Tourism in a commercialised world

The tsunami last December, generated so much debate about the theological implications. The press was full of reports about what the churches and mosques in the affected region had said. It has been reported that they took it as a sign of God’s wrath – punishment for the development of a decadent tourism industry in the region. This has created a curious response by the secular press which is bent on confronting religion. But both the religious zealots and the secular Western press, with its ridicule, have missed the point.

The truth of the matter is that tourism has generated a huge income for these regions to the extent that everyone thinks there is no future without tourism. On the other hand, tourism has been developing around the globe without regard for the ethical dimension, environment or local sensitivities and in number of cases has clashed with the indigenous inhabitants When the going was good and wealth and opportunities were created, not much thought was given to the negative spinoffs. Evaluative assessments are made when the going gets tough. It is not the religious sentiment of the local people that has to be condemned but the sacrifice of people, land and traditional ways of life for the sake of foreign currency.

Some may think this is retrograde thinking but the secular zealots must look at the facts on the ground. Ethics every where has been substituted by commercialism. This hurts most when it happens in Muslim countries with their detailed religious and ethical requirements for a clean environment, physically and morally. The threat of commercialism may be expanded so far as to include holy places and well preserved communities that provide humanity with its diversity and alternative way of life.

In a commercialised world, there is a lack of respect for ethical standards and a shortness of memory. The tsunami has generated a tremendous response from all over the world, which is refreshing. But it also demonstrates that our memory has been commercialised. It is only focused and directed by the media, which can hype up an issue or hide it. The response by the public and governments, and the promises made, have been linked to this phenomenon. The media has power but this power must be exercised with responsibility and it is incumbent on the media to champion the right causes when the others seem to forget. Please remember the tsunami and the affected people and keep the long term help coming.

Finally, this month and the next will see three exhibitions on the theme of Hajj and Umrah, in Dubai, Riyadh and Cairo. This is a new phenomenon that we stand by and actively participate in - but with a clear understanding that “religious tourism” should not loose its spirit in a world of commercialism.

Dr. Abdul-Rahim Hassan
Editor-in-Chief