Over the course of this semester, I have been given the opportunity to do things that I otherwise never would have done on my own, one of those being writing this blog. To be completely honest, I was dreading this class. I thought it was going to be long and boring and completely unrelated to what it is I plan to do with my life. The truth is, it has been just the opposite. Writing and communicating is an essential part of life, and being able to do them well takes practice. Writing this blog has taught me how to address certain audiences, how to relate to different people and interests and most importantly how to get involved in a good cause.
I have been involved in Pinterest, something my wife does, not me. Social media has always been something I have avoided for no other reason than a lack of interest. What I have learned from actively being involved with Pinterest is the power of a single message. The speed at which an image or a call to action can travel the world is unparalleled, making it the greatest advocate and resource for any good cause. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this class and to have had the chance to be a force for good.
What I’ve learned…
I have learned about different issues impacting international traveling like: natural disasters, war, both civil and international, human and drug trafficking, endangered animals and cultures, gangs and violence, fair trade and the importance of intercultural tolerance and understanding. To help counter the negative issues, tourism destinations along with the help from local authorities should strive to adhere to the 5 principles of sustainable tourism:
1. Collaborate
2. Find the fit between the community and tourism
3. Make sites and programs come alive
4. Focus on authenticity and quality
5. Preserve and protect resources
By following these principles, tourism destinations will continue to function as such, and mitigate the impact the above mentioned issues might have on their location and region.
I have learned the importance of being a smart and respectable tourist. The impact you have as a traveler extends far beyond your visit alone. Representing where you come from is vital in establishing open markets and friendly, ongoing relationships between different countries.
I have learned that living “green” doesn’t have to be hard or tedious. There are countless ways to be eco-friendly, countless ways to participate in cleaning up the world around us. Businesses and organizations everywhere are participating in “green” programs; all you have to do is look for them.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Hopefully something I have posted or pinned has sparked in you a desire to improve in some way. Like I have said before, you don’t have to travel the world to make a difference in it, you can be a force for good from where you are now. Amar es servir! (to love is to serve).
I have been involved in Pinterest, something my wife does, not me. Social media has always been something I have avoided for no other reason than a lack of interest. What I have learned from actively being involved with Pinterest is the power of a single message. The speed at which an image or a call to action can travel the world is unparalleled, making it the greatest advocate and resource for any good cause. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this class and to have had the chance to be a force for good.
What I’ve learned…
I have learned about different issues impacting international traveling like: natural disasters, war, both civil and international, human and drug trafficking, endangered animals and cultures, gangs and violence, fair trade and the importance of intercultural tolerance and understanding. To help counter the negative issues, tourism destinations along with the help from local authorities should strive to adhere to the 5 principles of sustainable tourism:
1. Collaborate
2. Find the fit between the community and tourism
3. Make sites and programs come alive
4. Focus on authenticity and quality
5. Preserve and protect resources
By following these principles, tourism destinations will continue to function as such, and mitigate the impact the above mentioned issues might have on their location and region.
I have learned the importance of being a smart and respectable tourist. The impact you have as a traveler extends far beyond your visit alone. Representing where you come from is vital in establishing open markets and friendly, ongoing relationships between different countries.
I have learned that living “green” doesn’t have to be hard or tedious. There are countless ways to be eco-friendly, countless ways to participate in cleaning up the world around us. Businesses and organizations everywhere are participating in “green” programs; all you have to do is look for them.
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Hopefully something I have posted or pinned has sparked in you a desire to improve in some way. Like I have said before, you don’t have to travel the world to make a difference in it, you can be a force for good from where you are now. Amar es servir! (to love is to serve).
