green tourism industry

A friend of mine spent a couple of weeks travelling the waterways of Kerala state. It's probably one of India's most beautiful natural environments. I've also spent time in Goa with its remote and beautiful beaches. Whereas India's cities are smog-ridden and (quite frankly) horrendous for the Western traveller, the rural areas really could be promoted differently.

I must confess that I'm not a big proponent of 'green' anything, and I'm not sure why 'green' would work here (except that some people really are willing to pay more for something with the green label). What really counts is that many parts of India are beautiful and allow tourists to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life. IMO, this is what sells more than a current fad.

Cornish Steve said:

A friend of mine spent a couple of weeks travelling the waterways of Kerala state. It's probably one of India's most beautiful natural environments. I've also spent time in Goa with its remote and beautiful beaches. Whereas India's cities are smog-ridden and (quite frankly) horrendous for the Western traveller, the rural areas really could be promoted differently.

I must confess that I'm not a big proponent of 'green' anything, and I'm not sure why 'green' would work here (except that some people really are willing to pay more for something with the green label). What really counts is that many parts of India are beautiful and allow tourists to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life. IMO, this is what sells more than a current fad.

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Have to disagree here.

There is a huge shift towards easing holidaymakers consciences, especially in destinations such as India, South East Asia and Africa. We want to holiday in luxury in these beautiful and remote areas, but are well aware that just around the corner from our spa resort there are people living in poor conditions. 'Green' no longer just refers to the environment when it come to tourism but to society in general. It makes us feel better about ourselves if we know that the hotel we are staying at helps out the local population, whether it is through jobs, supporting local schools or through charitable foundations.

Be Known PR said:

Have to disagree here.

There is a huge shift towards easing holidaymakers consciences, especially in destinations such as India, South East Asia and Africa. We want to holiday in luxury in these beautiful and remote areas, but are well aware that just around the corner from our spa resort there are people living in poor conditions. 'Green' no longer just refers to the environment when it come to tourism but to society in general. It makes us feel better about ourselves if we know that the hotel we are staying at helps out the local population, whether it is through jobs, supporting local schools or through charitable foundations.

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Someone spending a fortune on themselves must have their conscience eased, and 'green' absolves them from their sins? Is 'green' the new confessions booth?

If someone has a conscience, they give sacrificially to help those in need and don't spend fortunes on themselves anyway. The only people who I see trying to assuage their consciences in the way you suggest are Hollywood 'stars'. You're right that vanity and sense of "holier than thou" can be used to prise money from some. Ironically, I find that almost unethical.

Parts of India are very beautiful and slow-paced and relaxing. Those are the attributes that sell.

Cornish Steve said:

If someone has a conscience, they give sacrificially to help those in need and don't spend fortunes on themselves anyway.

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Am not convinced that is true. I believe, for example, that I have a conscience and whilst I give sacrificially (both financially and, possibly more significantly, through the pro-active giving of my time time, it does not mean that I will not go and spend more than others on things such as holidays.

Cornish Steve said:

The only people who I see trying to assuage their consciences in the way you suggest are Hollywood 'stars'. You're right that vanity and sense of "holier than thou" can be used to prise money from some. Ironically, I find that almost unethical.

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"holier than thou" does not come in to it. There is no arrogance involved, it is simply a case of 'good' people who happen to have the money to spend on luxuries (by which I mean the general ABC1 population) making the choice of spending their money with organisations that they know are giving back to the community in a manner that is more than just CSR duties.

There is no sin in playing on this because surely it is better to do it this way than not have those hotels growing in popularity and in turn not being able to support the struggling villages in these areas.

Cornish Steve said:

Parts of India are very beautiful and slow-paced and relaxing. Those are the attributes that sell.

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Indeed. You choose to go to an area because of those attributes, but given the choice of staying in a big chain own resort or a small but equally luxurious hotel that is owned by 'local' businesses, more and more people are opting for the latter. Why? Because they can see the physical difference that the hotel is making to the community and like the fact that part of their bill is making a difference to those less fortunate.