In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of hooliganism, even violence, perpetrated by foreign travellers in the Philippine island destination of Siargao.
As local authorities and residents express their alarm over the erratic and disruptive behaviour of foreigners, there are also numerous concerns regarding the establishment of a Chabad House on the part of Israeli travellers within the vicinity which could undermine local culture, as well as the overall safety and security of adjacent communities.
In which case, many experts feel that Siargao could be a case study for a disturbing trend referred to as invasive tourism wherein foreigners come to locations in droves, essentially taking over local communities, imposing their own rules and customs, and compromising local culture and security.
This piece seeks to give a clearer picture of the situation, along with a number of ways by which communities and nations can prevent or mitigate the negative impact of invasive tourism.
What exactly is invasive tourism?
The trend that is becoming known as invasive tourism actually has its roots in another issue challenging popular destinations the world over: overtourism.
For tourists to be seen as an invasive force, however, they may have performed any of the following:
- Environmental degradation Small regard for the local environment through wanton littering, destruction of both public and private property, as well as wastage of food, water, and power;
- Cultural disruption / erosion and displacement of local residents Active disrespect or disregard of local customs and traditions despite warnings on the part of residents and relevant authorities. Consider the Chabad House matter in Siargao which flouts the authority of the local government, as well as that of local religious groups; paired with the alarming influx of Israeli nationals into the area: organisers paid no heed to the locals, instead imposing their own culture over what is indigenous to the region;
- Active strain on local infrastructure As in many cases of overtourism, invasive tourism has led to housing shortages in affected areas, breakdowns in public sanitation systems, and increased traffic issues; and
- Economic disruption Consider the way many overstaying Chinese nationals created enclaves in various parts of the Philippine capital: it led to the establishment of single-nation accommodations, restaurants, and even entertainment venues which did not benefit local communities. Not only did these communities earn nothing from such establishments operating within their vicinity, but the fact that operators hired employees from their nation of origin also meant a dearth of livelihood opportunities for real residents.
What can be done about it?
Stronger and stricter immigration laws are a key component in mitigating the impact of invasive tourism among nations.
Likewise, vigilance on the part of both national and local authorities goes a long way when it comes to reining in disruptive foreigners.
Consider the statement by Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval as of 7th April: “We are taking reports about foreign nationals very seriously. Foreigners found to be violating immigration laws will definitely face sanctions. If found to have violated immigration laws, violators may face deportation and blacklisting.”
Growing concerns in Siargao have also caused neighbouring towns and cities to be on their guard, even prompting a statement from the local government of nearby town General Luna on 10th April which declared: “We are proud to share our beautiful islands, culture, and hospitality. However, all tourists are expected to respect local laws, customs, and communities at all times.”
Both statements echo the sentiments of locals whose livelihoods and very way of life have been disrupted by unruly, even destructive, tourist behaviour, to the point that even religious observances have been willfully mocked and disrupted.
In which case, perhaps Siargao ought to take a cue from the Philippines’ neighbours throughout Asia with regard to the following preventive / reparative measures:
- Reconsideration of visa-free policies with specific nations, especially those whose nationals have threatened the local way of life or who enter the country under spurious circumstances;
- The imposition of capacity limits at key locations like beaches and commercial enclaves;
- The placement of digital tools and surveillance equipment for 24/7 monitoring;
- Higher taxes on goods and services availed of by foreign tourists, essentially paving the way for better-quality travellers;
- Stronger penalties and fines against disruptive behaviour, especially that which leads to physical harm on locals, destruction of property, and even desecration of cultural / religious sites; and
- Taking a cue from the Boracay clean-up, the imposition of a moratorium against new hospitality / tourism development for a specific period.
While the Philippines is working to elevate its profile as a global destination, especially in the face of flagging arrival numbers over the past several years, what is happening in Siargao is no laughing matter.
After all, if a nation cannot protect its people from the onslaught of unwelcome foreign influence, how can it safeguard the security and enjoyment of those who visit it in good faith?
