After having the opportunity to watch various films during this quarantine, I was able to understand a handful of major concepts within the tourism world. Through ecotourism, nature conservation, and disability tourism, one is able to uncover the beauty available to us in this world while protecting and preserving our environment. These concepts bring up many major discussion points currently and going forward for generations to come, aiming to ensure sustainability options overall. As many prime spots around the world have been impacted by tourism thus far, aiming for enjoyment while still taking precautions is detrimental for our society. Through the films watched, I aim connect them to the tourism concepts listed above, stressing the need for clearly and direction in these sectors of the industry.
In understanding the ecotourism, one can see it as a way to preserve earth’s finest landmarks, while benefiting economically. As many of these places are filled with rich history, this brings a place for visitors to engage and embrace the journey. While this has allowed for many to gain once-in-a-lifetime experiences, few think about the impacts that ecotourism brings upon the environment. In the movie Gringo Trails, it uncovers the simply need for adventure from many tourists from all over. As these spots appeal to many tourists, revenue has continued to increase, yet a plans for the future of these ecotourist spots stands stagnant. As ecotourism consists of a balance between preservation, education, and money, it is up to experts in the industry to keep up with the consistent rise in visitors. The movies provides the viewer with a first hand view on how they can make a major impact negatively on communities cities and environment.
Looking at concepts related to nature conservation, Blue Planet 2 and 180 Degrees South show strong example throughout, providing viewers with thought provoking stories on the ongoing affects from the tourism industry and humans overall. Witnessing animals and nature interact with the mess some people create brings many hardships on our ecosystem and nature. These films provide the knowledge to understand the need for protection, as one is able to witness pollution and harms that is put on these communities. These additional stressors such as trapping, oil pollution, and garbage ingestion put a strain on nature and aiming to protect them is at utmost importance now then ever. Both of these films shed light on the need to protect nature from problems caused by populations who share the land with these precious ecosystems. Finding out the best ways to conduct day-to-day life while still thinking about and protecting nature is the main takeaways one can gain overall.
Another major sector in the industry has to do with disability tourism, as it pertains to those who can’t experience travel the same way other can. While aiming to provide the best experience, one must take extra measures to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the beauty within nature. This includes ramps, safety precautions, and many other accommodations to best serve all publics. The movie The Weight of the Water provides viewers with a documentary of a blind mans adventure down the rivers of the Grand Canyons. Erik and his campions show strong teamwork skills to best navigate the group as a whole down the rushing rapids. As Erik has wanted this experience forever, he felt like his disability would present a problem. Little did he know he was beyond capable and able with the right mindset and accommodations, This documentary allows one to see how disability tourism is possible and can be implemented worldwide. As some locations can be tricky to navigate for some, aiming to welcome anyone and everyone is a key factor.
In compiling all these sectors of the tourism industry, one is able to understand how our recent pandemic has made on impact on these areas. While many places are used to human interactions, many of the prime ecotourism spots are not getting the crowds they used to endure. This put the animals in a situation, as some may be used to their source of food coming from humans. As this adaptation has stuck with many of these creatures, finding food on their own may be harder on them as some necessary skills to hunt may not be prominent. On the bright side, I do believe the oceans and our atmosphere have benefited greatly, allowing for less toxins to be produced due to the reduction of travel. In regards to nature conservation, we should use data to show reductions and aim for sustainable ways to keep these numbers low. Implementing a reduction in emissions and reducing overcrowding in parks should be an action the industry takes on from this pandemic. It has brought eye opening facts the many have not seen, providing the industry with much to do in preserving the future and wellbeing of tourism.
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In looking at relevant articles to this blog, I found a few in relation to the major concepts covered throughout. Check the articles out here: Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3. All three stories discuss the impacts from COVID-19 and how each sector is affected first hand. The first article discusses Cambodia’s wildlife, as it had been given little to no funding during the pandemic to care for the land and animals within. The second article discussed the lack in funding to property protect Portugal’s biodiversity, showing many missed opportunities from COVID-19. The last article discuses when Chi-Town will regain business and soon reopen to safer conditions for consumers and tourists looking to take advantage of the city.
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