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

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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.