- Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Eden Project Books (4 Jun 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1903919991
- ISBN-13: 978-1903919996
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 14.8 x 3.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
498,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #75 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Speciality Travel > Ecotourism
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Product Description
Jeremy Leggett
I very much hope this important book helps to awaken people, and
make them want to join the debate.
make them want to join the debate.
Jason Webster, author of GUERRA
A fascinating and harrowing read...The publication of this could
well prove to be a 'tipping point'.
well prove to be a 'tipping point'.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Part travelogue, part investigation, Leo Hickman's excellent and compelling book is an important and unique insight into why both tourists and the tourist industry need to look extremely long and hard at what impacts - often negative - they are having on destinations around the world. Hickman visits many popular destinations - Cancun, Pattaya, Chamonix, Benidorm, Dubai, Miami, Costa Rica, Tallinn etc - and asks the various workers and industry officials there what they make of the perceived benefits they receive from tourism. There are not many contented voices, let's put it like that.
But for me, perhaps the most moving and horrifying sections of the book are those dealing with the environmental damage often caused by tourism. It is so sad to think that our holidays can reap such damage. Importantly, the book really moves you to examine your own holiday habits. In fact, I would challenge anyone who has read the book to say they have not been moved by it. Anyone who says differently must simply be in denial about the damage their lifestyle habits and consumer choices can cause, in my opinion.
This is very much not an 'anti-holiday' book. Hickman is passionately arguing that we must all try to make our holidays a more positive experience for the destinations we visit. I just wish every tourist would read this book before they set off on their holidays. While I except that isn't really very likely - those airport novels can rest easy - I do think this is sure to become a set text for all tourism students.
But for me, perhaps the most moving and horrifying sections of the book are those dealing with the environmental damage often caused by tourism. It is so sad to think that our holidays can reap such damage. Importantly, the book really moves you to examine your own holiday habits. In fact, I would challenge anyone who has read the book to say they have not been moved by it. Anyone who says differently must simply be in denial about the damage their lifestyle habits and consumer choices can cause, in my opinion.
This is very much not an 'anti-holiday' book. Hickman is passionately arguing that we must all try to make our holidays a more positive experience for the destinations we visit. I just wish every tourist would read this book before they set off on their holidays. While I except that isn't really very likely - those airport novels can rest easy - I do think this is sure to become a set text for all tourism students.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I see myself as a responsible traveller - small group holidays via Intrepid Travel etc where we use local accommodation and public transport, but still feel uneasy about the carbon footprint of the flight. Most people don't think of the costs of the holiday - through being a spectator and not a traveller, and how our demands can have a significant impact on the country and local people.
This book looks at a number of popular holiday destinations and describes the impact. The chapters include:
* Skiing in Chamonix, France where the snow is often a consequence of using snow cannons
* The construction of new resorts in Dubai such as the palms and ski Dubai and the poor conditions of where the workers live, particularly those on construction who have had to pay for the privilege of working there for very low wages.
* Seeking the unspoilt locations around Thailand
* The huge cruise ships from Miami and how everything is bought centrally so little of the money spent goes to the countries visited, guests are steered towards shops which pay to be recommended
* Eco resorts in Costa Rica
* Clubbing in Ibiza
An interesting concept was around the different stages of tourism from the people who first discover it, to when the large chains move in and then people move on because it is not what it used to be.
A very thought provoking book and useful for anyone with concerns about the impact of travel.
One recommendation is to think of travel on a 3 yearly cycle
- year one long haul
- year two to a more local country where you can travel by train (slow travel and enjoy the journey)
- year 3 stay close to home
I'm going to try to do this!
This book looks at a number of popular holiday destinations and describes the impact. The chapters include:
* Skiing in Chamonix, France where the snow is often a consequence of using snow cannons
* The construction of new resorts in Dubai such as the palms and ski Dubai and the poor conditions of where the workers live, particularly those on construction who have had to pay for the privilege of working there for very low wages.
* Seeking the unspoilt locations around Thailand
* The huge cruise ships from Miami and how everything is bought centrally so little of the money spent goes to the countries visited, guests are steered towards shops which pay to be recommended
* Eco resorts in Costa Rica
* Clubbing in Ibiza
An interesting concept was around the different stages of tourism from the people who first discover it, to when the large chains move in and then people move on because it is not what it used to be.
A very thought provoking book and useful for anyone with concerns about the impact of travel.
One recommendation is to think of travel on a 3 yearly cycle
- year one long haul
- year two to a more local country where you can travel by train (slow travel and enjoy the journey)
- year 3 stay close to home
I'm going to try to do this!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
This book is an extremely well researched account of the ethics and shady behind-the-scenes activities involved in our popular holidaying destinations.
Read this book if you really want to know:
How much snow is artificially created for ski resorts around Europe and why does it need to be?
Who are the workforce behind the construction boom in Dubai, UAE. Where do they live and how much are they paid?
Just how much water does it take to maintain a golf course in a hot climate, and where does it come from?
What life is like in Bangkok and Pattaya through the eyes of a prostitute.
Just how far cruise companies will go to flout environmental initiatives and avoid the consequences.
How slack laws and money grabbing government officials allow complete decimation of delicate habitats.
What does the word eco-tourism actually mean, and how is it exploited?
There is also much much more in the book. It took a while to read, and the content is terrifying for the future of mankind and tourism. It really ripped the wool from over my eyes. Books such as this and Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air are very important as these issues need to be addressed quickly!
Well worth the read if you do not enjoy being ignorant!
Read this book if you really want to know:
How much snow is artificially created for ski resorts around Europe and why does it need to be?
Who are the workforce behind the construction boom in Dubai, UAE. Where do they live and how much are they paid?
Just how much water does it take to maintain a golf course in a hot climate, and where does it come from?
What life is like in Bangkok and Pattaya through the eyes of a prostitute.
Just how far cruise companies will go to flout environmental initiatives and avoid the consequences.
How slack laws and money grabbing government officials allow complete decimation of delicate habitats.
What does the word eco-tourism actually mean, and how is it exploited?
There is also much much more in the book. It took a while to read, and the content is terrifying for the future of mankind and tourism. It really ripped the wool from over my eyes. Books such as this and Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air are very important as these issues need to be addressed quickly!
Well worth the read if you do not enjoy being ignorant!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
time to think about your holidays
The Final Call is something of an investigative world tour, with Leo Hickman visiting some of the world's most popular holiday destinations, and peering under the carpet. Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2007 by Jeremy Williams
Miserablist Nonsense
It is an interesting read, but only fro a 'know your enemy' perspective. Hickman is not quite an anti-human in the Monbiot mould, but he increasingly sees humans as a pest. Read more
Published on 2 Aug 2007 by Tyler Hargreaves
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