Panel discussions
go by fast and you don't often have the chance of saying all you want to say.
So, I'd like to further expand on a recent debate I participated in at the World
Economic Forum on East Asia in Bangkok.
As
ASEAN benefits from a rapid influx of tourism, one key group often dismissed
are backpackers. This is an interesting group to observe: they stay for longer
periods of time in the country then regular tourists and spend significant
amounts of money, generally benefiting local businesses. They are also opening
new tourist areas that can be further developed by more established tourism
businesses. This means they have strong interactions with local populations
that may not be ready and equipped to face this new opportunity and the risks
attached. This is the situation Laos is currently facing and that Myanmar is
going to face very soon.
Some of
the risks involve children. In some cases, there are predators, using the
pretense of travel and tourism, to specifically exploit children. Sometimes,
children are arrested and detained to "clean up" tourist destinations
from "undesirable" populations, so as to please visitors. Tourists
often come with the best intentions, but their generosity can put children at
heightened risk.
This is
why it is important to prepare both communities and travelers. Communities need
to be able to get the full benefits of the tourism business. This requires
training and support to develop tourist-oriented services. Communities must
also be equipped to protect themselves and their children from risks. Being
trained through the ChildSafe Network is such a tool that will allow them
to collectively recognize when their children are at risk and know how to
react.
Travelers
also need to be made aware of the impact they can have on the local communities
they are visiting and how they can reduce any negative impact and reinforce
their positive impact. Becoming ChildSafe Travelers will allow them to achieve
just that.
But for
communities and children to benefit from all the positive impacts of tourism
while reducing risks requires a strong coordination and partnership to be
established between governments (that need to set up rules and standards), the
corporate sector (to develop jobs while being mindful and pro-active in
protecting the communities they are making business in) and NGOs. Only then
will everyone get the most from this exciting and booming opportunity.
Sebastien
Marot
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