The End of Tourism?
May 10th, 2010, 07:07 AM
#41
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,852
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And mass tourism from China is only just beginning.
The really interesting time will come when people from China start trying to differentiate themselves from whatever their equivalent of the "Tea-like-mother-makes" tourist will be - and in what way. What will be the status symbols then?
The really interesting time will come when people from China start trying to differentiate themselves from whatever their equivalent of the "Tea-like-mother-makes" tourist will be - and in what way. What will be the status symbols then?
May 10th, 2010, 07:43 AM
#43
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,549
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whereas I agree SOMEWHAT with the general recommendation made above that you should "visit less well-known places" I frankly would CONTINUE to visit the places that hold the most interest for you.
I am certain you haven't suddenly figured out that there are places which interest both you and a LOT of other people but to use the example of getting close to the Mona Lisa and then expanding that to IMPLY that the entire Louvre had the same situation in front of most, if not all, the MANY other offerings is a bit much IMO. And this thing about being "jostled" and the "din' etc.....I know it can be a shock even when you DO plan ahead but your overall characterization sounds like the "hordes" rushing to get to the non-sinking end of the Titanic and, frankly, I think it is an interesting story and a personal rant..and that's about it.
I am certain you haven't suddenly figured out that there are places which interest both you and a LOT of other people but to use the example of getting close to the Mona Lisa and then expanding that to IMPLY that the entire Louvre had the same situation in front of most, if not all, the MANY other offerings is a bit much IMO. And this thing about being "jostled" and the "din' etc.....I know it can be a shock even when you DO plan ahead but your overall characterization sounds like the "hordes" rushing to get to the non-sinking end of the Titanic and, frankly, I think it is an interesting story and a personal rant..and that's about it.
May 10th, 2010, 08:02 AM
#45
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:
" Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty.. You're crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"
"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. " That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?"
"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River called Villa D'Este."
"Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump."
"We're going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope."
"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant.
Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome.
"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"
"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."
"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.
Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."
"Oh, really! What'd he say ?"
He said: "Who fucked up your hair?"
" Rome ? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty.. You're crazy to go to Rome . So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"
"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. " That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?"
"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River called Villa D'Este."
"Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump."
"We're going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope."
"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant.
Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome.
"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.
And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"
"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."
"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.
Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."
"Oh, really! What'd he say ?"
He said: "Who fucked up your hair?"
May 10th, 2010, 08:03 AM
#46
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry Imhornet, but your post made me giggle a little. IMO, not expecting crowds in Paris at the Mona Lisa, is sort of like not expecting crowds in Time Square, NYC. ain't gonna happen.
Maybe what you need is simply an attitude adjustment.
1) Security is here to stay. anyone who travels to popular destinations is going to have to deal.
2) There are reasons why "top 10" are called "top 10". that's because every one goes to visit them. I think the Mona lisa will always have some one gawking at her.
3)You cannot control other peoples behaviour but you can control your reaction to it. Sure tour groups can be annoying, but your on vacation, let them pass and let the annoyance roll off your back.
Happy travels.
Maybe what you need is simply an attitude adjustment.
1) Security is here to stay. anyone who travels to popular destinations is going to have to deal.
2) There are reasons why "top 10" are called "top 10". that's because every one goes to visit them. I think the Mona lisa will always have some one gawking at her.
3)You cannot control other peoples behaviour but you can control your reaction to it. Sure tour groups can be annoying, but your on vacation, let them pass and let the annoyance roll off your back.
Happy travels.
May 10th, 2010, 09:23 AM
#49
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"And mass tourism from China is only just beginning"
Fodors is Major General George Armstrong Custer's last stand. The idea that the colonial types queuing to see crappy paintings in Italian cities constitutes the future of world tourism is beyond me.
The hyper-hypocritical Chinese can't do many things on their
own land but are allowed to poo on their own doorstep. There are currently cities appearing all over SE Asia which solely cater for free spending communists. Loas has developments sprouting which dwarf Las Vagas and I doubt anyone in the these pasts can pronounce the names much less name them.
The world is a changing place and the Chinese have sold us so many plastic toys that break in 10 minutes, the Arabs so much of the black stuff that we are just left behind.
Back to the OP - lets face it, life is like a Louis Vuitton handbag. In the end it's just for carrying stuff, for some people it :
1. Lets them show to others they can afford one
2. Makes them feel better that they can afford one
3. Identify freely with others who can afford one.
In the end it's only a bag
Bit like a trip ticking off the sites of Europe - go back home and live another 6 months of dinner parties showing the pictures. "Oh the Cappuccino on St Marks" .... FFS
Fodors is Major General George Armstrong Custer's last stand. The idea that the colonial types queuing to see crappy paintings in Italian cities constitutes the future of world tourism is beyond me.
The hyper-hypocritical Chinese can't do many things on their
own land but are allowed to poo on their own doorstep. There are currently cities appearing all over SE Asia which solely cater for free spending communists. Loas has developments sprouting which dwarf Las Vagas and I doubt anyone in the these pasts can pronounce the names much less name them.
The world is a changing place and the Chinese have sold us so many plastic toys that break in 10 minutes, the Arabs so much of the black stuff that we are just left behind.
Back to the OP - lets face it, life is like a Louis Vuitton handbag. In the end it's just for carrying stuff, for some people it :
1. Lets them show to others they can afford one
2. Makes them feel better that they can afford one
3. Identify freely with others who can afford one.
In the end it's only a bag
Bit like a trip ticking off the sites of Europe - go back home and live another 6 months of dinner parties showing the pictures. "Oh the Cappuccino on St Marks" .... FFS
May 10th, 2010, 12:06 PM
#52
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WellIdidn'tknowthat: Thank you for doing the research. I wasn't about to bother wasting one more minute with
"hornet poison".
Stingmaster Hornet: I quote:
"lmhornet on Dec 16, 09 at 12:19pm
Here's some good advice - skip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else. Florence is the most overrated place in Europe. There is little there but the Cathedral and a bunch of museums. If you are into that kind of thing fine. But it is amazing how people who would never bother going across the street to a museum at home get cowed by guidebooks and the art Nazi's on discussion sites like this intro thinking that they absolutely, positively must go to museums in Europe."
Interesting! You sure gained a lot of friends with this post...of course, for someone who probably has none this may be orgasmically fulfilling for you.
Fodorites, can you imagine sitting around the dinner table with these "people"...?
"hornet poison".
Stingmaster Hornet: I quote:
"lmhornet on Dec 16, 09 at 12:19pm
Here's some good advice - skip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else. Florence is the most overrated place in Europe. There is little there but the Cathedral and a bunch of museums. If you are into that kind of thing fine. But it is amazing how people who would never bother going across the street to a museum at home get cowed by guidebooks and the art Nazi's on discussion sites like this intro thinking that they absolutely, positively must go to museums in Europe."
Interesting! You sure gained a lot of friends with this post...of course, for someone who probably has none this may be orgasmically fulfilling for you.
Fodorites, can you imagine sitting around the dinner table with these "people"...?
May 10th, 2010, 12:26 PM
#53
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live in NYC and tourist dollars are the best kind. They use very little social services and they pay an exorbitant hotel tax. No matter what you say they eat in terrible retaurants, leaving tables open in the better spots. They do not stay in the residential areas and they visit places like Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty where no self respecting NY would be caught dead. They keep Broadway alive, something like 60% of theatre goers from out of town and rarely go to where NY'ers go for entertainment.
Here's to the tourist.
Here's to the tourist.
May 10th, 2010, 01:01 PM
#55
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aduchamp,
It depends what kind of tourist. Major W. European cities are flooded w/E European tourist in the off seasons raising their costs of services.
To answer the OP, August is the best time to visit Europe & avoid crowds at major city sites
It depends what kind of tourist. Major W. European cities are flooded w/E European tourist in the off seasons raising their costs of services.
To answer the OP, August is the best time to visit Europe & avoid crowds at major city sites
May 10th, 2010, 01:27 PM
#57
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Here's some good advice - skip Florence. Go to Venice or someplace else. Florence is the most overrated place in Europe. There is little there but the Cathedral and a bunch of museums. If you are into that kind of thing fine. But it is amazing how people who would never bother going across the street to a museum at home get cowed by guidebooks and the art Nazi's on discussion sites like this intro thinking that they absolutely, positively must go to museums in Europe."
Seems pretty good travel advice to me.
tower - I presume you have a LV handbag and that talking about dross like this
http://www.biocrawler.com/w/images/d...ontefeltro.jpg
keeps you going for at least 2 years during your dinner party circuit.
Seems pretty good travel advice to me.
tower - I presume you have a LV handbag and that talking about dross like this
http://www.biocrawler.com/w/images/d...ontefeltro.jpg
keeps you going for at least 2 years during your dinner party circuit.
May 10th, 2010, 01:45 PM
#58
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The thing that really ticks me off about the quoted material from imhornet is the repeating of "Nazi's." It should be "Nazis." One does NOT form the plural of Nazi with 's.
That should get us started again.
That should get us started again.
May 10th, 2010, 02:15 PM
#59
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 20,546
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One individual poster didn't like his trip - maybe wrong destination(s) for him? And from this he comes to "The future for diverting, enjoyable and relaxed tourism looks very grim."
Generalization is not becoming to say the least!
Generalization is not becoming to say the least!
May 10th, 2010, 07:44 PM
#60
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tourists do you not use schools, social services, and minimally use fire fighitng and may increase police protection and garbage collection. They support all forms of local employment besides hotels and reaturants, transportation of all sorts, construction, entertainent, and retail and contribute taxes.
At least in NYC, the cost of goods and services in the tourist areas are more than avaerage Manhattan neighborhoods except for neighborhoods which are wealthy to begin with.
The restaurants in the theatre district and midtown cost much more for the same food quality than in most residential areas.
At least in NYC, the cost of goods and services in the tourist areas are more than avaerage Manhattan neighborhoods except for neighborhoods which are wealthy to begin with.
The restaurants in the theatre district and midtown cost much more for the same food quality than in most residential areas.
