Tourist Trap

Since travelling and seeing some of the world I’ve been torn over comments like : “tourist trap”, the notion that tourists ruin places and the mentality that it would be a shame for countries to gain a place on the map, meaning it will become a place people visit. Aren’t we then wishing our favourite places remain poor so we can pop over and relish in their cheap cuisine and wonderful hospitality!? It’s a bit elitist isn’t it?

When we left Albania I wanted nothing more than to see Albania on the travellers radar. North Albania it poor, but beautiful and tourist trade – tourist money would be invaluable to this country. I’d love to see Albania rise and grow.

Just about a month later I’m in Istanbul and now my views are conflicted. Yesterday Stew and I were in the old town – we were in a very quiet area. It was peaceful, I imagine, typically Turkish. It was cheaper and we had a lovely time. It was still overcrowded, but with local people.

2.5 miles away, we are in the tourist area and EVERYTHING has changed. Seriously, on the high street we could’ve been in Manchester. The overcrowding was a shock to me. The streets, pictured are beautiful and vibrant. The streets with the expensive restaurants attract the travellers – and I can see why – they look amazing! The salesman become more pushy, all trying to sell us a meal – selling us a dream – local food, cooked by my mother in our family restaurant , we will look after you, you can have wine etc.

It’s a tricky one, where there is money there is an opportunity to sell. There is an opportunity to provide a high calibre of product and service, but coinciding with this there’s an opportunity to get ripped off. Where there is money there is western vibe to an area. Is “western vibe” even the right word, I don’t think it is…the tourist areas don’t embellish what western culture or eastern culture is about – it’s just some weird bubble and it feels the same everywhere.

Feeling torn…has anyone got any thoughts on this ramble? Do share!

@ Istanbul, Turkey