‘Travel’s Critical List’ Six of the World’s Most Threatened Wonders – Named by Wanderlust

Advertising Hoardings in Venice’s St Marks Square
 

Wanderlust magazine has named the first annual list of the world’s most threatened wonders in the latest issue (February 2009) which has just hit the news-stands

The magazine names six iconic locations which it feels are in urgent need of care and reeling from the impact of uncontrolled tourism development. It suggests ways in which travellers can enjoy them more sustainably. From boycotting Sharm-el-Sheikh in Egypt, visiting Venice for a minimum of three days, to ensuring the sustainability credentials of tour operators are checked thoroughly, Wanderlust is urging travellers to think carefully when making travel decisions in 2009.

Lyn Hughes, editor-in-chief of the magazine said: “Tourism can be a double edged sword for destinations, especially in developing countries without adequate infrastructures where visitor numbers have swelled too quickly. At the same time as supporting local communities, if things aren’t managed properly the negatives can soon outweigh the positives creating major environmental and cultural issues as we explain in our list. We are urging our readers to travel with care and responsibility as they embark on their explorations in 2009.

1. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Why – Sharm is a tourism bubble: everything from food to souvenirs is brought in, but only around 3% of tourist revenue remains in the local area. Two million visitors descend each year. The 90,000 beds available are set to double with current development plans. The area produces ten times the amount of waste than elsewhere as everything is bought in and packaged.

What’s the Wanderlust solution – Avoid visiting until the area improves its responsible tourism. Choose Dahab, Nuweiba and St Catherine’s instead where you can stay with local people or in well managed eco-lodges.

2. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Why – because travellers have flocked to Zanzibar over recent years, lured by the white sand beaches and city of Stone Town with visitor numbers quadrupling from 50,000 visitors a year in the mid 90’s to 200,000 today. Poorly controlled building developments (particularly crowding the Nungwi strip in the North) and huge pressure on water supply are central to the problem.

What’s the Wanderlust solution – Good governance is the answer and badly needed. Visitors should ensure that places they visit are managed as responsibly as possible by checking with tour operators. Above all, they should ensure they understand the cultural sensitivities on this conservative Muslim island and keep beachwear for beaches.

3. Venice, Italy
Why – Sinking foundations and rising sea levels are a major problem –– but now it’s thought that the sheer volume of tourists is the major threat. A quarter of a million people can visit Venice over a summer weekend. There has been a dramatic rise in cruise ships which off load their 5,000 passengers or more on the city for day trips.
What’s the Wanderlust solution – The key is time and respect. Many think that you should visit for a minimum of three days, stay in a Venetian hotel, buy food at local cafes and don’t feed the pigeons – they are a menace to the city.

4. Kashgar, China
Why – It is losing its identity and is no longer the fabled Silk Road oasis city. It is fast becoming a playground for Chinese and Western tourists. The once chaotic colourful bazaar has now been moved indoors as a sanitised tourist attraction. Local cultures are marginalised and temples, mosques and villages are given the theme park treatment. The ancient Uygur city at the heart of Kashgar is now surrounded by a six lane highway.

What’s the Wanderlust solution – Go now while the Uygur population are still in the majority and ensure you stay a few days and explore the souk-like lanes of the old city. If you can, visit during Ramadan where the streets burst into life at dusk.

5. Ranthambore NP, India
Why – Badly managed tourism with visitors flocking to get a glimpse of India’s wildlife icon the tiger. Convoys crowd the park with visitors with numbers increasing by 20% annually.

What’s the Wanderlust solution – The park needs to be reorganised and maybe split into zones for day trippers and more serious wildlife enthusiasts. The park proceeds could be channelled in a better way to pay for conservation, better guiding and funding new reserves – all improving the tiger’s chance of survival.

6. Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Why – The culture of the valley is being eroded by increasingly popular ‘tribal tourism’. The recent surge in visitors is threatening the traditional way of life and creating a commercialised experience.

What’s the Wanderlust solution – Whilst we shouldn’t hold back a region’s development it is possible to help protect the culture at the same time as building a better infrastructure. Ensure you chose a tour operator wisely and question their ethics. Part of the problem is that organised tours often visit the same villages time and time again.

Valere Tjolle