990
100 (rore Resort
A host of tourist and entertainment complexes are to come up in Tamil Nadu
led by Rs 100 crore beach resort at Vattakottai near Kanyakumari promoted by
Japanese company.
A delegation from Japan wi II be in Madras to discuss the detai Is ofthe project
according to Tourism Minister K P Kandaswamy.
He said a Rs 20 crore children's amusement complex with electronic gadgets
would come up at the Island Grounds in Madras, promoted by some
industrialists, while a Kerala-based entrepreneur had been granted permission
to construc:t a centrally-funded Rs 15 crore amusement complex at Tambaram.
Another entrepreneur had submitted plans for a Rs 10 crore amusement centre
on the Mahabalipuram coast and the Government was giving him all
encouragement.
Mr Kandaswamy said the Government was keen to go in for such amusement
complexes in every major city like Coimbatore! Madurai and Tiruchi over the
next five years.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 1 April, 1990
Operation Hardsell
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) of late has
launched a massive campaign to promote tourist places in the state. Sleek ad
in all the major dailies, colourful information brochures and glossy
posters printed on art paper invite tourists to various beach resorts, forts and
monuments scattered allover the state.
The estimated budget to promote tourism in Maharashtra is ahefty Rs 3crore,
out of which Rs 1 crore has been allotted for publicity alone. Starting from a
measly Rs 15 lakh a couple of years back, irs quite a leap.
Bringing in culture to promote tourism was yet another new angle given by
the tourism planners. First in the line, was the Ellora Dance Festival, a festival
similar to the Khajuraho Dance Festival. From a very low profile in the
beginning, it is now included in the international tourtsrn calendar of the
Government of India
THE DAILY, ~ March, 1990
Club Mediterranee
a French company developi ng 'most exclusive' beach resorts in different parts
of the world, for two projects in India - one in Tamil Nadu and another in Goa.
Speaking at a workshop on "Development of tourist potential in South India"
B K Goswami, Director General, Central Department of Tourism (CDT), said
that four more projects to develop beach resorts in the country were in the
He said that Club Mediterranee, which would have a tie-up with the Taj
Group, would also put in equity. The Tamil Nadu project is expected to be
located somewhere between Madras and Pondicherry.
THE INDEPENDENT, 20 February, 1990
Dons VI Hoteliers
Two senior bureaucrats, Tourism Secretary Manish Behl and Ani! Bordia,
secretary in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, are heading
for a confrontation. The issue: whether or not to convert Shimla's
Viceregal lodge - which has been housing the Indian Institute of
Advanced Studies since 1966 - into a hotel.
Earlier proposals to convert the lodge- apart of which is the official
summer residence of the President - into a hotel were opposed by the
institute. Now, the Tourism Department wants the public sector India
Tourism Development Corporation to spend more than Rs 10 crore to
revamp the Rs 100 crore property. Butthe Education Department is not
amused.
With Bordia supporting the dons and Behl equally keen on setting
up the hotel. a heated tussle is on the cards.
·INDIA TODAY, 15 February, 1990
Five-Star Competition
The five-star hotels business continues to boom. At least 18 corporate groups
are competing to construct a hotel on a prime 4.5 acre plot in the capital. Those
that have pre-qualified include the Tatas (Taj chain), the Oberois, Asian (Hyatt),
IT( (WelcomgroupJ and Regent. Also in the fray are the Ansals, the Hong Kong­
based Harilelas, Shaw Wallace and Unitech Builders which has tied up with
the Edwardian group of UK. At the same time, Welcomgroup and Srinivasa
Resorts have also decided to jointly set up a Rs 25 crore hotel in Hyderabad.
INDIA TODAY, 28 February, 1990
Foreign Hotel Chain
A Hongkong-based hotel chain and two other prominent hotel chains in the
country have shovvn interest in setting up hotels in Kerala. The Hongkong-based
group held talks with the State Tourism Department officials on lanuarv 26 in
Trivandrum to finalise the project.
The Director General of Tourism, Government of India! Mr B K Goswami
told newsmen that Kerala has enormous potential to attract a Jarge number of
tourists from abroad if infra-structural facilities are expanded here, The
marathon which was a "success" would be made a regular feature in the
with the involvement of foreign tourists.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 21 January. 1990
 8 5
BUSOL: I Lessons lost
Bordi Says 'No'
Until recently, Mayor Ramon Lobo and Company's development scheme for
the city to make it a fantasy resort for Japanese tourists raised nothing but
eyebrows. But the current "tourist" development plan seems to be creating panic
reaction~ and raising a number of issues that should be resolved immediately.
The Sodo Planning, Inc. - aJapanese golf course builder, with Mayor Lobo,
some city councillors, and a board member of the Baguio Water District, as
local incorporators-presented a bold proposition to build a 28
and a 180-room hotel right in the middle of the Busol watershed.
The idea was not rejected outright as an impertinence by the regional office
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Regardless
of legal impediments, the DENR gives the impression that the offer is negotiable
as it awaits the opinion of a national team of watershed management experts
to inspect the area and study the feasibility of the proposal.
The Manila experts' opinion would be superfluous. Already, it is the consensus
of those in the forestry sector that a forest cover is superior to grass cover in
the maintenance of the watershed. Furthermore, observers note that no golf
course has ever yet served as a watershed anywhere in the world. Yet we
hope to be the exception. Camp John Hay, which occupies a considerable
percentage of the city's land area, including a forested park, is a water llser.
So is the Country Club. If this were so, we would not only be inviting competition
to the city' meager water resources, which an international resort will be. We
would also be risking the management of a critical watershed to the goodwill
of the golf course builders.
The watershed reservation in question supplies about a third of the current
domestic water consumption of city residents. If the Sodo plan does have its
advocates, it seems to be because the group at least proposes an alternative
to the mismanaged state of affairs at Busol. It doesn't matter that Sodo makes
its alternative sound a bit too simple. The Japanese outfit promises to do us
the service of reforesting the watershed in places and fencing off the area against
squatters and ancestral land claimants. The displaced can be employed as
caddies and hotel workers!
It is a reality that all of Baguio's watersheds are occupied and that watershed
management is plagued with the problem of so-called "squatters" and ancestral
land claimants. But the Busol watershed issue should be treated in all its
complexity; otherwise a dangerous precedent will be set to compound
existing problems.
Sadly, it seems lost on the concerned policy makers that the Busol case
actually represents more than an environmental and a watershed management
problem. The crisis over Busol raises basic questions regarding resource
management and development, which should urgently be addressed if similar
issues will be avoided.
The city's foreign investment attraction policy will certainly increase demand
for large tracts of land. But where the majority of the city is government
reservation and where the rest is for the subdivision needs of non-residents,
what with the influx of rural folk fleeing from poverty and militariLation in the
countryside, is it to be the policy to prioritize land for the recreation needs of
toreigners? Are watersheds up for sale?
Do the concerned agencies feel a complete absence of control over the
water5hed problems that they would consider abdicating their functions to the
private sector? If so, then the other watersheds which are exactly in the same
state as Busol dre equally vulnerable to being auctioned off to any wise guy
who can offer a pat solution to the lingering problems of the sector.
If the Sodo proposition should be considered at all, why not consider also
the counterproposal of the watershed occupants to plant and tend 2,000 trees
per family in the area-with arrangements to sufficiently address long-term
ecological and watershed management concerns?
Although the DENR has jurisdiction over watershed, the Sodo is negotiating
to buy Busol from the current occupants. Does this in effect concedeovvnership
to the "illegal occupants"? What happens if for some reason the people decide
to sell?
It is the ambiguity of policies over private land c.laims in the watersheds that
is encouraging land speculation in Busol and elsewhere-which is not to say
that there could be no valid ancestral land claims in these areas. Unless the
Colombo's Bid
Teatime at Motels
Indian tourism officials wrestling with unfavourable international
only look south to see how much worse things can get. Sri
resort paradise, has vi rtually dropped out of global destination lists due to its seven­
year civil war. Since late last year, however, business has picked up, thanks to a
concerted effort by the public and private sectors. In the central town of Kandy the
venerable Queen's Hotel had at one point closed half its 100 rooms. It now sports
afresh coat ui pai nt, and shortsclad visitors stream through its Victorian-era lobby.
Indeed, in much of Sri Lanka tourists are increasing and cash registers are ringing
louder.
in 1982 when 407,230 visitors spent nearly $150 million. But
mareds died in ethnic riots in Colombo and elsewhere in the country.
ruined our reputation;' says Priantha Fernando, marketing director
for the state Tourist Board. Arrivals had plummeted below 200,000 by 19R7, and
earnings to about $80 million. An estimated 17,000 job~ were wiped out. UThatwas
the bottom;' 5ays proprietor Saman Ranasinghe, who had to close his souvenir shop
at a beach resort in western Negombo town. In 1988 terrorists intensified attacks,
and the board itself had to advise foreigners to leave.
Since November, however, things have improved. Arrivals in the last
1989 were 2,000 more than a year ago - the first significant gain in a
Tourist Board chairman Prema Fernando expects more than 250,000 visitor.; th,e
Most recent ones have been West Europeans on package tours to beaches.
don't even come to Colombo;' mmplai ns Lanka Oberoi manager Ranil Bibile. With
less than 20% occupancy, many of the capital's big hotels have resorted to
undercutting. Resort areas, meanwhile, are bursting. "If predictions are right, there
won't be enough rooms in Kandy;' says Queens's boss Leslie de Soyza. Hotels in
Negombo and coastal Bentota and Hikkaduwa are almost fully booked.
The upturn is still too small for Tourist Board chairman Fernando. He reckons the
industry needs about 600,000 tourists ayear "so it can pay back (loans):' The board
hopes to attract bigger-spending tourists. rearing Soviet-bloc competition for its
traditional West European market, Sri Lanka is also turning to East Asia. Last
16,000 visitors camp from Hongkong, the fa<;test-growing market.
over 1988. Colombo has persuaded Tokyo to remove "unsafe destination"
tags from Sri Ianka brochures, though the warning is still officially in effect. Fernando
ha, another ace. "Much of the industry is private sector;' says he, "and it has shown
considerable resi Iience:'
ASIAWEEK, 2 March, 1990
occupancy of the watersheds is decisively acted upon with a solution that is
acceptable to the people and until land use poliCies are rationalized, it is not
realistic to expect a fence would keep away "squatters" from Busol or from any
watershed.
Government's resources management policies can only be implementable
to the extent that they fit the genuine needs of the people. And here,
conservation and development issues are ultimately linked.
Watershed degradation is caused by both direct and indirect effects of poor
policies outside the forestry sector. It is significant that no review of the city's
land use policy has yet been attempted within a comprehen<;ive framework
that weighs the competing demands on the remaining land and forests, that
lays down policies that are integrated and compatible with existing realities.
The Americans decreed the Baguio townsite as a recreation center to support
a population of no more than 30,000. Baguio now supports a population of
over 200,000.
So far, the action on Busol is to announce' its reforestation. This is
commendable. But so long as the land problem is not faced squarely and the
illegal cutting of tree~ is unchecked, tree planting, whenever we get reminded
of the critical state of the area, will not ensure its viabilitv as a water source.
Trees do need to be tended.
It might be that because of local opposition, Sodo will withdraw its
proposition. It shouldn't mean, however, that the issues can be left unresolved
until the next crisis. If there is anything to the preposterous offer of the Japanese
firm to take-over Busol, it is that a more effective watershed management
alternative should be worked out together by the concerned government
agencies in the light of realities. This might be the only way to quash any further
designs on our mismanaged water sources by gentlemen conspirators in
Hall and the Bagulo Water District.
C. S. Gamiao in BANTAYAN, Philippines, July-September, 1989
Bordi, a lovely seaside village in Thane district, is resisting the The Khaitans of Macneill and Magor fame appear to have taken over the role
of paterfamilias of the entire tea industry in Assam.
inroads made by the tourism industry and builders from Bombay.
The village has grown up in a Gandhian tradition, and is a major Khaitan of the group announced that Macneill and Magor will put
education centre. Not even a cinema theatre or a liquor bar has up a string of motels along National Highway 46 in the state, which means
been allowed to come up there. nearly the entire tea growing area in Assam will be covered.
The villagers are now opposing the proposal of the Maha­ Announced almost off the cuff by Dipak, the project is still in the embryonic
rashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to convert stage but he knows what he wants. His plan is to have a motel at every 8 to
the local government PWD rest house into a tourist resort. They 10 km interval on the national highway.
fear that the tranquil character of the village will be affected by In fact, so carried away was he by his own idea that he ordered right there
the onslaught of tourists. Some construction companies from and then the cordoning off a plot of land for the first of the motels at Addabari
Bombay are also proposing to build lUXury houses to provide an tea estate, belonging to his group.
escape for the rich from the metropolis during the week-end.
Not content with that, he also picked the site for the second such motel. His
Land prices here have shot up as builders are on a buying spree choice is the Behora tea estate, another M & M property. Both sites are located
and it is feared that the village may no longer have the chikoo at vantage points, at important road junctions on NH 46.
orchards for whieh it is famous.
has already thought of spawning a new company
The villagers in Bordi are not opposed to tourism per se. They styled Assam Valley Motels Limited. It will take land on lease from the tea estates,
say thousands of school students come to Bordi for holidays and
put up the motels and manage them too. The idea is to run the show single­
stay on the camping grounds on the beach. They welcome these
handedly but Assam Vallf'Y Motels won't shrink from taking help, if necessary,
little tourists. What they object to is nOise, vandalism and liquor. from ITC whose Welcomgroup has made a super success of its hoteliering
Bordi has one of the most lovely sea fronts in Maharashtra. And business. But the role of ITC wi II be limited to that of a TTldnagement consultant
the best view of the sea is had by the educational institutions with in running the motels.
huge playgrounds that dot the coastline.
Mr Feroze irani, a horticulturist in Bordi, said that with tourism BUSINESS STANDARD, H February, 1990
would come many unhealthy tendencies. "Our girls who can
walk safely at night on the beach today will no longer be able
to do so;' he said. Gangotri Close Down
Mr Vijay Mhatre, sarpanch, said the local gram panchayat had
The Gangotri region of the Himalayan range in Uttar Pradesh may be
planted nearly 35,000 trees on the beach to prevent construction
closed down for showing signs of ecological degradation, according to
of tourist facilities by outsiders. "What the village needs is better Capt. M S Kohli, Chainnan, Himalayan Adventure Trust, New Delhi.
educational infrastructure, like an engineering college, not
Capt. Kohli said here that the Government of India had closed the
luxury bungalows and beer bars;' he said.
"Nanda Devi Sanctuary" in the indian Himalayas about five years ago and
Fbur years ago, nearly 20 acres of prime land facing the sea at had declared the "Valley of flowers" as a national park.
Chikhla Village, 4 km away, was acquired. However, no effort has
"We are now intending to close down the Gangotri area, which receives
been made yet to begin construction causing fear that the land
over 70 expeditions every year and is showing signs of strain and
may be used to build a luxury hotel.
ecological degradations because of its carrying people beyond capacity;'
Mrs Malti Churi, principal of the Soonawal school, also opposes he said.
the proposed coastal highway as it would spoil the beauty and Capt. KohlL who is also president of the Indian Mountaineering
calm of the village and bring in avoidable traffic.
Foundation, said the Nepalese Government would also do well to close
A taste of what upper class tourism can do was provided by an down the Mount Everest area and the south sanctuary of Mount
lAS official some years ago. As part of an adventure, he drove his Annapurna "for rest", at least for a couple of years, to give them chances
jeep far into the sea during low tide. to revive.
TIMES Of INDIA, 19 December, 1989 INDIAN EXPRESS, 6 February, 1990
JGF at International Tourism Fair (lTB), Berlin
jamboree of the tourism industry (March 6-13) witnessed some unusual activity
this year. Sergio Carvalho and Roland Martins of the Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fauz (Goa's
anti-tourism 'army') turned up, armed with evidence that West German investment
with others) is a prime cause for ecological destruction in Goa's burgeoning tourism
hotel business. Invited to participate at ITB '90 by the 'Tourism with Insight' group in
Europe, Sergio and Roland were pursued by their Minister for Tourism, Dr Willy D'Souza,
who followed through with counter-propaganda at hastily-convened press conferences.
The press was not entirely convinced, so it's one more round to the JGF, who were awarded
a solidarity award by their hosts.
 4 9
Dear Editor,
I have been following with interest the letters and your editorial of
March 12 concerning tourism in Goa and Jam forced to the conclusion
that you cannot decide whether you want tourists or not.
Concerning the use of drugs of aJJ kinds, J whole-heartedlyagree
that this needs stamping out entirely, though whether this causes as
much harm to the locals as the cheap sale of Fenni I would think
el(lremeiy doubtful. I have seen far more drunken waiters, dhobis, taxi
drivers etc. than I have ever seen "hepped up hippies:'
Concerning nudism -what is it about the Indian mentality that regards
a nubile, young woman without clothes as shocking, when it can
contemplate a bare posterior excreting iIi full public gaze on the side
of the road with complete calmness which an European sees as
completely disgusting.
I have never seen anything more ridiculous than the sight oflocal
women who go into the sea to bathe fully clothed, complete with saris.
The other point ofcontention - the hiring ofmotorbikes. Why can't
the company or persons hiring out the vehicles be responsible for
ensuring that the hirer has the correct documents, crash helmets etc.,
as is done throughout the rest ofthe world. Though in a country where
any kind oflicence can be obtained for modest bribe, it is difficult to
see why it ma(ters!
Concerning harassment by the police. I entirely agree with the Editor,
this is the fault ofthe Europeans for tolerating it. I find in dealing with
the police that ifone is kind but firm in the old colonial manner, they
will immediately back off. And never ever offer them money. Although
the present force is far too young to remember the old days, they can
still recognise a Sahib when spoke to with authority.
To revert to my original argument only you people in Goa can decide
whether you want tourists or not, but ifas you state you are receiving
bad publicity in papers as important as the Sunday Times in U.K. then
you certainly won't get them.
It is not in the nature ofEuropeans to suffer harassment in Asian
countries. And if you wish to earn foreign currency and to build up
a thriving Industry, one thing is certain, you won't get rich from the
middlec1ass Indian tourists who visit Goa. Its up to you, the decision
is yours.
Paul Scott, Bombay in HERALD (Goa), 17 March, 1990
Sikkim and Darjeeling
The Union Government is considering West Bengal's proposal
to do away with existing restrictions on foreigners visiting certain
areas of Darjeeling and Sikkim to encourage tourism in this part
of the country.
Mr Manish Beht Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, said a number
of foreian tourists were expected to participate in the inter­
festival in Sikkim during April. Tourists would
be given temporary permiSSion to attend the fortnight-long
festival.
Mr BehI announced that the Centre proposed to invest Rs 11.19
crores in West Bengal in 1990-91 for developing tourist spots in
the state. He said the development of Sunderbans and Sagar
island would be centred on Calcutta.
It was surprising to learn that despite adverse criticism about
Calcutta, the city generated 30 per cent additional foreign
tourists in 1989-90. More people would visit Calcutta if some new
hotels in the three-star range were built in the
TIMES OF INDIA, 16 April, 1990
Tourism and Politics
by Frederick Noronha
Goa's new Government, the first non-COngress(l) one in a decade, is much
concerned about tourism's impact on this small State.... At least, this was
the impression sought to be conveyed after the P.1lF. (Progressive
Democratic Front) ministry took over here at the end of March.
Deputy Chief Minister Ramakant Khalap stressed this concern more
than once, immediately on taking over. (Khalap remains the supremo of
the new ruling coalition's dominant M G Party partner.) He also echoed
the worries some here feel over the manner in which Goa is projected
to lure tourists.
But then, this is only one side to the picture.
Even while Khalap spoke, Goa's (then) interim P.IlF. Chief Minister
Churchill A1emao made it a point to stress the "need" Goa has for tourism.
In the background also, there are other factors which have an important
bearing on the situation.
1burism's impact on local politicians remains stron~ for one thing. And,
as seen from the functioning of similar economically-powerful lobbies
in Goa's recent past. such an influence is not restricted solely to the
party alone or to just the opposition benches.
Apart from Alemao, at least two Congress(l) former Ministers (Luizinho
Faleiro and Dr Wilfred de Souza, the latter now Goa's Opposition leader)
have a cosy relationship with the State's tourism industry. Directly or
indirectly, they are tied to some major hotel projects here. Then, one top
M G Party functionary also has proprietorial interests in a prominent Panaji
hotel. Further, if some newspaper reports and activists are to be believed,
major five-star hotels have already begun playing a role in financing
candidates for panchayat and even Assembly elections in some areas.
And, irony of ironies. The 'concerned' P.1lF. Government is now headed
by none other than Dr Luis Proto Barbosa, the bugbear of activists
working on the tourism issue here. Barbosa, a prominent member of the
previous Congress(l) Government, was tourism minister in mid-1987.1t
was at that time that the controversial Goa tourism 'master plan' was
sought to be pushed through, leading to the birth of anti-luxury-tourism
protest groups like the Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fauz (JGF).
Goa has also seen a large-sc.ale intermingling of political blood among
leaders of the three dominant State parties of the Eighties - the (then)
ruling Congress(I), the M G Party and the erstwhile Goa Congress. This
is relevant, inasmuch as it has made policies and protagonists of different
parties now appear rather indistinguishable quite often.
Generally it has been seen that the approving next if not an active prod,
from New Delhi has been a key emboldening factor for egging on Goa's
overambitious tourism plans. Now, once again, we have the central
National Front (Nf) government paternalistically taking the PDF
government under its win~ to perhaps replicate the relationship which
the earlier Congress(l) State Government had with Delhi.
One small consolation perhaps awaits those concerned about the
impact of tourism in this State. The P.IlF. can less afford to put on airs
of arrogance - as compared to the Congress(l) after a decade-long rule
in Goa. Not only did the present ruling coalition assume office in an
unusual way, but its political stability is also being doubted by some
quarters.
But still, a strong stake remains to project tourism's 'benefits' in a
grossly-overrated manner in Goa. So was the case, in past years, with the
mining and mechanised fishing industries here. When those industries
were given dirt-cheap land leases or over-generous subsidies, they too
were talked of as the panacea for this State's economy.
Whatever the (,1l5e, one still hopes that the PDF's initial assurances and
concern is genuine, and not merely a populist step simply meant to gain
the much·needed support.
Saving the Sphinx
By Deborah Pugh
After surviving for 4,8(X) years, one of the world's oldest monuments, the
Sphinx, is under assault from the advance of civilisation - threatened
by rising human sewage, smoke and car exhausts. Now Egypt has a
programme to save the monument.
After years of argument over the future of the Pyramids, and what to
do about damage to the Sphinx in particular, the Egyptian Antiquities
Organisation (EAO) has embarked on a new renovation programme. This
has coincided with the recent inauguration of a sewage draining scheme
for the Pyramids area, the first practical step to protect the 4,8O(}year­
old Sphinx from rising sewage water.
The magnificent limestone figure, on the outskirts of Cairo said to
depict the Pharaoh Chephren, has been deteriorating ever since a
protective covering of sand was removed from its 240-feet high body in
19205. Its exposure took place just as rapid industrtal, agricultural and
tourism development began in Egypt. Each sector has added to the
physical pressures on Egypt's heritage of Pharaonic, Roman, Christian
and Islamic monument'i.
The sewage draining scheme is aimed at cleaning up the squatter
settlement at Nazlet Essimman, which has mushroomed over the last
decade in the shadow of the Pyramids, drawn by the dollars of the
thousands of tourists who arrive daily in their huge tour buses. Waste
water from the village is absorbed by the porous limestone from which
the Sphinx is carved and which eventually crumbles the rock.
Apart from the rtsing water table and the polluting effect of the tour
buses, the settlement's sewage and fires generate "chemical pollutants
three times greater than the limit permitted in archaeological areas;' says
Dr Fekli Hassan, an archaeologist heading the panel of experts studying
the area's problems.
Hassan has a vision of the Pyramid'S terrain as a "sanctuary". But his
vision is bitterly opposed by the commercial interests it would curb. Much
of the squatter settlement would be removed, including the trashy shop
selling "authentic" Pharaonic souvenirs. The huge tour buses belching
fumes would be banned from the immediate vicinity and replaced with
an electric car shuttle service.
Specialists recognise that it is not enough to protect only the immediate
environment of the Sphinx: air pollution in Cairo is so intense that a wide­
ranging programme is required. The Government is already committed
to limit pollution by installing filters on the three state cement factortes.
located only a few miles from the Giza plateau on which the Sphinx
crouches. These factories spew out a staggering 2,CXX) tonnes of cement
dust daily.
But no action has been taken to reduce the car pollution. The high­
sulphur petrol used by the city's one million cars emit sulphuric and nitric
emissions which attack the surface of the Sphinx and other monuments,
producing a thin crust, says Dr EI Goresy, an Egyptian scientist. "With
the first sand storm, these thin layers are sandblasted and a fresh surface
becomes exposed:'
This constant removal of the surface has led to a loss of detail of the
Sphinx features which will soon be impossible to restore. Work will begin
soon on bonding the cracks which give rise to serious concern, especially
since part of a shoulder fell off two years ago, prompting the dismissals
of the then chairman of the EAO.
Tourism is currently Egypt's number two foreign currency earner,
generating over US $2 billion in 1989. Having heavily backed Egypt's
tourist industry, the Wortd Bank is nervously alert to the fact that an Egypt
with decayed antiquities will attract few tourists.
INDIAN EXPRESS, 13 March, 1990
Austrian Campaign
The Austrian Hotel, Restaurant and Personal Service Workers' Union (HGPD)
launched a campaign at the height of the summer tourist season to inform
and domestic tourists of the poor social and workim:!. conditions in the
and tourist industry.
the union's '~ustria Bus" toured the country's major tourist centres,
as well as border crossings, train stations and airports, with the aim of informing
the maximum number of holiday-makers of the below-standard conditions for
workers in the hospitality industry, and asking them to support the union's
demand for better conditions, including a five-day working week.
Union members and supporters passed out the following leaflet, in English,
French, Italian and German:
Dear Holiday-Makers!
Thank. you for chOOSing Austria for yourholidays. We sincerely hope that
you like our country and feel at home here.
Austria is a country that is proud of the job security and high standards
of welfare it offers to its workers, even though a large part of those
employed in the tourist industry are excluded from these benefits.
Did you know that most employees in the hotel and catering business,
those people who make your stay comfortable, are not entitled to two free
days a week?
Did you know that wages in the hotel and catering business are among
the lowest in Austria?
And did you know that employers have for years made promises to the
union to improve welfare and working conditions in the hotel and ca tering
business, but have consistently failed to keep their promises?
We ask your understanding for our protest activities which areintended
to improve the conditions of working and living for workers in the hotel
and catering business. After all, they wjJJ be in your interest as well: the
tourist industry needs content and committed employees to tum out
guests into our friends. We would be grateful if you could support us vis­
a-vis your hotel or restaurant operator.
We wish you happy holidays and we hope to see you again at your next
stay in Austria!
The HGPD reports it received widespread sympathy and support from foreign
tourists and the Austrian public as the '~ustria Bus" toured the country. The
action was also supported by many trade unions abroad. In the view of National
Officer Karl Prokes, the action helped to build up international solidarity:
"Holiday-makers in Austria are also workers, who in their professional lives in
their own countries rely on their trade unions. In our Austria-bus action, we
have therefore built on this spirit of international trade union solidaritv.
The IUF, in an emergency resolution approved by the 21st Con!
its full support for the continuing struggle of the HGPD "for better social and
working conditions, in particular for the introduction of two consecutive
off per week for employees in the hotel and restaurant sector:'
IUF NEWS BULLETIN, September/October, 198'3
Mail Order Brides
The Philippine Congress is cracking down on child sex and the mail-order-bride
business.
A house of representatives committee endorsed a bill this week that would
terms of 10 to 20 years for adults who have sex with children
, )Id. Another committee sought to ban nP\lII<;;n;mPr ArhlPrti.:pmpntc;
for mail-order-brides
The advertisements offer foreign husbands to Filipinos, many of who end
up virtual slaves in Japan, Europe, Australia or the United States.
"The proposed Bill did not bar marriage between foreigners and Filipinos,
but was an attempt to curb the business in young and often ill-educated Filipinos
attraded by advertisements to a life abroad;' Congresswomdn Lorna Verano said.
The House committee on justice endorsed a separate Bill to protect children,
particularly from foreign paedophiles.
If approved by the full House, the Bi II wou Id bar foreigners from clSSCX iati ng
with children under 15 unless there is a blood relationship or a Ift!al link.
TIMES OF INDIA, rphnhlrv, 1'19{:
 10
Hippies in Gokarna
The scum of Western Society the unwashed, scantily clad hippies
seem to be focusing their attention towards other safe havens, Goa having
become a bit too hot for them.
And the Ilew safe haven they have found is among one of the holiest
spots of Hindu mythology - Gokarna. A small sleepy town on the west
coast in Karnataka, Gokarna houses the famous Mahabaleshwar temple
where ttindus perform the last rites of their near and dear ones. Much
to the disgust of these pilgrims, hordes of semi-nude hippies can be seen
sunning themselves on the beach which is hardly a stone's throw from
the temple.
"t)ut its good for us', says Abdul Rashid, 45, a coconut vendor at the
beach at whose makeshift stall at least ten of these 'rebels' sit munching
tender coconut between puffs at strong smelling chillums.
Surprisingly the local populace seem Lo share his view. The tiny town
now boasts of a couple of swank ice-cream parlours where one can relish
fresh pistanchio ice cream or watch latest Western thrillers on one of the
numerous close circuit television networks that have sprung up.
Although many of these hippies are those outcasts who have moved
out from neighbouring Goa after the friendly State raised its eyebrows
at their vagabond and lawless tactics, the proximity of Gokarna (l85
kilometres from \:>anjim) is obviously a boon for them.
"We'll never come to Goa, Your police are brutes;' exclaimed 2&year­
old self-styled sanyasin Michelle, But the lady, who was clad in the shortest
of short,,; and a hosom-hugging 'I~shirt was at a loss when Questioned
as to what police brutality she suffered during her one month jaunt at
Calangute.
According to a local police officer liquor and other soft drugs like grass
and charas are regularly transported from Goa to aid, as he put it
meditation. A tall frenchman clad in crisp saffron sits at the gate of the
temple, eyes closed in the bliss of approaching nilvana. "He comes Quite
often;' explains the temple priest "but unfortunately we cannot let him
in:' Fearing the ire of the orthodox, the doors of the temple have virtually
been barred to all whites,
But Gokama is a poor substitute for golden Goa. And they will come
rushing back to Goa when the local hospitality wears off alongwith their
new found taste tor 'nirvana'.
THE HERALD (Panjim), 19 March, 1990
Tourism lk Aids in Thailand
The survey of the policies and actions taken by the Thai authorities
and public organisations to monitor and prevent the spread of AIDS
in the sphere of commercialized sex indicated that these have been
almost exclusively oriented to the local sex workeIS, male or
female, rather than their customers, whose health and conduct
remain virtually unchecked. This approach is congruent with past
policies regarding prostitution in Thailand, Ever since it was first
outlawed in 1960, virtually the only persons against whom the law
was applied were the prostitutes themselves. ProcureIS, brothel­
owners and customeIS were rarely, if evec apprehended or punished
for their role in the furthering of prostitution. When AIDS appeared
on the scene, the authorities were similarly reluctant to take any
actions which could inconvenience the tourists and thus negatively
affect the tourist industry.
hik Cantil, in Alii/dIs uf Tourism Re!Jear<.iI, Vol. i5, 1~68
Affliction and Reproach
The alternative is inescapable: either I am a traveller in
ancient times, a nd faced with a prodigious spectacle which
would be almost entirely unintelligible to me and might,
indeed, provoke me to mockery or disgust; or 1 am a
traveller of our own day, hastening in search ofa vanished
reality; In either case I am the loser - and more heavily
than one might suppose; for today, as 1 go groping among
the shadows, 1 miss, inevitably, the spectacle that is now
taking shape. Aiyeyes, orperhaps my degree ofhumanity,
do not equip me to witness that spectacle; and in the
centuries to come, when another traveller revisits this
same place, he too may groan aloud at the disappearance
of much that 1should have set down, but cannot. I am the
victim of a double infirmity: what I see is an afflication to
me; and what I do not see; a reproach.
- Claude Levi-Strauss, in Tristes Tropiques
Golden Triangle
The agreement by the military authorities of Thailand and Burma to jointly
develop the 'golden triangle' could transform the remote opium-producing
region on their common border.
If the plan materialises, the poppy fields of Northern Thailand and Burma
could give way to tourism and development projects.
Thai military officials who returned from a trip to Rangoou said the project
involves developing tOUl ism and 'other businesses' to give farmers an alternative
to poppy cultivation, opium and heroin prodilction.
"It is our hope that such a joint undertaking will promote the tourist industry
in the golden triangle to benefit all three countries;' said Gen Pat Akanibutr,
Inspector-General of the Thai armed forces.
THE HERALD, Panjim, 18 March, 1990
Packaged Bliss
The problem with paradise is that it soon becomes boring.
Established religions have never satisfactorily answered the
question, 'What do people do in Heaven?' The disembodied
spirituality of the Christian Heaven and the interminable group
sex of the Islamic paradise are enervating prospects for all but
confirmed quietist mystics or inexhaustible satyrs. The human
mind seems unable to conceive of any purely pleasurable
activity (or blissful inactivity) that would not eventually pall. We
should not expect the tourist industry to have solved the problem
that has defeated the world's theologians - even if it does claim
to offer us a variety of paradises to suit every pocket.
from The Colden Hordes, Louis Turner & John Ash
Blinkered Vision
Those policymakers who make tourism policy by simply
repeating a common formula may think they have provided the
answer, but without comparing, searching and probing the
experience of other societies, that answer is surely limited and
. . . ",,1'" .. ,,:,,11 'h~ ,,'~r>p­
'-.V'-oG...l.U 1't \....J.J V'-J ", .lV..i..1~.
from The Politics of Tourism in Asia, linda K Richter
3
US Ecologists Tour India
Linking the Narmada Valley Dams, the Tehri Dam, the Bhopal gas tragedy, a
team of eight American environmentalists questioned the role of US corporate
involvement and the us GCNerriment'~ support lor World Bank projects in India,
Expressing support for community based organisations and protests such as
in the Narmada Valley, the team called on the Indian Government and the World
Bank to pursue a socially and environmentally just development policy_
"Indian environmentalists are absolutely right to question development
priorities here'; said team member Richard Krejsa. "In the United States and
throughout the world these megd-projects tend to cause mega-disaslers':
The group met with Governmental officials, environmental activists and local
residents, finding fault with Union Carbide's handling of the gas tragedy, the
World Bank's unyielding support for the '\Iarmada Valley Development Project
and the Indian GCNernment's pursuit of central ised high technology and capital
intensive development projects.
the Narmada Valley, the group learned of the determination of the
residents not to be displaced. Neither the World Bank nor the Indian
Government had consulted the local population before beginning work on the
dam.
No relocation plans had been formulated and the project is underway
although good land is not available as compensation for more than two lakh
people of the river valley, The group saw the current protests at the Narmada
Valley as a logical response to the situation. "When the people are locked out
of the decision making process, they have no other option, but to take matters
into their own hands'~ commented team member Sara Nelson.
Referring to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Dr Andy Smith of the American Baptist
Church said "Carbide officials have systematically evaded the enormity of this
disaster, They have misled the public and little relief has reached the victims':
In Tehri the team heard at least four dynamite blasts at the dam site
a moratorium on construction.
"The problems we have observed in India are not isolated. They are occurring
in aimost all areas of the world'; said Josh Kariiner, an environmental journalist
with the team. "Citizens' groups are actively addressing these issues not only
in India and the US, but also in Latin America, Europe, South East Asia and
Africa':
VENTURE TOURS, New Delhi
r Pacific Paradise
No mistake about it, Christopher Cocl;?er's task as Tonga's chief
I I
tourism promoter is a hefty one. True. the South Pacific islands
offer everything Tahiti has in the way of palms and beaches, even
jfa political storm is clouding them at the moment. Stm. yearly
arrivals of 11.000 'Visitors by air and 13,000 by sea to King
Taufa'ahau lI.1poU lV's domain is causing hospitality among the
well-proportioned Polynesians to wear thin Sunny Tongans
recoil from phalanxes of camera-clicking tourists who invade
their privacy and. ignoring the Sunday laws, get restless on the
ordained day of rest. But Cocker. 26 is stout of heart. By way
of an 'Awareness Program" aimed at school-children he says,
"We presenr a general overview of the significan t benefits of
tourism" A graduate of hocel training in Brisbane, he is also
nudging Tongans "to improve cheir host-guest relationship,"
Plans are afoot for a new international terminal and JOo-room
hotel at the airport. "Tonga has not reached the stage of resisting
tourism," says Cocker thoughtfully "But we don't want to do
that too much"
ASIAWEEK, 20 April, 1990
In Quotes
Stephen Haseler. Lecturer, City Polytechnic. London
r!il
:;
", :
I
!
"j don't like the idea that we are subjects, Why should we be
anyone's subjects'! We should all be citizens, I can't think of a
single advanta~e in hiMng a monarchy in a modem country The
ar~ument that it brin~s in tourists is overdone. Countries like
France conNnue to attract tourists. Anyway do we want to be
seen as a theme park. a coumry where people look at us for our
antique and quaint ways?"
Editorial in THE TIMES OF INOlA, 23 february. 1990
That cultural crosstalk knows no boundaries is su~gested by the
case of the new world visitor to india who gushed delight at
having seen the Aqa Khan by moonlight. Another case of Jet­
lag relates to the tourist couple who. on arriving at the historic
battlefield of Runnymede ofMagna Carta fame, asked the guide
when that celebrated document had been signed. and were told
1215. Whereupon the husband consulted his watch and sj~hed.
"Gee, Martha. We just missed it by 10 minutes"
The Great Elephant March
Dear Tourist Friend,
While we identify your real spirit (certainly Wf' believe the humanness is not
totally dried up, be it in the North or the South) to know our culture, we invite
your attention to some danger signals that our tourism business
Kerala, as any other people, has its own culture. Dialogue among different
cultures, is necessary and healthy. But when culture i~ made instant and ~old
for dollars, it is an entirely different matter. Festivals, pooram, folk arts, all are
part and parcel of our culture. In every culture every festival or folk art has its
own context. For example, Trichur Pooram festival is of April-May, On am is of
August-September. They have their own socio-historical reasons. When a folk
art or pooram is taken out of a particular cultural context it loses its essence
and soul. The people who perform them do it artificially. They can't infuse their
into such buffooneries, So what is exhibited as culture is soulless dead
matter,
The state is eager to earn some dollars, since its
the economic, social and cultural vaccum, created
development
are few to fill up
its own anti-people
Kerala was rich in natural resources,
the resources dwindled. Now the state i~ short
of grains, short of vegetables, short of all necessities, Our agricultu re is stunted.
Industrial growth is stagnant Only the tertiary sector comprising education,
health etc. is inueasing. All our resources have hepn dGlllled. In its placr: the
state is flooded with modern consumer articles, In short Kerala is a
of multinationals and transnationals. More than three million
unemployed ...
The state instead of trying to solve the social and economic issues that haunt
the people, make the people more fools and ask them to sing and dance to
untimely culture calls, This is in the name of culture, in the name of tourism!
The state tries to hille the real state of the people by staging Great Elephant
Marches, It is betrayal of the people dnd ppople'<, culture.
Dear tourist friend, we request you to note the real motive behind the Great
Marches, Please take pains to explore the real state of our oeoDle and
by initiating such a normative stefl, we
dnd enter Into a new dawn at
Prathikarana Sangham, (A Movement for People\ Cause)
16- Vanchi Lodge, Trichur-21. Kerala
 2 11
,o"rd. pagl? I
in the outlying aredS of Tamanrasset which house the majority of its original
residents. The centre of town, "our tourist show-piece" as one person called
it, and the hotels, cafes and shops that surround it form a small private enclave
of development, all the more disturbing because of the poverty which surrounds
it. Many townspeople have also suffered because of the rise in prices which
have come from increased demand and the presence of new, richer customers.
"With the rush to build new hotels, shops etc., the price of a plot of land has
increased tenfold;' commented another resident. "None of us can afford to build
a decent house even if we manage to buy sufficient ground since
materials, which we have to import from the north, have also risen in price:'
In the market-place staple foods like flour, sugar, milkpowder and tea are also
more expensive. At times of food shortage, which is quite frequent due to the
distance oflamanrasset from the north of the country and the difficulty of
transporting goods across the desert, it is the hotels that are always provided
first since they have the money to procure any remaining stocks. As a
consequence of these factors the majority of people who have little or no access
to the spin-offs from tourism are materially worse off than before its arrival, a
phenomenon witnessed in many of the towns in the Algerian Sahara which
have seen a similar expansion in recent years.
At the same time the older people of these towns have come to resent the
arrival in their community of thousands of tourists many of whom show little
respect for the traditions and customs of the inhabitants around them. ''l\s a
oractising Muslim:' complained one resident from EI Golea, atown further north
themselves
our streets, drinking beer in our hotels and clicking cameras at
chi Idren:' Invariably as a result of tourism alcohol has become .
in the south, which more than anything has angered parents who are worried
habit. In a region of the countrv where
Islam is still very much in evidence this issue has become a real
between the advocates of "modernism" and those who wish to preserve the
society as it is.
Also the increasing wage differences between those involved in the traditional
activities of the area, like agriculture and herding, and those fortunate enough
to profit from tourism has introduced a note of further discord into once settled
and close-knit communities. The traditional hospitality of the Sahara, complain
many residents, is changing to something more selfish and commercial.
Incidents of theft and robbery have also increased in recent years resulting in
an expansion of the police force throughout the southern region. "We are
throughout the south;' commented one resident of
for the better. Even our
have become commercialized
are less acelebration of our traditions, agesture of respect towards our ancestors
than a means of hringing us monty Tourism it is true has brought hard
into the country;/ he concluded, "but the results are not as beneficial as
government and the businessmen would like to maintain:' • TIMES OF INDIA, 10 April, 1990
Karnataka's Massive project
BOOK REVIEW
The government of Karnataka has decided to seek financial assistance from the
Overseas Economic C(H)peration Fund (OECF) of Japan for a Rs 162.40 crore
tourism development project, out of which Rs 62.40 crores would be in the
private sector. The objective is to make Karnataka a major tourist destination
in the '90s.
The state Tourism, Information and
said that the government had
had subsequently scaled it down, keeping in view the resources constraint.
Over Rs 8 crores had been allocated to the department oftourism, Karnataka
State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) for adding more rOOmS to
its existing hotels, inducting fresh buses into the fleet, constructing roadside
facilities, developing adventure tourism and for publicity and training. Important
fairs and festivals would also be supported by the department of tourism so
as to attract foreign and Indian tourists.
A unique feature of the project according to Mr Moi Iy, was the proposal to
reserve for the private sector certain activities like setting up new hotels and
running luxury cars and amusement parks. The private sector could also
organise luxury cruises, starting from Goa and going down the western coast,
while stopping at places like Karwar, Malpe, Mangalore and Kovalam, so that
the tourists could sample different cuisines and cultures, including art forms
like Yakshagana and Kathakali
The minister noted that an attempt was being made to get funds from the
OECF for such ventures by the private sector. The project, he added, was likely
to be implemented over a five-year period coinciding with the Eighth Plan.
The KSTDC managing director, Mr Shantanu Consul, noted that a study by
a leading consultancy firm had estimated that based on the originally projected
investments of Rs 209.37 crores, the project would generate a return of Rs 755
crores within 10 years of commencement of implementation, including a direct
return of over Rs 354 crores and an indirect one (by way of spin ofts like
employment generation following larger tourist inflows) of over Rs 401 crores.
The net value added on the investment of Rs 209.37 crores would, he said. work
out to 1:1.2.
THE ECONOMIC TIMES, 24 February, 1990
Incentives to Hotels
The government has decided to give a package of incentives to
the hotel industry in an effort to accelerate the development of
tourism infrastructure in the country.
The incentives include exempting new approved hotels set up
in the hill stations and other areas from expenditure tax for 10
years. These hotels will also be given 50 per cent exemption from
income tax.
These decisions were taken at the first meeting of the cabinet
committee on export strategy and performan.ce presided over by
the Prime Minister, Mr V P Singh.
The Commerce and Tourism Ministry, Mr Arun Nehru, said
the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will be
permitted to import 300 air-conditioning units for use in tourist
coaches at a concessional duty of 50 per cent. Restrictions on
photography of historical and archaeological monuments will
also be relaxed.
Under the package, the tourism ministry will undertake an
intensive development of few suitable sites which have potential
for adventure and beach tourism. This will be done in co­
operation with the concerned state governments.
The government is also likely to take some decisions in the
near future regarding simplification of immigration and visa
procedures.
Exodus Revisited
The Tourist. A New Theory of the Leisure Class. Dean MacCannell, New
York, Schocken Books Inc., 1976; London, The Macmillan PressUd., 1976,
X 214 pp.
MacCannell has achieved in 'The Tourist' what social scientists
of the structuralist school and functionalist lineage, from Emile
Durkheim to Louis Dumont, failed to arrive at, viz. the deep
structure that holds Western civilization together. An ethno­
graphy of modern SOciety eluded them. "Modern SOciety is just
too complex; history has intervened and smashed its structure",
recalls MacCannell in his introduction (p.l), a brief statement of
Professor Levi-Strauss at Maxim's Restaurant in Paris in 1968. "No
matter how hard one searched, one would never find a coherent
system of relations in modern society". The structural­
functionalist framework of Parsons, celebrating American
holism, was too harmonious for a conflict-ridden world. His own
students abandoned it for other methods of interaction and
exchange in everyday experiences. They abandoned the totality
of society. Class analysts were always there in the Marxist fold.
Primitive accumulation of colonial practise and imperialist
domination of finance capital explained the modern structure
of society in classical and neo-Marxist traditions. But that was
and is too economistic and reductive an explanation. Their
reformers found so many bundles of signifiers in SOciety that
they mistook trees for the forest. Louis Dumont came to India,
the representative of non-modern world, in search of mirror­
images and foils of reflection, to re-establish a sense of identity
in modern civilisation.
MacCannell seems to succeed in this book in restoring unity
to modernity. Amidst the disorganized fragments, "alienating,
wasteful, violent, superficial, unplanned, unstable and in­
authentic" (p.2), he discovers a unity. Not that all humans are
essentially the same 'underneath/, but that all cultures are
composed of the same elements in different combinations.
The unity is established through an analysis of what Mac­
Cannell calls middle-class culture or modern mass leisure. It is
summarized in the universalizing experience of the tourist.
Modern values expressed through tourist culture bring out the
total design of society in a single framework. To that extent the
old divisions between Communist East and Capitalist West on
the one hand, and the new divisions between the developed
world and the Third World on the other hand, are transcended.
He derives from the touristic sightseeing, culturally, values
embodied in work-in-general rather than from the production
system, materially, the value of commodities. Conversion of the
work of others into 'do-it-yourself amusement, or shift from
material production to cultural production of values, unites
modernity.
Tourist, in MacCannell, has two meanings. It designates actual
tourists. sight-seers, going round the world in search of
experience. There is another sense in which the tourist repre­
sents the modern-man-in-general and thereby becomes its value
centre.
The tourist differentiates the whole world into a
Development and modernization are roughly the same as
differentiation. Sightseeing becomes the ritual performance
both at home, the world of early industrialization, and the world
at large, the world of pilgrimage. The Sightseeing middle class
holds this experience together into a single whole. In this
exercise the middle class sightseer subordinates the other people
to his own values, industry, leisure and future designs. His own
past within the West, and the past and present of all others, he
interprets and reconstructs into modern cultural heritage.
In Chapter 2, MacCannell analyses the sightseeing process
within its structure of attraction, a relationship between the
tourist, the sight and the marker. The tourist himself does not
analyse the sight. he apprehends at the spontaneous level of his
consciousness the sight in its otherness. MacCannell relates it
to the differentiation of the experience deep at heart in the
exercise. What is important is the semiotic of attraction, a process
by which a sight - a sign which represents something to
someone - is converted into a marker of profound meaning.
His final chapter takes up again the issues of theory and
method in re-presenting the world: its people, institutions and
values, through the eyes of modernity and extends it to the Third
World' - an unconscious exercise, an exercise of pleasure and
image making. Going beyond it and behind it - to the deep
structures - MacCannell restores the 'sacredness' of the
experience, its unity and holism, With sacredness returns
religion by the back door, so to say, and establishes the hierarchy
of values and stability of the world order. The invisible religion
of secular man (as Thomas Luckmann pu tit) is traced back to its
roots and made visible in the tourist and his sightseeing.
w. R. O'Silva
(Or D'Silva teaches Social Anthropology at Goa University)
Strange Bedfellows
The Politics of Tourism in Asia. linda K Richter. University of Hawaii
Press, 2840 Kolowalu St., Honolulu, HI 96822. 1989.x + 263 pp, $24.
Cloth. Notes, bibliography, index, list of abbreviations, tables.
Tourism, all innocence on first glance, is in fact a near relative
of some serious global activities, foreign policy and foreign
relations. It is indeed, as authe>r Richter states, a "crude but
reliable barometer of international relations," This book is based
"on the premise that tourism is a highly political phenomenon,
the implications of which have been only rarely perceived and
almost nowhere fully understood."
The book does much more than simply pose interesting and
seldom-considered facts: tourism is the largest industry in the
world; tourism has been used as a political weapon by the United
States; tourism precedes the normalization of relations between
two countries. The book is significant because it goes on to ask
not only "why?" but also "so what?",
The case studies of areas mostly explored firsthand by the
author through her travels and interviews, consider the People's
Republic of China, the Philippines (under both Marcos and
Aquino), Thailand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the
Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan, and form the central core of the
book. Richter considers the reasons a government uses tourism
to advance its policies and the political and economic problems
within a country that can prevent tourism from functioning as
expected. These seven chapters are nicely framed by an intro­
duction on the politics of tourism and a final chapter on
alternative strategies (or tourism development.
The 46-page bibliography is composed mostly of books and
articles, but it also includes lists of official publications, videos,
speeches, and interviews.
from Third World Resources, Vol. .'i (2), 19B';

 12
NETWONK vt1? Ilwite Network members to contribute to the NeMvrk Letter
by sharing their work, icleas andpl.CJns through these pages.
NEWS
NOUNDUP
Communication is vital to the lIfe ofa Network especially when
physical distances cannot easily be bridged by doser (Ol7tacts.
Child Prostitution Consultation, Thailanci
A consultation on the links between tourism and the growi'lg child
Drmtitution indu'>try was held (It Chiang Mai between May 1-5, 1990.
the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World Tourism,. it marked the conclusion
research project (overing Thailand, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Some reports
from othp( countries were also presented, including one on India by K T Suresh
of Equations.
Action stratct!,i(-'s from thf' mnSLJ Itation wi II form the next phase of
th is importilnt project, of which wi II be available from ECTWT, POBox
24, Chorakhebud, 10230, Thailand.
Tourism and Racism, Hawaii. USA
The annual "on~ultation of the North American Network for Responsible
Tourism (NANET) wi I! be held October 26-30, 1990, looking at issues of Racism
in Tourism. Collaborators include the nevvly formed Ilawaii Ecumenical
COillition on fourism (f IECOT). Write to NANET, 2 Kensington Road, San
An,elmo, CA 94960, USA.
Tourism in South India
1991 has been declared \7isit India Year by the Tourism Ministry
in New Delhi. Apart from the massive boost given to adventure
and recreation tourism. several areas have now been marRed
for special promotional efforts. amon\l them the Southern
Indian states, Rnmvn for their miles of sandy sea·fronts, game
industries, providing education for its children. ':At the same time;' he concluded,
sanctuaries, temples and 'friendly smilin"r people. EQUATIONS
"the war left bitter memories in the minds of most and we were not
has begun a programme of documentation. networt2ing and
consultation in order to develop coordinated action on the issue.
Every month. we will produce a set of ne\.'17S clippings (xeroxed),
and distribute to a limited group of people. Write to us if you
wish to receive these (at cost), and if you would liRe to participate
in related activities later this year.
Tourism and Socio-Cultural Chan~e, Warsaw
r.,n-.n.,;"" to contain the spread of AIDS in Thailand deserves total support,
The Institute oilourism in Warsaw has initiated a international study
on the relationship betwf'en tourism and socio-cultural The study spans
a 12-ycdl period from 1990 to 2002, and compares in both tourism and
other industrial sectors. Write to Dr julian Bystrzanows'" Institute
9a, 02·511 Warsaw, Poland.
Caribbean Tourism Conference, Trinidad and
Thf' Caribbean Tourism Organisation, in collaboration with the Government
oiTrinid.ld and Tobago, the World Tourism Organisation, and others, is
an intl'rnational Conference on Tourism and Socia-cultural Change in
Caribbean, june 25-25, 1990, at Trinidad andlobago. The list of
includes Rev Allan Kirton, executive member of the [CTWT.
Center for Solidarity Tourism, Manila The Nuclear Industry: The Death of Tourism in Goa, Gabriella Petra da Rosa,
A consultation sppkirlg to network alternative tourism advocates dnd the victims
of r11il)S tourism was held at Tagaytay, Cavite, on June 2 & 3, 1990. Dr Koson
Sri'>ang of EC.TWT made d keynote presentation, while Paul Gonsalves discussed
the experience of EQUATIONS in India. For a report, write to Norma
Tinambacdn, CST, 444 Cuadalupe Bliss, Makati, Metro Manila, Philinninp,
Pubhshed by: Equitable Touri~m Options (EQUATIONS), 96, H Cokmy, Indiranagdr Stage 1, Bdngalure 560 038, INDIA.
Design and PholOtypesmirig: Revisuality Digitised Typesetting and Graphic De'iigll, 42/1 Lavelle ROdd, B,mgaiore, India.
Paul Gonsalves
Tourism, Environment and the law
Our schedule for the includes a national consultation on the links
between tourism environmental and legal issues, Aug 2,
at Bangalore.
We would be glad to hear from people or institutions involved in any
of these areas who would like to participate, especially make a written
or visual contribution.
This will be a major event, and we expect oal1icioants from all over
as well as abroad, to be present.
Resources
Hosts and Guests: The Anthropology of Tourism, 2nd Edition, Valene Smith
University of Pennsylvania Press, 1989.
The second edition of a volume of essays includes postscripts written after
10 years by the authors of the first. The essays by Dennison Nash and Nelson
Graburn in the introductory 'theoretical overview' are excellent, and have been
left unchanged. Theron Nunez was unable to review his anthropological
perspectives on tourism (final chapter) owing to ill-health, but an eoilogue was
written and discussed with Nunez by his student James lett.
Most of the authors appear to be quite positive about the tourism industry,
sounding almost like apologists. One even concludes (rather unacademically)
that 'tourism is a bit of an escape from our local problems... to the carefree times
of childhood when someone else had to do the worrying for us, and
is here to stay!' One wonders if this has something to do with the fact
by the editor) that many travel industry conferences regularly schedule one
i
or two sessions on tourism research, and anthropologists thus find employment
as industry consultants'.
Cultural Survival Quarterly, Vol 14, Nos 1 & 2, 1990, 11 Divinity Avenue.
ambridgf' MA 02HB, USA.
Entitled 'I:3reaking out of the Tourist Trap: these two issues contain a wealth of
information on the socia-cultural changes wrought by tourism in ecologically
and sensitive regions (Ladakh, Tanaloraja, Greenland). Some
anthropologists consider tourism as inviolable academic territory. and some
of the articles reflect this imbalance, though most are of high
Tourism and Ecology: The Impact of Travel on a Fragile Earth, i'.A '\.JET/CRT.
Kensington Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960.. USA, 1990.
The report of Consultation V of the North American Network brings together
various reports and resources on tourism and ecology issues,
focussing on the USA.
Cvan Policy Research Cell, India, May 1990,33 pp.
an examination of nuclear power plants globrllly; the author focuses
on the threat posed by the Kaiga station (in Karnataka) on the health. economy
and well-being of Goa and its tourism industry. Copies ,:Nrl>:d;";. from
EQUATIONS (Rs 40 in India, US$ 5.00 elsewhere).
I~'etwork News Roundup
ALTERNATIVE NETWORK LETTER
A Third World Tourism Critique
For Private Circulation Only Vol. 6 No.2 luly 1990
Tourism in Algeria
O
n Sunday june 10th, I joined a group of concerned Filipinos on a visit
to Pagsanjan, a tourist resort famed for its water rapids, and notorious
,'N
by Chris Mcivor
for male child prostitution or pedophilia. The 2-hour jeepney (the
Ph i Iippi nes' unique form of public transport) ride from Manila passes through ot so many years ago Tamanrasset was nothing but a shanty town;'
some lovely countryside, notably the laguna backwaters. commented the manager of one of the new hotels that have been
The purpose of our visit to Pagsanjarl, however, WdS far from being touristic. built there in the last few years. "There was no electricity or running
Tourism offid:ils in Manila have recently woken up to problems water, hotels or roads;' he continued, "but now that the tourists have started
and decided that the be~t way to tackle them wou!d be to denounce coming this town has prospered to become one of the richest in the southern
destination. 'Pagsanjan is no longer a Fi lipino attraction, don't of Algeria:' This sentiment is one that is echoed by many of the merchants
~here: they wamed the intemational travel trade. No problem, traders of the community whose bU5ine~ses have thrived with the arrival
moved elsewhere in the 7,OOO-odd islands. of numerous French, German, Swiss and Italian tourists, Every year between
There is a problem, though: the boatmen who depended on tourists for their October and April they converge'on the town to visit the famous Hoggar region
livelihood were left high and dry. They got organised soon enough, but of the country. The growth of tourism however is not confined to Tamanrasset
but has also spread to many of the other communities in the Algerian Sahara,
discovered it was not just the tourism ministry they had to face. A variety of
and other bodies now counted among those who were clearly not an area which has become in recent years one of the most popular tourist
friends. Far from India though it is, the signs of Asia are unmistakable. propositions in North Africa.
its neighbours 10 the west and east, Morocco and Tunisia,
the boatmen, whose demand is simply:
we need tourists, so we want them back. But not the pedophiles. On June 12th, been slow to develop its tourist potential. Commented one government
in Tamanrasset, "In 1962, after independence, Algeria has little time to think
took out a rally in Manila, which was also celebrating Independence Day.
about tourism. The country was geared to rebuilding itself, developing its
we were not present then, we heard that 'major demands have been
met' as a result.
In Thailand, the government does not officially recognise the existence of
prostitution. though it is freely advertised even in daily newspapers under the open our arms to tourists from a country which had killed half a million
mhpm'l~nl<; 'massage parlours' or 'escort services'. It must have taken Public Also the large resources of oil and natural gas which began to be
extracted during the late 60's and 70's meant that Algerian demand for foreign
currency was not so pressing as its neighbours and so tourism was largely
-------
Just One Planet ----------
ignored as a means of bringing money into the country. Now the Algerian
Government,. having recognized the lucrative potential of this sector and the
Health Minister Marut Bunnag an incredible degree of political tightrope need for the tourist industry to find new unspoiled pastures, has opened up
walking to appear at the Cleopatra Massage Parlour early this year, to advise its southern region by building hotels in most of the major towns, organizing
'masseuses' to use condoms while having sex with their customers. While the
tourist agencies and travel bureaus and encouraging home crafts like carpet
and cloth manufacture. Most of the communities have also been provided
answer lies in other, more coruprehen5ive stratf'gies, elirfftPfj with airfields, and flights from Paris to the south of the country are now
the kind of tourism that brings Thailand a major part of its exchange possible.
earnings.
~~evertheless the arrival of thousands of touri<;ts every year is not
Returning to India, I learned that the Environment Ministry has in to that is universally welcomed throughout the south. Commented one resident
the tourism authorities, and that hotels will now be built allover the country's ofT.:lmanrasset, "In reality only a few people prO'ipered with the opening
beaches at the 200-metre high tide line, reduced from 500 metres. The Tourism up of tourism in our area. Most of these:' he claimed, "come from out,>iele the
Ministry's Visit India 1991 campaign appears to be directed to community, the businessmen, entrepreneurs, merchants from the north who
beaches and other ecologically fragile zones. have the money to build hotels, tourist agencies and souvenir sr,ops:' Even thE'
Gabriela Petra da Rosd has recently sent us dcopy of her study on the mutual staff who run the hotels, the guide~ who ferry tourists around the area are flot
thredt that the tourism indw,try in Goa and the Kaiga power plant po"e to each loca s, complained another, since the owner's of the nf'W establishments favour
other. While it is bound to arouse controver~y, WP nevertheles~ feel it is an their people over the original inhabitants.
aspect of the emerging debate on both nuclear and tourism i"sues At the same time the electricity, running water, dnd roads that were largely
introduced into the community' a~.l rf'sult of touri~m are noticeably lacki ng
fonrd dl/N'It'<lf
Goa. Pedophilia, AIDS, nuclear energy, tourism. It is
time we discarded the blinkered view that all things are unconnected,
that vve can deal with various issues in isolation. Such a vievv has precisely led to INSIDE
our current global situation of economic, social and ecological imbalance. The Tourism and Politics .... ............................. ........ 4
need for holistic government olanning is obvious. Till such time though, the India News & Views ..... ,................................... 7
,mel to ;:jet uf'ativE'lv, is rill thE' morf'.
J<tvillt5 [he Jpllilii'l. ............................................ 9
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