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ECOCLUB, Issue 94
Rachel Dodds: I believe on-line and off-line forums are just as beneficial if not more beneficial than academic conferences as
often industry is present and current issues are being discussed. Academic conferences do however, expose you to new areas of
research and theory and are useful in terms of keeping up to date as well as networking and establishing relationships with
experts in other fields as well as geographical locations.
platitudes & niceties, suddenly comes across a passage about "a land where an invader has demolished a country in
order to try and flatten the spirit of the people". We would argue that this daring description would fit nearly all
countries around the world at some point in their history! But do you believe that sustainable tourism consultants &
academics are increasingly more daring in expressing their personal opinions on political & religious matters, and risk
losing 'business', as opposed to the old adage - 'leave only footprints'?
Rachel Dodds: For me, I believe in quality, not quantity and perhaps I am not a very good consultant because I tell the truth
even to the extent when clients don't always want to hear it! Tourism historically has looked only at economics but sustainability
must look at all elements of the triple bottom line. If a feasibility study, for example, is negative I believe that by outlining
truthfully the consequences, it will save a company far more money long term which is then good value. Additionally, my line
of work is sustainability therefore I try to practice what I preach. I believe that all news is not necessarily good news but at the
same time, my recommendations must be based on the research I do – not my personal opinions or ideas.
ECOCLUB.com: As a sustainable tourism webmaster, what is your assessment of role the Internet as a
communication tool for sustainable tourism? If you could fix one thing, what would it be?
Rachel Dodds: If I could fix one thing – it would be to have someone help me with my website! But seriously – I think that
blogs and podcasts are becoming key forms of media these days and on-line forums and chat rooms for sustainable tourism
should be nurtured. I think ECOCLUB.com is a great source of information and your chatroom is great. Planeta.com also does a
good job of this and a recent organization Stepuptravel.org also has started to focus on advocacy.
ECOCLUB.com: Thank you very much!
