Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Tourism helps on many levels!

There is an ongoing debate on the effects of tourism on developing countries. Global travel has certainly exploded over the past few years with many vacation travelers searching out undiscovered destinations and alternatives to a typical vacation such as adventure tours, vacations with a purpose, volunteer vacations, vacation with a heart, etc. Many of the 'undiscovered' destinations unsurfaced are in developing countries. Is tourism good for developing countries? Does it ultimately help the indigenous people or does the tourism industry tend to reward only the wealthy investors from developed countries?

Tamarindo Touring Company
has invested a lot of time and money create viable and sustainable jobs in El Salvador.

I recently read an article featured in Tourism Review that discussed community-based tourism entitled: A misguided quest: Community-Based Tourism in Latin America. This article concludes that; 'it is working with mainstream tourism to strengthen links between tourism and local people – often indigenous populations who are located in disadvantaged regions and have vulnerable livelihoods.' Obviously, that is the approach we at TTC have taken, but what are your thoughts?

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

El Salvador Tourism Video

Just came across this video on El Salvador on YouTube. Thought it was pretty decent. It is hard to imagine all these beautiful places in one small country -- but even this video doesn't capture all E.S. has to offer. My only complaint, the video does not give justice to the great food we experienced in El Salvador!