Contributed by: Prof. Priya Unadkat, Assistant Professor, MEFGI

Vol. 1, No. 27, January 9, 2015

Hidden face of tourism

Starting with a very well known Gujarati proverb,

‘ ’

Tourism generally is the act of travelling for the purpose of leisure but today it has the added purpose

of recreation, curiosity, historical studies, and many more.

From bustling modern metropolises to ancient temples, the high peaks of the mountains to the warm

waters of the Sea, world is colourful and diverse with growing tourism industry. Historic sightseeing,

Adventure travel, Cultural vacations, Spiritual tourism, Medical tourism, Wildlife tourism, Eco tourism

are all popular forms of tourism. But there are few forms which are yet to be recognized. This article

emphasizes on such less known forms.

War tourism

War tourism is travelling to the war zones for the purpose of historical studies. People are deliberately venturing into places

that were or are dangerous. Tourists visiting Golan Heights on the Israel-Syria border are increasing, to see the smoke rise (of

course from the safe distance...!!!). It is said to be turning garbage into gold by earning revenue from the melancholy of

suffered people.

Disaster tourism

It is travelling to the destination with disasters with a purpose of curiosity. Disaster Tourism offers a unique experience beyond

the writings, pictures and media coverage to the actuality of circumstances for those who have exhausted the normal mundane

package holiday. Tourist buses were found in the neighbourhood that were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. There is a

separate website also – www.disastertourism.co.uk, for the same. Travelling to disaster areas as part of a work group offering

assistance is one alternative to disaster tourism. Few sites for that are, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic monument, Boston

Marathon Bombing Memorial, 9/11 memorial, Zaveri Bazar (Mumbai), etc. It is receiving varied response by people. Some say

it is gloomy to see misery be turned into a profit centre while other argues that tourism to devastated areas can offer a boost

to the local economy and raise awareness of the incident.

Golden Gate Bridge, US

Tourists at Golan Heights Tourists at Sichuan, China

(Earthquake site)

Suicide tourism

Suicide tourism" describes the act of travelling to

another country for assisted suicide. Switzerland is

believed to be the hub for this industry. It has

been reported that between 2008 and 2012, 611

people went to Switzerland to commit suicide. And

this number is increasing at the worrying pace.

The probable reason for this is assisted suicide in

many other countries is strictly restricted while it

is not so in Switzerland. This imbalance may lead

to influx of people. In the US, the Golden Gate

Bridge in San Francisco is one another most

popular place for this.

Few other forms are,

Surrogacy / Fertility tourism

Known as subset of Medical tourism for the purpose of surrogacy.

Ghetto Tourism

For the young people interested in knowing specific lifestyle, music

and clothing.

Drug Tourism

For personal use or the fun of the thing, Capital of this tourism is

Amsterdam, Netherland where cannabis attract million young couples.

Shark Tourism

Appeals to the people who love sharks and their jaws.

Halal Tourism

Specifically popular in Islamic countries for holidays in accordance

with Islamic beliefs and practices.

Rewarding students for good

performance during pre-

placement training