Life is indeed a journey. People, however, seem to take that truism to heart! Most all love the small and the not-so-small excursions during that expedition called life. Yes,tourism is a big deal today. An aspect of the sevice sector which fuels economies, tourism is a big time industry. Remember the Maldives episode?
Many forms it is taking, this tourism. Look at Ayodhya. It is a pilgrim centre. Now, however, it is on the itinerary of the state, national, international tourists. A special Shri Ram train trail is on the map, too. I watched a few interviews stating how the changed look of the city has changed its economic profile as well. Yes, hawkers to hotels, interpreters to artisans, all enjoy a changed lifestyle due to tourism.
These days, people take easily available loans, use their credit cards. Tourists, however, they must be, right? As tourists, they have a wealth of programs to choose from, pilgrimage centers, history walks, adventure tourism, forts and mountains, jungle walks, wildlife safaris, solo trips; the list is literally endless.
I have two problems with the tourists. The first is local. Often tourists do not respect the local laws. They would go to the forests, for example, speak loudly and disturb the wild animals whose habitats are shrinking anyways. They often make the place dirty, too. Visit a fort on a Monday/Tuesday, and you would get a panoramic view of the ills of tourism!
The other, the second, problem I have is conceptual. Tourists are often more interested in pics and selfies, the weirder and the wilder, the better, than in experiencing, enjoying the moment. In my opinion, the best camera is our eyes, and the best storage space, our minds. Most people, however, are more in to the "seen this, done that" mode. Flaunting is far more important to such people than the feel! Reels are hence more real!
As a result, traffic woes create tourism tensions. Want an example? Watch the terrible touristy troubles on the Atal Setu! At times, hence I feel that the online tourism can be a fun feel, too! What say? Well, you never know! The yen for visiting more and more unusual spots is almost an itch. Ah, yes, bookings have already begun for space tourism, I believe!
Pratima@ Travels make you wiser and wittier. That was traditional wisdom. Tourism, too, make the locals richer, and the tourists trendier!
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