Part 2- Case Study 4: The problematics of foreign-owned yoga and wellness retreats
Part 5- Case Study 2: Decolonizing museums
While reading this document, I encountered several aspects that deeply resonated with me. Rather than focusing on a single topic, I want to highlight a few significant ideas that stood out and prompted reactions from me.
Firstly, the concept of economic dependency caught my attention. Tourist destinations often rely heavily on tourism as a primary source of income and employment, leading to economic imbalances.This overreliance can create an insecure economic foundation, leaving local economies vulnerable to disruptions. For instance, global downturns in tourism caused by economic recessions, pandemics, or political instability can have devastating consequences. This became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically reduced global tourism. I recently read a case study about Sri Lanka that highlighted how its economy was significantly dependent on tourism, with substantial investments in the sector. However, when the pandemic hit, the decline in tourism caused severe economic repercussions, leading to widespread consequences for the country. This example underscores the need for diversifying local economies to avoid overdependence on any one sector.
Secondly, the topic of passport privilege was a revelation for me. Growing up, I assumed that everyone faced the same visa application process, involving lengthy interviews and piles of documentation. However, I came to realize this isn’t the case. Passport privilege means that the ease of travel varies significantly depending on the country of origin. As someone with a Pakistani passport, I have personally experienced the challenges of traveling. It often feels like an event in itself—requiring meticulous preparation, paperwork, and interviews. On the Passport Index, Pakistan is among the countries with the least mobility, represented by the darkest shades on the map. This stark disparity in travel accessibility is a sobering reminder of the global inequalities rooted in political and historical contexts.
Another striking realization came during a visit to the British Museum. Initially, I was in awe, eager to explore the artifacts and learn more about them. However, as I delved deeper, I began to question the ownership and location of these items. Many of the artifacts displayed in institutions like the British Museum were acquired through colonial practices or outright theft. “When visiting a museum, it’s important to question the ownership and location of the displayed artifacts… many have been acquired through colonial practices or stolen.” This statement encapsulates the ethical dilemmas surrounding cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of questioning and addressing these injustices.
Lastly, the importance of public health struck a personal chord, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the responsibilities we carry as travelers. As tourists, we risk transmitting foreign diseases to vulnerable communities, which may not have equal access to healthcare and treatments. The pandemic served as a global wake-up call about the importance of public health systems and the need for equitable healthcare access across nations.
