Debating the Ethics of Travel Writing: To Share or to Gatekeep?
In recent years, the rise of social media and travel blogging has made it easier than ever for people to share their adventures and discoveries with the world. However, this newfound accessibility has sparked a debate among travel writers and enthusiasts about the ethics of sharing certain destinations and experiences. Should travelers be free to share their experiences with others, or should they keep certain places hidden in order to protect them from the negative effects of overtourism?
The Rise of Overtourism
Overtourism is a growing concern in many popular travel destinations around the world. Places like Venice, Barcelona, and Bali have become inundated with tourists, leading to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and cultural erosion. The rise of social media and travel blogs has only exacerbated this problem, as influencers and bloggers often promote these destinations to their followers, leading to even more visitors flocking to these already struggling places.
Many travel writers and ethical travelers argue that it is irresponsible to promote these destinations without considering the impact of overtourism. By sharing their experiences and encouraging others to visit these places, they are contributing to the problem rather than helping to solve it. Some even go so far as to advocate for gatekeeping certain destinations in order to protect them from the negative effects of mass tourism.
The Case for Sharing
On the other side of the debate are those who believe that travel writing should be about sharing experiences and inspiring others to explore the world. They argue that by sharing their discoveries, travel writers can help to spread awareness about lesser-known destinations and cultures, and encourage more sustainable and responsible travel practices.
Travel writer and blogger Nomadic Matt is a strong advocate for sharing travel experiences. In a recent blog post, he writes, “Travel is about discovery and connection. By sharing our experiences with others, we can inspire them to explore the world and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures and places.”
Gatekeeping vs. Sharing: Finding a Balance
So, where does the line between sharing and gatekeeping lie? Is it possible for travel writers to strike a balance between inspiring others to explore the world and protecting certain destinations from the negative effects of overtourism?
Some argue that travel writers have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact of their words and actions, and to consider the consequences of promoting certain destinations to a wide audience. They suggest that travel writers should focus on promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations and encouraging more sustainable travel practices, rather than simply promoting the most popular and Instagram-worthy spots.
Others believe that gatekeeping certain destinations is necessary in order to protect them from the negative effects of overtourism. By keeping certain places hidden or only sharing them with a select few, they argue that travel writers can help to preserve the authenticity and integrity of these destinations for future generations.
In the end, the debate over the ethics of travel writing is a complex and nuanced one. While sharing experiences and inspiring others to explore the world is a noble goal, it is important for travel writers to consider the impact of their words and actions on the places they visit. Finding a balance between sharing and gatekeeping may be the key to ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of the world without causing harm to the places they love.
As the travel industry continues to grow and evolve, the debate over the ethics of travel writing is likely to intensify. Should travel writers be free to share their discoveries with the world, or should they keep certain destinations hidden in order to protect them from the negative effects of overtourism? The answer may not be clear-cut, but it is a question that all travelers and travel writers should consider as they explore the world and share their experiences with others.