Comments on: Tourists Not Terrorists: The Middle East Can Capitalize on World Eco-Travel Trends

By: Rola Tassabehji

Rola Tassabehji — Wed, 18 May 2011 08:56:06 +0000

Thanks for the input. The more official” ecotourism definition states “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990). In essence, this kind of tourism promotes principals of conservation, community building, bringing benefits to the local people etc… so different to the model of expensive five star hotel chain with artificial islands/lake and other unsustainable tourist attractions operated by expatriates.

By: Idunno

Idunno — Mon, 16 May 2011 10:55:16 +0000

The findings certainly raise eyebrows. I read somewhere else that Saudi and Qatar are poised to become the leading tourist destinations in the region. Booz should be spelled with an e, perhaps? But you are right: the politicising of these accolades and designations are no more than marketing tools with little relevance to reality. I’m still not sure what ecotourism means, but nature can be appreciated and enjoyed even in Qatar, although it is probably one of the hardest places on earth to do so. I would suggest to people to ignore these categories,and to look for real people insights to the reality of their destinations through abundandtly available social media resources.

By: sarco

sarco — Fri, 13 May 2011 19:50:33 +0000

I wonder how many “tourists” come to Bahrain and Qatar for cultural or sightseeing. It may be that they are businessmen or people visiting family members who work there, so hardly money spending tourists.

By: roula

roula — Fri, 13 May 2011 10:57:11 +0000

It’s hard to believe Bahrain and Qatar are ahead of Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan.65