ETHICAL TRAVELLER:TOURISM CONCERN, the UK's leading charity that campaigns against exploitation in the travel industry, has given the bigwigs in tourism an ultimatum. Megaresorts, designed simply to attract dollars rather than sustainable development, have to stop.
Too often people’s livelihoods are ignored when the big-bucks builders come to town, and suddenly planning permission is given to convert farming or fishing communities to hotels, second homes or golf courses. Tricia Barnett of Tourism Concern adds: “The needs and rights of local communities are being pitched directly against those of megaresorts, with the resorts winning out almost every time.”
According to the charity, the government of Grenada, for example, has sold off state land for a 160-hectare luxury development, including 170 private villas, a private island, a golf course and a marina. It is in Mount Hartman National Park, despite its being a protected area and the last remaining habitat of the rare Grenada dove.
In the Bahamas, despite fierce public opposition, the development of Bimini Bay Resort has irreparably damaged the marine ecosystem, which locals depend on for their livelihoods. (See www.tourism concern.org.uk.)
Jamaicans are angry, too, as illustrated by the aptly-named website www.jamaicaforsale.net. Jamaican environmentalist Diana McCaulay has teamed up with fellow Jamaican film-maker Esther Figueroa to make one of the most powerful films I have seen about how extreme tourism development affects local people. Click on the site to view interesting clips from it.
Don’t let this put you off going to these stunning places: just seek out the more responsible ways to do it. In Grenada, for example, Paradise Bay ecolodge has wind and solar energy, local food and social programmes (www. paradisebayresort.net). While you are there, go turtle watching with conservation group Ocean Spirits (www.grenada tours.com/turtlewatch.php) or visit the Fairtrade chocolate plantation Belmont Estate (www.belmontestate.net).
It’s not all gated concrete communities in Jamaica, either. Check out www.responsible travel.com for more interesting options. One of my favourites is Hotel Mocking Bird Hill, in the less touristy Port Antonio, with high standards of environmental practice, as well as a commitment to sourcing everything locally (www.hotel mockingbirdhill.com).
Many resorts have responsible tourism policies, but it is hard to see if these are actually implemented until you get there. If you want to travel with a tour operator, First Choice has one of the best records for responsible tourism policies. Along with My Travel, Thomas Cook, Sunvil and Cosmos, it supports the Travel Foundation, which runs sustainable tourism projects around the world (www. thetravelfoundation.org.uk).
Another option is to sign up with www.yoursafeplanet.com before you book. This inspired website puts you in touch with carefully selected local experts, who have all the best bits of local info, such as which concrete jungles to avoid, the quietest beaches, the best markets, their favourite restaurants and what to do out of the main tourist season. For £45 (€48) you are put in touch with a local expert who will give you pre-departure advice, as well as support while you are there.
My other favourite font of knowledge is Richard Hammond’s www.greentraveller.co.uk.
** For more information on ethical travel and to contact me, see www.ethicaltraveller.ie