Tourism and Charity - an unrivalled partnership
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It is usually assumed that charity work is separate from commercial activities. Commerce is for material gain while charity work is directed to raising or spending money for humanitarian projects for the weaker, needy, impoverished members of society. The business sector may have once seen these activities as a waste of money but their view has changed in today’s world.
During the past years many international companies tried to improve and polish their images. They started declaring that they put aside a certain percentage of their profits to benefit charities and encourage their customers to give to charities. For example:
• British Airways distributes small bags as passengers are leaving the airline in the hope they will donate their small change or unwanted notes from the countries they have just visited to be used for the benefit of worthwhile causes. It has also put glass boxes at the airports to collect unwanted currency. Seeing these boxes is often enough to make people empty their pockets. The donors may think their contributions do not add up to much but the money soon mounts up, especially when we take into account the large number of international travellers. Donations are now being collected on behalf of UNICEF and many charities are interested in the British Airways boxes.
• Reed International, specialist organisers of tourism exhibitions in many countries including Egypt and the UAE, started to dedicate a percentage of their income to charity. The company calls upon the exhibitors to contribute a surcharge on the cost of their participation towards charity. Many other exhibitors have followed this example. Reed also set up a charity called “Just a Drop†to collect donations from teams of volunteers who take part in sponsored adventures in remote, challenging areas.
• The British Foreign Office, a number of travel and tourism agencies and others working in the tourism sector are trying to form a charity for the conservation and enhancement of the environment.
• Our colleagues in the tourism media, eTurboNews, started a collection for the victims of “Bam†earthquake in Iran - a commendable effort that should be encouraged and respected.
These are just a few examples of the numerous initiatives - both those of individuals and companies - to use international travel, and even travel within a single country, to collect money for different charities working towards improving the quality of life.
After this snapshot of donations and charitable initiatives from the developed world we turn to tourism in developing countries. What is the state of tourism in developing countries and the Muslim World in particular?
The tourism sector in the developing world is weak; developing nations must nuture it through well thought out strategies and finance if it is to survive. If society takes cares of the tourist sector this sector will in turn play a beneficial role in society. Once it is established the tourist sector can assist society through charitable initiatives.
The first priority of these charities should be the provision of free services and voluntary labour. Financial contributions can come later. The time and effort of dedicated people may be more valuable than millions of pounds.
Throughout the Muslim world charitable projects: search and rescue after a natural disaster, environmental conservation and the provision of clean drinking water, are generally undertaken by agencies outside the region. It is time for the people of the Muslim world to assume responsibility for these projects, help themselves by themselves and respond to all the needs of their societies.
What is to be done? What are the priorities? Every country has its own needs best know to the citizens of that country who can:
• Set up charities to clean the whole town - not just the tourist areas.
• Modernise transport, control the flow of traffic and improve ways of dealing with tourist traffic and travellers.
• Upgrade the standard of accommodation in religious and pilgrimage sites and encourage homeowners to provide accommodation for visitors at the height of the season when hotels and guest houses cannot cope.
• Improve hygiene standards in restaurants and pay special attention to the quality of food preparation.
• Ensure tourists are well treated and not overcharged.
• Establish exemplary museums and libraries to show local culture, artifacts and heritage at its best and acquaint visitors with the history of the town or state. This may encouraging individuals to bequeath their own collections to these museums.
• Preserve the facade of buildings in accordance with local character and taste.
• Create a peaceful environment for tourists through the enforcement of strict laws improving traffic flow and easing congestion.
This will contribute to the enhancement of the local environment, heritage and life in general. It will also play a positive role in raising spirits and changing the psychological orientation of the locals so they will have a more positive attitude towards life without depression and neurosis. Tourists will also benefit from the positive disposition of the locals who deal with them and provide essential services.
In Western cities, be it in shops or on public transport, there is an eagerness to serve which uplifts the soul and generates a love of the country and its people. Such sentiments are absent in countries where the streets are unkept and strangers are greeted with rudeness and suspicion.
Muslim countries have something to learn from the West in this respect. Individuals and societies, with the help of governments in the Muslim world, can change for the better. Charities with specific functions can be set up. Above all they must raise the social awareness of their members and educate them.
There is an essential role for volunteers who believe in the message of benevolent tourism. The committees supervising these charities have to pay the utmost attention to the safety and welfare of the volunteers. In my book “The Humanitarian Jihad in Islam†I refer to them as “Mujahiden†rather than volunteers, so would there be an objection to calling these charities “The Charities of Tourism Jihad†and their volunteers “Mujahiden?"
It is incumbent on governments to help these charities and to enact legislation to ensure that they keep to their declared charters. Appropriate legislation can facilitate the charitable donations of individuals and remove all bureaucratic hurdles and unnecessary red tape. The charitable individual has to provide the finance so that these societies have the resources to work effeciently.
When such a programme is implemented - even if only partially - the tourist will feel eager to return to which ever Muslim country he or she has visited. Satisfied visitors will be a walking, talking advertisement for numerous tourist destinations and they will encourage more visitors. With the right input from every quarter this positive cycle will continue.
Will Muslim countries channel their energies in this direction? I sincerely hope so. It is important that young people do their duty, serve their country, and work for the sake of humanity and a better future. This is my call for action. The Qu'ran urges us to do our best: “And say: “Work soon will Allah observe your work and his apostle, and believersâ€Â.
May Allah guide us to the best of deeds.
A. S. Shakiry
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The articles
which appeared in Islamic Tourism magazine
Camley Street Nature Park: Wilderness in the heart of London Issue 73 Impressive Middle Eastern stands at World Travel Market Issue 73 Three anniversaries for London’s Mesopotamian story telling group Issue 73 London’s lesser known parks ideal for autumn walks Issue 72 Signs, Symbols Secrets: London’s Science Museum sheds light on alchemy Issue 72 Enduring Middle East: Scottish artist follows in the footsteps of Orientalist painter David Roberts Issue 71 An Interview with Mr. Ben Harper, Director of Sales & Marketing for Go Native Apartments in London Issue 71 Ramadhan in London Issue 71 Leptis Magna fascinates famous war photographer Issue 70 Middle Eastern states showcase heritage at London Book Fair Issue 70 Education, Knowledge, Networking and Entertainment at MPI event, the EMEC Issue 68 World Hajj & Umrah Convention, 11-12 February 2012, British Museum, London–UK Issue 68 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandEnchanting fairground for the festive season Issue 67 Rye: a quaint historic town in East Sussex Issue 67 Arab Spring Countries At World Travel Market Optimistic About Tourism Issue 66 Exciting Horizons From New Exhibitors At WTM Issue 66 London’s Shubbak Festival: Penetrating flash of insight into Arab culture Issue 65 Heracles to Alexander the Great: Treasures from the Royal Capital of Macedon Issue 65 British Museum's Afghan exhibition extended due to popular demand Issue 63 Hadrian’s WallA walk through history in Britain’s idyllic country side Issue 63 British Museum Showcases Omani Jewellery Issue 62 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandBigger And Better Every Year Issue 60 Middle East & North Africa Travel Association (MENATA) launched at World Travel Market Issue 59 Windsor: The Largest Inhabited Castle In The World Issue 59 Aladin's Cave Re-discovered: London's Silver Vaults Issue 59 World Cup Puts Africa Ahead Of The Tourism Game Issue 59 London's Garden MuseumOasis Of Tranquillity In A Majestic Church Building Issue 58 Pitzhanger Gallery & HouseCulture At Its Best In West London Issue 58 British Library Showcases Magnificent Maps Issue 57 Ramadan In London: Muslims And Non Muslims Celebrate Spirituality And Diversity Issue 56 West WycombeOverground Walks, Underground Caves Issue 56 Dickens HouseInsight Into The Life Of A Great Novelist Issue 56 Holland ParkEntertainment In Tranquil Surroundings Issue 56 Chatham and Gillingham: Britain›s Historic Ports Issue 55 London International Fine Art Fair: Beauty & Elegance Issue 55 Ashridge EstateFocal Point of Walks in the Chilterns Countryside Issue 54 Fortnum & Mason Showcases British Crafts Issue 54 Wales offers middle east travellers family fun adventures Issue 54 London Canal MuseumThe Capital's Waterways Then And Now Issue 53 London EyeA Bird's Eye View Of An Amazing City Issue 53 British Museum Showcases Muslim World's Extraordinary Legacy Issue 52 Historic Baths Draw Visitors To English Country Town Issue 51 First Nations Contribution To Winter Olympics Showcased By Canadian High Commission in London Issue 51 British Museum Introduces Native North American Indian Rituals Issue 51 Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: an ideal day out for the family Issue 50 Chasing MirrorsLondons Arabs Exhibit Work At National Portrait Gallery Issue 50 Stratford-upon-Avon thrives on Shakespeare's legacy Issue 49 MoctezumaMyth Comes To Life In British Museum's Aztec Exhibition Issue 49 Magic of Arab calligraphy attracts students from four continents Issue 49 Hampton CourtA great day out at a wonderful palace with magnificent gardens Issue 48 AfricaTremendous potential for the development of tourism Issue 48 Impressive middle eastern stands at world travel market Issue 48 SouthallLondon's Little India Issue 47 Warwick CastleBringing the past to life Issue 46 London University Showcases Work of Kazakh Craftswomen Issue 46 Southend-on-Sealegendary pier, impressive fair grounds Issue 46 AveburyA mysterious present from the past Issue 45 Britain’s Premier Holiday Location Now Easier to See Issue 44 HampsteadLanes, Alleyways, Historic Houses, Quaint Boutiques Issue 44 StonehengeMagnificent, Magical And Mysterious Issue 44 ZipangMesopotamian story-tellers bring ancient tales to life in London Issue 44 Arabic Translation of Obama's biography announced at London book fair Issue 42 British & Ireland Issue 41 Leigh-on-Sea (UK)An Upper Class Fishing Village Where Heritage Is Everything Issue 38 The Lure of the EastBritish Orientalist Painting Issue 36 The New ForestAn Experience Of Peaceful English Life Issue 35 Adventure Travel ShowIntroducing Challenging Destinations Issue 34 HastingsThe 1066 Country Issue 33 African States Eager To Promote Islamic Sites Issue 33 China`s Terracotta Army Exhibitionat the British Museum Issue 32 Luxury Travel Fair Issue 31 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 SacredThe British Library’s Visual Feast Of Holy Texts Issue 30 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 BTTFBritish travel trade fair - 2007 Issue 29 AdvertArabian Travel Market 2007 Issue 28 DestinationsExcellent introduction to unique attractions Issue 28 SouthamptonHistory Comes Alive In The Old Town Issue 27 WTM 2006Emphasis on the link between sport and tourism Issue 27 Spain Lives In PueblaMexico’s City Of Angels Issue 27 HerefordRural England At Its Best Issue 26 Ramadan In BritainSpiritual Havens In A Secular Society Issue 26 Buckingham PalaceWhere the Queen lives and works Issue 25 British Travel Awards 2006Who are the best companies in the travel industry? Issue 25 Activities of the arab tourism organisation Issue 24 AdvertIslam Expo Issue 24 1001 InventionsEnlightened Tribute To Muslim Discoveries Issue 23 Britain Hosts Festival of Muslim Cultures Issue 22 London's International Travel ShowsAttract Muslim Countries Issue 22 World Travel MarketArab and Muslim presence grows from strength to strength Issue 21 GreenwichWhere time began Issue 20 Forgotten EmpireThe british museum in london is hosting a magnificent ... Issue 20 AdvertIT Noor Issue 20 TrafalgarThe decisive battle reinvented by tourism Issue 18 DestinationsNewcomers set up impressive stands Issue 17 CardiffFrom the Industrial Revolution to Yemeni Mosques Issue 17 The Muslim WorldAn ideal adventure travel destination Issue 16 HajThe most sacred journey on earth Issue 15 World Travel MarketArabs optimistic despite Middle East's negative image Issue 15 The Muslims in LondonStriving for self-sufficiency without isolation Issue 14 Britain embracedIslamic culture before immigrants arrived Issue 13 Awards to Islamic TourismInspire confidence Issue 13 The Rise of Islamic TourismInternational conference discusses effect of 9/11 ... Issue 13 British Travel Trade FairBosses predict 'best-ever' ... Issue 11 Nine eleven sep asideMuslim countries are popular with tourists Issue 10 The arab and muslim worldsTremendous potential for the development … Issue 10 The ThamesLondon's lifeline, England's pride Issue 8 EdinburghThe Muslim community of Edinburgh and their central mosque Issue 6 WTMWorld Travel Market - London Issue 5 LondonWorld Travel Market 2001 Issue 2 |
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