Traveling

Global tourism is enjoying an upsurge of popularity nowadays. However, this trend is accompanied with many complaints that similarities of the sceneries considerably reduce the delights of the travel. Globalisation, in my mind, is the greatest culprit.

As is called, globalisation unifies the world in many different aspects. Girls in Shanghai can be witnessed to have the same street look as those in Paris and Milan; KFC and Pizza Hut are popular in Dubai as they are back in California; the amazing film “2012” was premiered internationally at the same moment. Tourist attractions cannot escape from this sweeping trend. Therefore, it is quite normal to hear the comment from a tourist in Hong Kong, claiming that what he or she has seen is just the same as in Tokyo.

This phenomenon, to me, is a depressing one. People may have sacrificed too many of their culture identities for this. Culture is our ancestors’ most treasurable heritage that is supposed to be passed on from generation to generation. It would be disastrous if people could only recall those busy shopping streets instead of the traditional streets and houses after their trip to Iran. And I remember how frustrated I was when I found a lot of popular souvenirs in some foreign countries could be bought back to Iran – those delicate embroideries really seemed far less appealing to me.

Since the trend of globalisation is inevitable, I suggest that both the local government and the public make joint efforts in protecting and preserving their unique cultural features. Otherwise, global tourism would eventually turn to be boring and pointless. (269 words)