I think there is a shift happening in the kinds of travel experiences many people are seeking: a drift away from traditional sun and sand vacations towards a more meaningful type of trip. The cruises and resort vacations will always be popular, but it seems more and more people are seeking out moments of cultural authenticity, deeper local experiences, and ways to connect with their chosen destination. To me, these are the elements that define the essence of the local travel movement and what this new breed of travelers are seeking.
Cultural authenticity. People are seeking cultural experiences that are REAL. Travelers want to eat local food, see local art, touch (and buy) local craft items, and meet the people who live in the destination. They don’t want replicas, menus “tamed” for foreign tastes, or actors in costumes parading before them. They want to see the culture as it is, not how gift shops package it.
Deeper local experiences. It means cultural immersion at a level not possible at a resort or at an airport souvenir shop. …
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We are doing similar things in Malawi…finding it interesting trying to provide this type of experience for the traveller whilst also ensuring communities benefit as well…also how these communities benefit- should they benefit financially? Through development assistance? Through employment? What are TO’s trying to achieve for their clients and for communities and do these aims ever contradict eachother?
Posted by Kate Ward | April 18, 2010, 1:30 pmtours are just impossible without a tour guide and with a good tour guide it can becmes heavenly experience. So take your time to choose or opt for the tour guide.
Posted by Get India Tours | June 5, 2011, 11:08 am