Introduction:
In many regions, tourism networks are an exclusive sector of development. Contrary to this popular belief, the tourism industry is rather, an externality of a thriving regional plan. When tourism is considered an exclusive part of a region's industry, the entire region is focused on expressing itself as an accessory, instead of being resourceful for the inhabitants themselves.
Sang Nila Utama Garden, a historical garden in Singapore - is a part of Fort Canning Hill - open to the public. It is a historical gardenscape with public utilities.
The regions around the world exist in ranges. Some regions are well known and explored for their natural terrains, some for their culinary experience, some more for their history and architecture, and others simply for their way of life. It all comes together and showcases local culture.
Impact of Social Media on Tourism:
Lately, digital media has been so engrossed in hyping any region for trends, and aesthetics - purely for narcissistic validation. These become a source of envy and a motivation to pursue the same itineraries as others - to fit into the mould of social acceptance.
The colourful buildings at Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter in Goa, are a tourist attraction for aesthetic photographs. However, the residents of the area are not happy about the incessant attention
Tourism is a form of consumerist capitalism. It ideates and fantasizes about the acceptable dimensions of a region, and disregards everything that doesn't serve it. Lately, it thrives on the marketing and advertising on social media. When a certain lifestyle becomes a collective aspiration, people throng for everything that keeps them a part of it.
My visit to Goa was a lesson in 'Nothing is as it seems'. The generic images of Goa had an impression on me. I thought it was nice countryside and encouraged a slow life. However, it was not so. Of course, parts of Goa did have the above visual characteristics, I would say most parts did not.
Defined pedestrian walkways in Panjim - Goa, parallel to Miramar Beach and further, along Mandovi River
Social media paints a limited narrative of the region. And unfortunately, people travel to experience this limitation. The full region can be experienced in all of its glory outside the defined tourist spots. When the visitor can become a part of the day-to-day experience of the locals, its region's authenticity can be explored.
This allows the weight of the region's resources to be distributed equitably along different areas, rather than being clumped and heavy in the tourist spots. I also noticed that the tourist spots actively encouraged unfair consumerism - paying to experience the natural beach shore.
Heritage and Tourism:
One of the hot spots of tourist places in any region is their heritage precincts. These structures are remnants of the past. Many of these structures are still in good condition because 1) they have been maintained well by the concerned departments, and 2) they were built with materials meant to outlast for a long time.
Fort Reis Mago in Goa is a reminder of the fight for freedom by the Goan political activists. The prisoner cells and defence mechanisms showcased in their exhibitions
However, as years go by, it is crucial to consider their structural upkeep because of weathering and their capacity to retain the weight of the population that visits them. The heritage structures tell a story of the region's past. With information at hand, it is easy to decipher the historical narrative of a place. One just needs to be observant of this.
The heritage localities must be treated with utmost respect and care. Depending on the structure's historical narrative, the locals either connect with it or dissociate with it. It is a reminder and connection with the past, of how we are here now, The connection allows upkeep and repair. The disconnection, however, isolates the structure - and it threatens to be forgotten.
Eg: Worli Fort
Forts are traces of cultural remembrance. Around the world, the forts are areas of heritage importance. They are visited by the residents and tourists alike.
The Worli Fort in Mumbai, however, seems to be dissociated with the locals. The Worli Fishing Village surrounds the fort. When asked around, we realized the people had different views about who built the fort. Some people said the British colonizers built it. Others said it was the Portuguese. There was no clarity on who built the fort.
Worli Fort retrofitted with the movie set above
When visiting the fort in 2019, the internal courtyard was refurbished for a gym. It was probably even open for visitors. However, when I visited, the Fort was being retrofitted as a set for a South Indian movie.
It is a small fort that was used as a lookout for enemy ships.
My team and I consulted an archaeologist, to provide us with a background of the heritage site. It is then he provided us with an insight. When a community can find an association with the structure, they can take care of it. However, the dissociation stems from disconnection from a few generations back.
Views from the fishing village near Worli Fort
Its location far from the main road, also renders it a minimally accessible heritage site.
Communities and Regional Connection:
It is the people who create places. Cultures are a by-product of the local systems in place. The people create a connection with their regions through these cultures that have been passed through generations. The region's terrain, local flora-fauna, the climate and the political systems curate a unique culture - distinct from one another.
Dadar's Flower Market opens at 4 am for fresh flowers. It is vibrant in the early hours. The sellers and buyers bubble with excitement for this pretty exchange
Many historical stories depict people being forcibly vacated from their lands by authoritarian figures or intruders. In this depiction, the people fight back for the lands that have long belonged to them, passed on to them by their ancestors.
A region's cultural connection originates with its indigenous people's history. They have a spiritual connection, that no outsider can ever relate to.
The East Kolkata Wetlands are crucial as they provide for the region's fish supply, occupation for the inhabitants and as ecological service. It is a Ramsar Convention Site. It overlooks and minimizes urban development and sprawl.
With the onslaught of transportation - people began moving from one shore to another, making other places their home base. These people adapt their backgrounds to the culture of the regions that they are present in. Now, different regions around the world hold people from different regional backgrounds. The impact of globalization is adaptive roots - growing through where you are geographically present now.
Conscious Tourism:
Visiting any region purely to experience its culture and day-to-day life is a form of relaying consideration toward the inhabitants.
What are you leaving behind?
When a region creates a circuit just for tourism, it forgets the essence of the region. Engaging with the daily pursuits of a region's common person reveals its authentic connections.
When a region's transport network connects different areas, it becomes easier for the visitor to move around.
Planning Consideration:
While planning a comprehensively integrated regional plan, noted below are a few points of consideration:
1. Transport and Flexibility: The movement within any region is convenient when the transport systems reach the extent. This also includes last-mile connectivity and vehicle rentals.
A well-rounded transport system, allows the visitor to authentically experience the region. It also allows economical and safe movement.
2. Itinerary: When the local government provides accessible information about the local cultures, the tourists can use this information to either explore the region on their own or book slots with tour guides. This experience allows them to create their own experience.
3. Social Responsibility: As visitors of any region, we must move around without harming the environment of our visit. This includes by taking responsibility by collecting our trash and throwing it at designated dustbins.
The Gateway of India with many visitors. Heritage sites are traces of our past. As responsible tourists, we need to be considerate of the site.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do - it is also important to be sensitive to the local culture and dress appropriately as the locals. Many cultures are strict about what they allow, especially in the places of worship. Some places can be more conservative, while others are free-spirited. Do your research, and ask around. It makes it easier to be a part of the local experience.
4. Local Recommendations: When you ask for recommendations from the locals, it is sure that they'll give you the most honest recommendations. I have noticed that the social media recommendations are not only hyped. They are also overpriced and do not have much value for the money or experience. It just adds fire to the FOMO - 'The Fear of Missing Out'.
The best vada pavs in Mumbai, are always available in the street corners. With their spicy lasoon (garlic) and green chutney - made of coriander and mint.
5. Tourism stays: Nowadays, you don't have to be in the city centre to get the best stays. You can also consider places away from the main city, but also accessible enough to visit the areas of interest. These stays can also be your preference.
6. Local Markets: These markets are the best places to explore local ingredients and cuisine. All of these will be at the same cost available to the locals, without having to overspend just because you are a tourist.
The Khod Galli market in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, bustles with fresh fruits and vegetables for the day.
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