Respect for the minorities, especially when one is embarking on a heritage tour, is of paramount importance. Tourists will tend to be exposed to a plethora of cultures that are stranger to them and might even be flabbergasted at the sight of some. Nonetheless, it is necessary to accept it with an open heart and treat it with the fullest respect in order to reap the most out of it. It is of utmost rudeness to go around criticising the culture and the venerable artefacts presented to tourists. Instead, everyone should immerse in another’s culture and bring the essence of it back with them as a form of fruitful experience.
Tourism activities should be conducted in harmony with the attributes and traditions of the host regions in respect for their laws, practices and customs.
It is not enough to merely comply with the laws, it is also essential to conduct oneself appropriately so that one does not violate or shame the tradition of others. At the same time, the locals should also acquaint themselves with the tourists to help them better appreciate and accept the traditions practiced by them for eons.
Many a times, locals are exploited and put forward as exhibitions for the tourists. They are made to perform for the tourists and some are even locked in cages or are forced to parade in the street for hours to show their trademark, for instance their long necks or pierced bodies. Such insolent actions by the local authorise are a disgrace. They exploit their very own locals and culture so as to achieve revenue and profits. In fact, these acts should be condemned by the United Nations.
Public authorities should take into deep consideration regarding the vulnerability that the tourists experience in a foreign land. They must facilitate the introduction of specific means of information, prevention, security, insurance and assistance consistent with their needs; any attacks, assaults, kidnappings or threats against the tourist. Many tourists are often unfamiliar with the settings of the country even though the maps and guides are prevalent on the net. They need help from the locals and local authorities should make all these easily accessible to provide the tourists with an impressionable experience so that they will be more than willing to return.
Despite all the precautions and caveat emptor put in place, it ultimately boils down to the tourist’s own responsibility to be aware of the health and security risks endemic to the country per se. There are some things that the country has no power over, for example, government in Malaysia can only mitigate crime, but it is still very prevalent in the country itself. There is this much the government can do, tourists themselves must be aware that their trips are always precarious in certain facets, there is no such thing as a perfect trip no matter how well-planned it is. Everyone has to play their own part in safety.
It is not enough to merely comply with the laws, it is also essential to conduct oneself appropriately so that one does not violate or shame the tradition of others. At the same time, the locals should also acquaint themselves with the tourists to help them better appreciate and accept the traditions practiced by them for eons.
Many a times, locals are exploited and put forward as exhibitions for the tourists. They are made to perform for the tourists and some are even locked in cages or are forced to parade in the street for hours to show their trademark, for instance their long necks or pierced bodies. Such insolent actions by the local authorise are a disgrace. They exploit their very own locals and culture so as to achieve revenue and profits. In fact, these acts should be condemned by the United Nations.
Public authorities should take into deep consideration regarding the vulnerability that the tourists experience in a foreign land. They must facilitate the introduction of specific means of information, prevention, security, insurance and assistance consistent with their needs; any attacks, assaults, kidnappings or threats against the tourist. Many tourists are often unfamiliar with the settings of the country even though the maps and guides are prevalent on the net. They need help from the locals and local authorities should make all these easily accessible to provide the tourists with an impressionable experience so that they will be more than willing to return.
Despite all the precautions and caveat emptor put in place, it ultimately boils down to the tourist’s own responsibility to be aware of the health and security risks endemic to the country per se. There are some things that the country has no power over, for example, government in Malaysia can only mitigate crime, but it is still very prevalent in the country itself. There is this much the government can do, tourists themselves must be aware that their trips are always precarious in certain facets, there is no such thing as a perfect trip no matter how well-planned it is. Everyone has to play their own part in safety.
-Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
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