Middle East - Anthony Ham [6]
Tourism has the potential to change for the better the relationship between the Middle East and the West, but the gradual erosion of traditional life is mass tourism’s flipside. Sexual promiscuity, public drunkenness among tourists and the wearing of unsuitable clothing are all of concern. For more coverage on the impact of tourism in the Middle East, Click here. For a list of Middle Eastern businesses and sights that engage in sustainable environmental practices, see the GreenDex.
Try to have minimal impact on your surroundings. Create a positive precedent for those who follow you by keeping in mind the following:
Don’t hand out sweets or pens to children on the streets, since it encourages begging. Similarly, doling out medicines can encourage people not to seek proper medical advice and you have no control over whether the medicines are taken appropriately. A donation to a project, health centre or school is a far more constructive way to help.
Buy your snacks, cigarettes, bubble gum etc from the enterprising grannies trying to make ends meet, rather than state-run stores. Also, use locally owned hotels and restaurants and buy locally made products.
Try to give people a balanced perspective of life in the West. Try also to point out the strong points of the local culture, such as strong family ties and comparatively low crime.
Make yourself aware of the human-rights situation, history and current affairs in the countries you travel through.
If you’re in a frustrating situation, be patient, friendly and considerate. Never lose your temper as a confrontational attitude won’t go down well and for many Arabs a loss of face is a serious and sensitive issue. If you have a problem with someone, just be polite, calm and persistent.
Try to learn some of the standard greetings (Click here) – it will make a very good first impression.
Ask before taking photos of people. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the language – a smile and gesture will be appreciated. Never photograph someone if they don’t want you to. If you agree to send someone a photo, make sure you follow through on it.
Be respectful of Islamic traditions and don’t wear revealing clothing; loose lightweight clothing is preferable.
Respect local etiquette. Men should shake hands when formally meeting other men, but not women, unless the woman extends her hand first. If you are a woman and uncomfortable with men extending their hand to you (they don’t do this with local women), just put your hand over your heart and say hello.
Public displays of physical affection are almost always likely to be misunderstood. Be discreet.
Choose environmentally sustainable transport options (eg train, renting a bike, or sailing up the Nile) where they exist and support ecotourism initiatives and local environmental organisations (see the boxed text, Click here).
Consider offsetting the carbon emissions of your flights (see the boxed text, Click here).
Try not to waste water. Switch off lights and air-con when you go out.
When visiting historic sites, consider the irreparable damage you inflict upon them when you climb to the top of a pyramid, or take home an unattached artefact as a souvenir.
Do not litter.
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All countries of the Middle East have literacy levels above 80%, except for Iraq (74.1%) and Syria (79.6%). The highest literacy rates are for men in Israel (98.5%) and the Palestinian Territories (96.7%), while lowest are women in Egypt (59.4%).
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For more specific advice in relation to diving responsibly, see the boxed text, Click here, while hikers should check out the boxed text, Click here.
A British organisation called Tourism Concern ( in the UK 020-7133 3330; www.tourismconcern.org.uk; Stapleton House, 277-281 Holloway Rd, London N7 8HN) is primarily concerned with tourism and its impact upon local cultures and the environment. It has a range of publications and contacts for community organisations, as well as advice on minimising the impact of your travels.
Middle East Stories
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EGYPT
IRAQ
JORDAN
ISRAEL