Friday TRENDS: Opinion
WE ARE growing increasingly fed up with the weasel words of the tourism industry. Take the most prominent example, ''ecotourism.''
That prefix eco-, first attached by well-meaning people, has now been misused so constantly to the point where it has no real value any more.
It's the eco that isn't worth hearing.
The problem began way back with the biggest weasel word of all, eco-nomy. There is nothing especially eco-logical about economy.
Just think about economies of scale, for a start. That means you are about to lose your job.
In tourism, an ecotour these days comes with no guarantee of being ''environmentally friendly.'' (Remember that slippery phrase?)
An ecotour can be a ride on the back of an elephant, a whip around Patong Bay on a jetski, or a trip on a speedboat with no life jackets to a wrecked reef.
Geo- is just as bad, and yet its time is coming as the chosen replacement prefix for the meaningless eco-.
Start thinking about the real meaning of the prefix, geo- and you will come to the conclusion that it's already messed up.
Geo-politics, for instance. How happy does that make you feel?
Yes, geo- is just another prefix waiting to be abused, standing in the queue behind eco-. Still want to take that geotour?
The word ''pristine'' once had meaning. Untouched by humans, if we recall correctly.
These days, some brochures still have the audacity to describe Phuket's beaches as ''pristine.''
Then again, maybe it's just ignorance rather than deception.
And there's that great phrase, ''sustainable tourism'' . . . Forgive our laughter.
Those who use the phrase all have different interpretations and motives.
The environmentalist will say that it means preservation of natural assets. Lovely thought.
Going by geotour to the other end of the gamut of usage, the eco-sensitive company boss, who is really thinking economy not ecology, will say that it means sustaining a profit.
Very different assets.
''Sustainable tourism'' now has so many meanings that it is of no further practical use.
Sustainable? Tourism, really? Yet again, the original concept has been hijacked.
And that's the problem. Any prefix or phrase that becomes abused with constant misuse loses its value.
If you asked six people what was meant by ''sustainable Phuket,'' you would get six different answers - perhaps seven if someone is in two minds, the way many people tend to be these days.
So please, let's not hear mention any more of that most hokey adjective and noun of them all, ''sustainable planet.''
We just don't believe it.
*Please tell us your experience with eco and other tourism lies via the Comment box below.
Look for
TRENDS
every day, Monday to Friday, at Phuketwan. It's essential reading. To tell us your news, email bigislandmedia@gmail.com or telephone 081 6513489.
Latest
TRENDS
from Phuketwan:July 31
Should communities on islands off Phuket benefit from tourism? Certainly they should, say the people of Koh Yao Yai, where change is coming fast; One Two Go, When When When?; Aussies brawl again.
Speedboat Stirs Up Island Independence
July 30
Giving Thai officials the finger on arrival on Phuket and elsewhere will become customary if Cabinet approves a proposal from Thai Immigration officials; Korean honeymooners now have a new honorary consul.
Fingerprinting Urged For International Arrivals in Thailand
July 29
If marine biologists tell us that the Andaman coral reefs are in danger, we listen. And that's what the diving and fishing industries need to do at a crisis meeting this week; Nokking on Heaven's door by bus to Phuket; A wedding and an unwanted guest.
Crisis Meeting Will Decide Future of Phuket Diving
July 28
Control of Patong's decision-making local council now rests with Pian Keesin and the Rak Patong party after Sunday's poll, and that means the advocates of the Patong Hill underpass are in charge; Laguna's ESPN sportsfest rescues a school
Patong Hill Tunnel Likely After Poll Power Change
Weekend Extra July 26-27
Phuket's push for condominiums to the max stresses the Governor and the building industry; The new Turkish resort brand offers all in one wellness; Khao Lak alert for 'Divebombing and Drunk' Russians.
Governor Fears Condomania Outbreak on Phuket
July 25
A gem among Andaman destinations, cameras loved this fabled water village. But up close and personal, Panyee was on the nose. Could a traditional fishing village beat pollution?
Stilt Villagers Tame The Beast of Panyee
July 24
An important meeting will be held on August 1 in an effort to save Phuket's coral reefs, under threat from divers and fishermen; Drugs lure tourists to Cambodia and Laos; Noted Australian newsman on trafficking charge.
Racha Summit to Resolve Threats to Phuket Reefs
July 23
One of the Andaman region's most spectacular and star-crossed resort sites, the Sofitel Magic Lagoon, has a new and unusual brand; Airlines face a new world order; Wellness flies high for Bangkok Airways.
Khao Lak Delight as Turkish Brand Takes Over
July 22
Signs are not good for Phuket's tourism and property industries as airlines throttle back for a rough passage through darkening clouds. Embattled One Two Go CEO sees a silver lining; Flower show a bright spot.
Airline Setback Will Slow Phuket Too
July 21
The Department of Civil Aviation will today release the report on the crash of One-Two-Go Flight 269 on Phuket last year. The report has ramifications for continuing confidence in budget airlines; Golf caddy query; Tsunami movie hit.
Phuket Air Crash Report Due For Release
July 18
While Phuket resorts wait to see what August and September bring, some have contingency plans for staff layoffs. How deep will the oil price crisis bite? Surf carnival time; Your own tuk-tuk; Choosing a restaurant.
Jobs at Risk as Phuket Tourist Numbers Dive
Look for
TRENDS
every day, Monday to Friday, at Phuketwan. It's essential reading. 
