While the tourism industry provides many amazing opportunities for those looking to explore and connect with nature and its surroundings, many don’t see the impact that those who get involved with this industry for the wrong reasons. Through a couple of disturbing films, I was able to see the corruption that lies within some of the industry. Seeing these issues first-hand through the films allowed me to understand the true hurt that impacts the tourism industry. As I thought dark tourism was a negative sector, this view of tourism takes it beyond that point-of-view. Through the scenes of abusing and poaching dolphins and selling their meat, in addition to abuse in captivities through intensive training and loud noises – these animals are hurting, BADLY!
Prior to watching The Cove and Blackfish, I had knowledge on this type of tourism, but not through the scenes I watched in these films. I am truly disgusted to see the way in which humans take advantage of animals and our environment for their own personal gain. I have always understood the anger with places like Sea World and to think that there are even more instances happening behind the scenes – like shown in The Cove – is unreal and absolutely disgusting. I reuse to stand by and let this happen and through this blog I can express my platform and feelings overall. As this is systemic problem within the tourism industry, it is up to activists and leaders in the community to speak out and take all measures to prevent this.
According to an article by the UK, it states that “wildlife tourism accounts for between 20 and 40 of all global tourism with 3.6 million visitors around the world”. This is a big statistic in relation to the world of international tourism. As many can understand, there are many unreported cases of these types of activities across the world. Whether it’s from improper training, lack of care, financial gain, to abuse and distribution, these types of activities can be considered the “dark web or channel” of the tourism industry. In understanding its effects, one can see that the lives of many animals are being put at danger on a daily basis worldwide. Influencing government and tourism leaders to pass additional regulations and monitor these businesses that are negatively impacting wildlife through the exploitation of entrainment and economic gain must be achieved worldwide.
Through activist groups and support organizations against these actions performed, issues need to be raised. Just like the current protests going on now, it is up to the people to voice their concerns and vote for those who stand by these issues. As many political leaders don’t find this as a mainstream issue, society needs to create a platform to engage and further push more regulations. But first, the people must know of these issues in order to support and I think that is part of the current problem. Talking about these issues and becoming informed through these films that we endured in class can rise voices above. Being aware is the first problem, the second requires the proper legislations and regulations to make companies and employees comply. Even then, we will not tackle the issue 100%, but from there we can see institution change happen over a period of time, aiming to achiever that 100% in the end. Every right step in protecting animals in captivity and facing abuse is a step to protecting the tourism industry and the environment and our creatures within.
If people were aware, I do think many would revolt a lot more against these big-name companies that perform these horrible actions. I think that the use of animals within tourism is acceptable to an extent. Educational purposes provide visitors with the opportunity to be educated, while enjoying the experience and generating money. This can help the tourism industry overall while not engaging with any training or harm to the animals being used. Events like petting zoos, swimming with dolphins/Sea World, or watching bullfights are entertainment events within the tourism industry that I do not support and would not put my money or time into. Going to your local zoo is something that I’m passionate about and encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to interact with animals, as they are educated and well trained to keep animals in the environment closet to theirs.
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