The
process of understanding & action
Actual situation (Conventional paradigm)
Fundamental questions
Personal connection (Activities)
Vision (New paradigm)
Alternatives
Challenges
Commitment
Fundamental
questions
Whose interests are being served, and what kind of life does the project
foster? Why should we build expensive system that would control the
experience of travelers, creating a sterile, controlled atmosphere?
And why should we encourage the industrial tourist industry, which makes
packages and standardizes travel, and depends on national or global
hotels and businesses?
Part of the news is an exploration of the choices that are not being
made. What kind of development in tourism would address the full spectrum
of the needs of travelers and Alaskans? What would make Alaska more
vital and creative? What kind of tourism would enrich travelers by enhancing
their freedom and their choices?
Ownership of concessions and money-making opportunities by Outside corporations with ‘vertical integration’ – they control most meaningful choices of tourists from door to door. There is a lack of alternative travel opportunities. There is plenty of standard tourism like dog mushing, but it’s very clichéd. It’s the selling of Alaska as a commodity. Instead of connected people to Alaskans standards and what is unique and special about life here.
Additional possible
features
? Highlight some of the cool low-budget travel opportunities in Alaska.
? Highlight some of the unfortunate or impractical practices:
What does NOT benefit the people.
City of Flowers vs. Snowplowing of sidewalks
The train depot at the airport that bypasses downtown.
Article process ideas
Get interviews – explore the human side.
Interview past park employees.
Interview people to find out what it was like in the park before and
after Aeromark.
Corporations: Doyon/ARAMARK? Princess?
? Aramark practically owns Denali Park
Topics to investigate
To what extent does money spent in Alaska remain here?
Positive side
Denali is thought to be one of the best managed parks in the country.
Wildlife and the wilderness are protected.
Problems
Privatization of the commons
Little competition, and little choice for independent travelers.
Economic opportunities for small businesses may suffer.
Money does not remain in Alaska.
Mono-culture
I can’t get on a train and speak with a grizzled old man to learn
about travel ideas
Limited choices
Standard, tourism like dog mushing is all over, but it’s so clichéd.
It’s the selling of Alaska as a commodity. Instead of connected
people to Alaskans standards and what is unique and special about life
here.
Challenges