Mark Watson takes over at tourism concern

Indefatigable campaigner Tourism Concern director replaced at year end

Although Tricia Barnet didn’t start Tourism Concern it’s very much been her baby for two decades. Over the last 20 years Tricia has been the, not always welcome, face of Tourism Concern and so closely identified with the organization that she felt it was time to stand down – she will leave in the next few days and her role will be assumed by Mark Watson.

And Mark appears to be no slouch himself – apart from the usual eco-friendly credentials, Mark is founder of  HIV/AIDS research entity UKfAr – he also founded the ‘Gaily Mail’ –  “Evocative, rabble-rousing, campaigning and bursting with opinion, we want to turn the status quo on its head and deliver a consistently probing and thought-provoking take on the news, views and opinions from a team of experienced and well respected writers.”

20 years in the life of such a vigorous campaigning organization has got to stretch the nerve ends somewhat but if it hadn’t been for Tourism Concern and Tricia’s energy, many wrongs would certainly have been left unexposed.

In that time, apart from the ‘Whistle Blowing’ activities, Tourism Concern has established a centre of excellence for ethical tourism – providing a unique library of tourism material, seminal educational activities for schools and other places of learning, and a number of important publications about tourism including the Ethical Travel Guide and many academic reports.

Now let’s hope that Mark will take Tourism Concern to new heights of advocacy.He says:

“Tourists are forever seeking new and wonderful places to visit and I believe that the majority do so with the intention that local people should also benefit from their trip – however the reality is that tourism all too often has negative impacts on local communities and people.”

“It is my intention to continue the excellent campaigning and authoritative research Tourism Concern is known for but also to reach out to the thousands of tourists and travellers that share our vision – that tourism always benefits local people.“

“Members and supporters are vital to our success and my strategy will be to engage with like-minded individuals and organisations who will support our campaigns and help us achieve a world free from exploitation; where all parties involved in tourism benefit equally and the relationships between industry, tourists and host communities are based on trust and mutual respect. I would be surprised if people disagreed with these sentiments so I will want to ensure that they hear our message and join us – expect high profile campaigns, member engagement and many requests for support!”

Over the years Burma, Zanzibar and Hilton Hotels amongst many others have all come in for Tourism Concern wrath. Current campaigns include:

• Water Equity in Tourism (WET)
• Putting Tourism to Rights (Human rights in tourism)
• Empowering coastal communities in Southern India  
• Gap Year and International Volunteering

More info at: TOURISM CONCERN

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Get your copy at a special offer price: HERE