My friend posted a video to Facebook from BBC's Fast Track, questioning whether Barcelona has been spoiled by tourism. I commented that I could write a dissertation on the subject, and would only remark that the way forward in the tourism industry is responsible and sustainable attitudes towards tourism. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought it was a valuable topic to discuss, and, not being a fan of engaging in debates on Facebook, I'm here instead. Don't worry, I'm not going to write a dissertation here, but I want to address a couple things the video mentioned. I don't have enough space to touch on everything, but that doesn't necessarily mean I don't think it important - I just don't want you to all run away at the sight of an essay-post. A little bit of background. Barcelona's tourism industry really kicked off in 1992/1993, after Barcelona hosted...

  When I lived on the left coast, most holier-than-thou Vancouverites scoffed at my "concrete-jungle" hometown of Toronto, claiming it was ugly and lacked nature, greenery, and overall beauty. In reality, they were suffering from a Jane Austen complex, in that their pride in their gorgeous mountain-meets-ocean city had yielded an unflattering prejudice against any other city, and on none so heavily as Toronto. In actuality, Toronto is a pretty green city, especially for travellers. Not only is the city eco-friendly, yielding a variety of ecotourism options, it is also chockablock full of greenery, with trees, parks, and parkettes galore. In fact, the city has over seven million trees within its borders - that's more trees than people, which is a good thing! In addition to the leafy canopy over the city, Toronto offers a number of great green accommodations, transportation, and tours - you just have to know where...

There is a dark side to the industry I, and so many others, love. As a student of sustainable tourism, it was one of the first things we were aware of; tourism has a multi-faceted dark side, and its up to the leaders in the industry to create a less fractured future. The industry faces major challenges regarding sustainability, and it is crucial that everyone involved acknowledges the negative impacts tourism can have, and just what to do about them. We recognize how important it is to understand the entire tourism industry, not just the part that enriches and empowers people, and provides exceptional experiences throughout the world. Tourism can damage lives, ecosystems, and cultures. In countries all over the world there is evidence of cultural degradation from things like Westernization and foreign ownership, environmental destruction through hotel pollution and the sacrifice of conservation over tourism profits, and the deplorable...