Comments on: The Mass Tourism Mindset

By: Discount Perfume

Discount Perfume — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:51:39 +0000

I can see where you are going with this article and, to a certain extent, I agree with it. However, not all packaged travel are can be lumped into the same proverbial bin. For example, Rick Steves travel packages (http://www.ricksteves.com) specializes in European travel packages that take travelers off the beaten path…away from all the touristy and packed places around Europe.

By: Ron Mader

Ron Mader — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:52:58 +0000

A few years ago I attended a meeting with a tourism official in Mexico. He was very proud of the coverage given in National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler and even framed the stories for the walls of his office. I looked closely and what he had framed were not stories but the ads. It was a surreal moment as he did not understand the difference or what it might matter to others.

By: Marilyn Terrell

Marilyn Terrell — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 02:48:38 +0000

Thank you Tim for recommending Nat Geo Traveler on your Contrarian Traveler site. We appreciate the distinction you make between our magazine and the competition!
Advertising is what makes our magazine possible, but I know what you mean about advertising that tries to look editorial. We just figure our readers are savvy enough to know the difference. And rather than try to sell you perfume and jewelry, we’ve got our online Authentic Shopping Guide, to tell you where to find authentic crafts around the world. This month we debut Laura Morelli’s column called “The Genuine Article” on our website, and she focuses on hand-embroidered textiles from Rajasathan: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/extras/shoppingguide/morelli0710.html

By: tim

tim — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:44:45 +0000

Marilyn, I’m glad to hear that! I do think National Geographic Traveler is a clear step above the others (NG Adventure too). You are one of the few I recommend on my book sites:
http://www.contrariantraveler.com/magazines.html

It’s still stuffed with way too many glowingly positive “special advertising features” that are hard to tell apart from the real stories, but travel mags seem to be addicted to those sleights of hand these days. I do appreciate not having to go through 20 pages of watch and perfume ads before getting to the table of contents! And yes, you actually encourage people to think for themselves and not just follow the herds.

By: Marilyn Terrell

Marilyn Terrell — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:48:39 +0000

Well that’s a funny ad, but you won’t find it in National Geographic Traveler (where I work), at least not in our October or November issues, which I just checked. And I don’t think it accurately reflects the thoughtful approach to travel that our readers have, as we’ve found in their letters and emails to us. I imagine some art director was just trying to be clever!