Tourism can cheape

Eugene Kaeitis
Contributing Writer

THE outlook for
resource economies is
not hopeful, in spite of
a recent surge.

Some resources are
sustainable, and competition
grows, People in affected
communities are searching
desperately for alternative
economies. Some are explor-

_ing tourism, presumably the
world’s fastest growing indus-
try.

Aside from it being evi-
dent that nor every place can
compete successfully in the
tourism market, there are
other considerations. Tourism
may not fuldill what can turn
out to be unreasonable expec-
tations.

Based on scenery, trails,

wildlife (hunting, fishing),
history (the Gold Rush, tor
example), climate, special
events, entertainment, and
creature comforts (beaches,
spas, hotels, restaurants),
tourism may be seasonal or
year-round.

In any case, it is always

“other-related. Visitors have
- certain demands and anticipa-
tions, and believe that since
‘they are paying the shot, they
are entitled to.them. This
~~ often leads to local exaggera-
tion or even invention of

alleged historical events or
characters to make the area
more interesting or cclourtul.
What may follow is develap-

quaintness visito!
makes their trip worthwhile,
becoming party conversation
material when dey return
home. In short, tourism can
often turn into a variant of
show biz in its most unau-
thentic manifestation.

For most ¥; rationers, a
holiday is no ti
cal truths. The Simply want
to be amused. Cclonial

eight $

has finally included a realistic
portrayal of the slave system
which kept the entire (origi-
nal) town going (more than
half of its population of 1,800
people was s African).

Beswick Figurin
1637 Lonsdale Ave... N. Van. 984-6700
{730 Marine Drive. W. Van. 926-7710

» 11:00 am - 6:00 pm ;
‘Saturday, December 4

“cords, washed twill,
_ Skirts & jackets

SAMPLES,

ASSORTED STYLES | _

Fall & holiday dresses, parits,-
; sequined tops, holiday tops,
* spectacular collection.

Polar fleece & Berber vests,
jackets & tapestry

Many current tours of Old
South former plantations still
discreetly neglect the slave
quarters. A similar treatment
of Aboriginal Peoples prevails

ist industry, —
isible minorities,
although they ofien played a
significant role in the de
opment of many communi-
ues, are rarely mentioned.

The pressure to cater on
an ongoing basis to others
others who are enjoying their
(often expensive) leisure while
those engaged in the hospiral-
ity industries must go on
working, sometiny i

erate:
NIMENt against
and tourism. How

the last visitor leaves even
though it means a drop in
income.

With its phony artifacts,
poor art, even poorer cuisine,
and a “tipping mentality” that
affects the giver and receiver,
tourism cheapens

It’s nor the most whole-
some of enterprises.

Wednesday, December 1, 1999 —

North Shore News - 27

NEWS photo Mike Wakefield

Home tweet home

AUDREY Elborne works on one of ner bird houses in preparation for the St.
Catherines Anglican Church craft fair. The fair takes piace 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on

Dec. 4 at 1058 Ridgewood in North Vancouver.