Observations of an Accidental Tourist

This paper is based on the personal observations and insights of the author as he travelled extensively in India, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste over the last five years as a consultant in the transport sector. This has allowed him time to travel extensively and visit innumerable sites of natural or historic significance. It has also challenged him to question the often conflicting issues associated with community development and preservation of the natural and built environment. There is often conflict between what the tourist/traveler expects from his trip and the aspirations of the local community. How can these be balanced? How can historical monuments be preserved and protected in the local community? Are wildlife reserves for conservation or tourism? In this context the Supreme Court of India has been clear: Tiger Reserves are to preserve tigers and anything that is contrary to that goal needs to be addressed. Should restrictions be placed on the number of visitors to a natural or historic site in a day to prevent over use? The issues are innumerable. In many cases the local community has addressed many of the issues either formally or informally. Examples are given in the paper in both wildlife preservation and management of historic sites. Many of the questions remain unresolved or, at best, result in compromise. That, in fact, is the nature of life.