People who come to work or surf daily, amongst the barking dogs, on a stretch of Bali where everyone is equal under the sun. Locals, residents and tourist patrons enjoying the humble offerings.Ĭommunities of residents, tourists and digital nomads, who seek meaning and beauty in authenticity and simplicity who love to connect exchanging stories about the seas.
None of the places you visit are designed for tourists: they are designed by and for the communities that live there, which gives them their unique character.Ĭommunities like those you find on Echo beach, where I am now. And that atmosphere is different in every region, which is why tourists keep on revisiting. One of the reasons that France has remained the number one travel destination in the world for over 50 years, is because you can sense ‘atmosphere’ in every village, market, café and small shop you visit. This is what ensures the real long-term financial success of a destination. In fact, a tourism destination can only be successful when tourists feel they’re home and belong… when they come back again and again, in and outside of season, even in times of crisis. So, what tourists connect most with, is not only ‘the look’ but essentially the ‘atmosphere’ of the places they visit. However, they only spend their hard-earned money in the places that radiate a specific type of ambience: one that makes them feel welcomed, safe, relaxed and happy. Tourists love to take pictures of innovative buildings or unique and untouched landscapes. In tourism, the ‘look’ of a place matters a lot. Asian travellers are particularly attracted by sites that are Instagrammable, which they can share with friends and family. Today, more than ever, visitors (domestic and international) seek to experience something that feels special and different: something to remember, that stands out.
Part of my job is to study tourism trends. I have visited over 70 countries and specialise in small island destinations. I have worked for the United Nations and other similar organisations, as well as several governments on all continents. I am a Lecturer and International Expert in Responsible Tourism. (1) Rubble from the demolishing of local beach bars in Berawa (2) Land cleared for new development in Berawa. A great thing for the local economy? Not really… Our bamboo roofs, our sticky chairs, our wonky tables will all be burned to the ground, and for what? A brand-new, modern and more lucrative ‘brick and concrete’ development with double the number of rentable units - just as they have recently done on Berawa Beach as well. This cosy stretch of humble paradise is being ‘cleaned up’. In one month, all the beach bars that so many of us love and have supported before and throughout the pandemic, will be destroyed. Today, on Echo Beach, I am witnessing the making of a very young man who will remember this moment for the rest of his life… a moment where a community of locals and ‘bulés’ (foreigners), stopped all they were doing to celebrate his achievement.īut my smile soon disappears. This young boy has just won today’s surfing competition.Ī wave of digital nomads, bar staff, surfers, local and foreign tourists join in and the clapping gets louder.
His smile is that of a hero who has just conquered the ocean. I look up and see a child being lifted by two adults, his arms shooting up in the sky. I’m reading, feet up, my Kindle in one hand.
An independent article written by Carole Favre and submitted to NOW! Bali for publishing upon review and approval. Note: This is a community submitted Op-ed.
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