I wouldn't get distracted by the 'travel journalist' badge. I did for too long. Based on those topics you mention @Joris, it sounds like what you're doing is simply good old honest journalism – you just happen to be travelling in order to do it, rather than focusing on a local area, interest or industry. What some people call 'travel journalism' I prefer to think of as 'travel industry journalism' (stories about hotels, airlines, destinations etc) and it's a very different thing – although they're often (understandably) grouped together with less travel industry-specific stories within the travel sections of papers & magazines, and I think this is probably the cause of the muddiness in the water. I wish I'd made this distinction sooner in life.
Like the observations about the 'tourist gaze'. Definitely something to be aware of, both when travelling and writing.
Great piece, it makes me think of Edward Said. I think it’s amazing that you think outside of the box when travel writing & actually educate travelers on how to be better tourist when traveling.
A wonderful thought provoking article, thank you. Made me reflect that as travel writers we are constantly being nudged to support business and the status quo. An article I pitched on the basis of interviewing hotel staff and a guide from different local ethnic groups saw an editor come back after commissioning and tell me I should interview the hotel’s managing director who was born and spent half their time in another country.
I wouldn't get distracted by the 'travel journalist' badge. I did for too long. Based on those topics you mention @Joris, it sounds like what you're doing is simply good old honest journalism – you just happen to be travelling in order to do it, rather than focusing on a local area, interest or industry. What some people call 'travel journalism' I prefer to think of as 'travel industry journalism' (stories about hotels, airlines, destinations etc) and it's a very different thing – although they're often (understandably) grouped together with less travel industry-specific stories within the travel sections of papers & magazines, and I think this is probably the cause of the muddiness in the water. I wish I'd made this distinction sooner in life.
Like the observations about the 'tourist gaze'. Definitely something to be aware of, both when travelling and writing.
Great piece, it makes me think of Edward Said. I think it’s amazing that you think outside of the box when travel writing & actually educate travelers on how to be better tourist when traveling.
A wonderful thought provoking article, thank you. Made me reflect that as travel writers we are constantly being nudged to support business and the status quo. An article I pitched on the basis of interviewing hotel staff and a guide from different local ethnic groups saw an editor come back after commissioning and tell me I should interview the hotel’s managing director who was born and spent half their time in another country.
Thoughtful take on how tourism could be more beneficial to all. Including people in sustainability is key.
Such a crucial POV you have shared. You’ve described the “tourist gaze” perfectly and can now attribute a real name to a real feeling. Thank you!
This was a brilliant piece to read! Thanks for making me know this profile.