When You Travel, Don’t Be A Colonizer

FESCH.TV INFORMIERT:

Tourism is complex. It’s also one of the fastest growing industries in Asia. Bloggers make a lot of money in countries facing extreme income disparity and economic upheaval. Tourism has come to dangerously mimic colonialism, leaving those who actually live in the destinations without basic needs.

Many countries rely on tourism precisely because of colonialism and having their resources extracted, and so tourism is continuing a dependency begun in colonial eras. Some travel bloggers‘ behavior in previously colonized countries in Asia have perpetuated narratives against the locals of that country–and even gotten them arrested. Tourist photography also falls into the trap of objectifying people belonging to a certain place and gaining profit through them.

But there is a way to travel ethically as an individual. Start with understanding the destination’s historical, political, and environmental contexts. Upon arrival, support local business, seek sustainable living options, and make the trip about more than just yourself. If locals are struggling to access freshwater, rethink your luxury hotel. You can also follow @lostwithpurpose and @baniamor on Instagram to learn from ethical travelers. Ethical travel begins with your consciousness.

CREDITS:
Host & Producer Manal Ahmed
Producers Stephanie Tangkilisan & Joy Jihyun Jeong
Associate Producer Ella Chi
Director of Photography Muhammad Abbas Parkar
Editor Shakeeb Asrar