What about Responsible Travel after the Commonwealth Games?

The Commonwealth Games are upon us and the responsible travel industry is, inadvertently, in the spotlight. In just a few days, New Delhi is slated to host the international, multi-sport event. Much like fútbol (also known as professional soccer in some willing regions of the US), this sporting event is more popular internationally than it is stateside. Rugby sevens, lawn bowls, and netball are all popular international sporting events to be held with much anticipation during the Commonwealth Games, all sports unheard of here in the United States. Regardless of the wavering levels of international recognition, the impending organizational disaster of the Commonwealth Games uncovers hibernating questions for the responsible travel industry. Why do suffering nations receive unprecedented media coverage during international sporting events, only to receive the cold shoulder of apathy after the final match whistle is blown?

Whenever a nation holds a sporting event as popular as the Commonwealth Games, they are hoping for the spotlight to not only showcase their strengths and abilities as a nation, but also to gain international recognition for funding towards future projects. When media crews show up during the games, they typically focus on the sporting events themselves. The extent of their coverage of the nation itself usually only covers a broad overview of the nation and its values along with a few sound bites and images of tourist attractions. Of course the scrolling ticker during an enthusiastic sporting event is not the appropriate platform for startling statistics on child hunger or crude figures exposing the bustling sex trade, but the responsible travel industry has the vital responsibility of raising international awareness, not only during half time, but long after the games have ended. The responsible travel industry must use this time of unprecedented international media coverage to expose the less- thrilling real
ities to the rest of the world so that efforts to put an end the inhumane living conditions often endured in these nations.

One instance of a missed opportunity for environmental change is the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. During the games, countless headlines reported the poor air quality found all over the city. There were even reports that the air quality was in such poor condition that athletes from other nations were having respiratory problems that could hinder their performance. These headlines were hard to escape during the games, but as soon as media crews packed up to return to their wealthy nations, little was said about the air quality afterwards. Since an immediate massive crackdown on all air pollutants after the Olympic Games was unlikely, it is safe to assume that the problem persists without an international platform to stand upon. It is for this reason that the responsible travel industry must step up to the plate and make environmental and social conditions of these host countries an ongoing concern, not just a sound bite before a commercial break.

Responsible travel is about using the tool of travel in a way that supports the environment and society. Hopefully, the call for environmental awareness will extend beyond matches at the Commonwealth Games.

Photo Credit: vramak