Indigenous communities in tourism: visiting tribal cultures

Visiting indigenous communities has never been more popular.  Proud and extravagantly decorated men and women that once only stared out at us from coffee table books, glossy magazines and TV documentaries are now accessible to intrepid travellers and tour companies.

 

We find ancient ways of life of fascinating, and often of great romantic appeal.  In today's world of concrete; supermarkets; urban life; fashions; celebrity culture; stressful jobs; and lack of community the ideal of people living simply together close to nature in the same way that they have for 1000's of years is extremely appealing. For the tourist there is nothing like bridging centuries of modern development and making a connection with people whose lives are so very different to our own.

 

Indigenous communities have sometimes been described as 'living laboratories' based on observing lifestyles that have changed little for hundred's of years. 

Many will feel this a demeaning expression, and those of us privileged enough to have visited, and listened properly, will have discovered that tribal people often have far more to teach us about our society and our lives than we can teach them about our world. 

 

Although every community is different many indigenous or tribal communities are extremely vulnerable to outside influences.  It has been argued that indigenous communities need to be protected from tourists in order to preserve their unique cultures, and in many cases this is true.  However we must remember that indigenous communities have a right to make their own decisions about their development. In many cases healthcare and education are a priority.  Tourism can provide one way of earning money to provide for this.  Many indigenous and tribal people have been marginalized and derided by other communities and Governments as being primitive, for some of these meeting people with a genuine interest and respect for them is important.

 

Whilst it is easy to say that we should leave indigenous communities to make their own decision about how and when to invite tourists into their communities and lives it's vital that they are able to make informed decisions.  Many of us feel that developed countries such as Spain have made disastrous decisions about some of its tourism development, and remote tribal communities experienced tourism for the first time often need advice and support in assessing the pros and cons of tourism and how to manage them.

So what advice for the tourist?

Travelling to visit indigenous communities is fraught with difficulties for even the most responsible traveller. The best advice beyond that below is to be extremely sensitive to local people's reaction to your visit at all times, and be prepared to make changes to your itinerary.

The critical issue is that you should be confident that the community that you are visiting has extended an invitation to tourists. If you are in any doubt the best advice is not to visit – there is nothing worse than feeling very unwelcome. Too often tourism and tourists simply intrude with little thought.

Secondly you should either travel with a local tour company with a proven track record (ask them for their written responsible tourism policy and references), or hire a guide from the local community to ensure that you benefit from their knowledge of what is, or is not, appropriate.

Take time to read up on the people you are about to visit in a good guide-book, and remember at all times that you are a guest in somebody else's home.

In addition to ensuring that you minimize any negative impacts, you'll want to ensure that local people benefit from your visit. Trading for crafts, paying for the services of local guides, or for photographs will benefit local people. Ensuring that the money trickles down through the community to those most in need can be difficult.

I prefer to put money directly into the hands of people who have been involved in my visit in providing services (and that includes photographs). Ask your guide about appropriate rates, and be aware than paying too little - or too much - can cause problems. Begging poses difficulties for those of us keen to help, but not wanting to encourage begging.

In some cases community funds have been created to support the marginalized and projects such as local schools. Enquire about these before you visit, and you might prefer to make a donation to ensure the economic benefits of your visit are spread throughout the community.

By Justin Francis

Interested? For responsible holiday ideas to learn more see our indigenous communities holidays or read more tips on responsible tourism.

Alternatively, for more information on how to help, visit Survival International.