What does it mean to be ‘critical’ of tourism?

Departures by Jan Vašek (CC0). Pointing fingers by Gordon Johnson (CC0). Both via Pixabay.

Some “GT” readers are critical of tourism, particularly ‘mass tourism’. Some in the universities see themselves as part of a ‘Critical Tourism Studies’ movement. But what does it mean to be ‘critical’ in relation to modern tourism?

It’s a “Good Tourism” Insight Bites question.

Your correspondent put the question to the travel & tourism stakeholders in the “GT” network, inviting responses of no more than 300 words. (You too can join the “GT” network. Register.)

Thanks to the 18 professors, professionals, and practitioners who took the time to share their thoughts. Their answers appear in the order received.

(Click/touch an item on the Bites menu to go straight to it.)

Bites menu

• The ‘geography of hope’ | C Michael Hall
• The ‘responsibility mindset’ | Robin Boustead
• ‘Tourism academics are tourists too’ | Melanie Smith
• To be critical of tourism is to be ‘farsighted and visionary’ | Dorji Dhradhul
• ‘We should all be critical’ … including of the critics | Jim Butcher
• Offer sustainable, responsible, enjoyable alternatives | Melissa Tilling
• ‘Stay alert, flexible, and … critical’ | Wolfgang Georg Arlt
• ‘Tourism done well is a force for good’ | Willem Niemeijer
• ‘Towards a more equitable and inclusive model of tourism’ | Yesaya Sandang
• Counter the backlash with ‘high-yield tourism’ | Jens Thraenhart
• The debate must be ‘robust’ | Peter Semone
• Others’ opinions ‘often viewed as existential threats’ | K Michael Haywood
• Distinguish between ‘critical supply’ and ‘critical demand’ | Valeria Minghetti
• ‘Hedonism is no match for hurricanes’ | Herb Hiller
• ‘A more collaborative dialogue’ needed | John Black
• ‘We can be constructive in our criticism’ | Edwin Magio
• Being a tourist is ‘fraught with contradictions’ | Ed Jackiewicz
• ‘Scholars, we should direct our critical gaze to our own actions’ | Vilhelmiina Vainikka
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