Get a Widget for this title
RSS FeedHas Muslim extremism damaged world tourism irrevocably?
Results so far:
| No | 51% | 394 votes | Total: 773 votes | |
| Yes | 49% | 379 votes |
No
Write now
Print
Invite a writer™
Add to FavoritesThere is an important distinction to be made here, between tourism and traveling. Tourists tend to come to a location to throw money at a pre-packaged culture, gawk at a few sights, and take hundreds of photos. That isn't to say anything against tourists-their money has a huge influence in many countries, and tourism can be very rewarding for both sides. Tourism may have been affected by Muslim extremism, although I doubt this damage is irrevocable. While we should never forget events like September 11, 2001, I doubt that the fear caused by them will remain as great. People around the world love to travel and eventually they will have to overcome their fears.
In contrast to the tourists though, there are the travelers. These bunch travel to learn from other cultures and ways of life. As a group, they tend to study the region they travel to before hand, and are often interested in living, working, volunteering or extended travel plans for the regions of their choice. As I can currently count myself among this group, I don't feel that our numbers have been diminished by Muslim extremism in any way, shape or form.
The thought has never even crossed my mind as something I should worry greatly about. If there were to be another extremist attack, there is no way for us to predict when, where or how this attack could occur. Rather than hiding at home, I choose to see the world, and try to understand the roots of the anger, the perceptions of my country abroad, and even do my little part to show other people that just as they are not all alike, neither are all of us of a European descent the same.
Yes, there is a constant reminder at the airport, but airport security has always existed. Liquids are an inconvenience, but it is so second nature to me by now, that I unconsciously make sure I check all my liquids and keep small amounts in a plastic bag. Certainly such an inconvenience would not keep me from traveling and experiencing new things. Inconveniences while traveling does not, in my opinion add up to irrevocable damage, it is simply a little bit of change.
Learn more about this author, Vic.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Yes
To a certain extent, Muslim extremism has damaged the spirit of tourism and the spontaneity of travel. Securities all over the world has been tightened since Sept 11 and the introduction to biometric passports and visa requirements has made preparations for travel more of a hassle now.
The world has become a smaller place to explore safely. More planning and local knowledge is now needed to ensure safety beyond the familiar confines of home ground. It is not enough to rely on common sense in a world where the intentions of certain fanatics are skewed and defies understanding.
In a world where every one is an extremist with the potential to cause harm to self and others has hindered the spirit of camaraderie of like minded travelers .
Inconveniences start from the moment we arrive at the airport, the lengthy security clearance and the airplane liquid restriction among many others that is repeated again at the destination.
Travel to a destination where the majority of the population is Muslim also puts undue stress to the traveler as excessive consideration is given to the sensitivities of the host country and the varied sentiments towards Americans and non-Muslims alike. Spontaneity, the quality we most exhibit best at rest and play, is a very tempered thing because all our actions must be moderated for our own safety.
For the genuine Muslim who travels, it has also presented obstacles to a smooth passage, free of bias. How often have we heard of complaints from our Indian or dark skin friends where they were screened and double screened before entry into the country?
No doubt Muslim extremism arises from a small group of people, they have successfully spread the tentacles of fear . For the many students who wish to seize upon the opportunity of the weak dollar for a university education in the United States, they have now been riddled with administrative difficulties in university applications. Student exchange programs are also scrutinized.
Perhaps for some, the issue of Muslim extremism has been a silver lining. For countries not directly involved in the hostility between the West and the Muslim fanatics, it is boom time for tourism as it provides attractive alternatives for travel. China, Thailand and Vietnam are beneficiaries of the pent up demand for overseas travel due to the security jitters that spill over from the central administrative body.
Learn more about this author, Tricia Lye.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Difference of opinion? Debate now.
