Tourism and solidarity with Ghana & the developing world: Can they go hand in hand?
Ceri Dingle
Is tourism from the developed world compatible with the developing world? Ceri Dingle, Director of the development charity WORLDwrite, believes so, and argues that if people could visit the developing world without paternalistic pity and prejudice they would help support the sort of development and progress locals want.
Empathy vs pity
Empathy often precedes solidarity. As tourists, we frequently put ourselves in the shoes of others; sometimes even siding with them on our travels. This empathy, however, should not be confused with pity. Pity is hardly a driver or selling point for tourism.
Unfortunately, pity is the currency of many of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that shape how the developing world is perceived. Their paternalistic saviour complex is the antithesis of solidarity and is often hostile to tourism and tourists.
Read Ceri's article, on our partner, The "Good Tourism" Blog, here …