New to my blogroll this week, it's Brave New Traveler. The post that introduced me to this site is a good one - it talks about the impact of difficult destinations becoming increasingly more accessible. The sight in question? Angkor Wat.

The post opens with a lovely short video of the travelers at Angkor Wat itself. Then it disects tourism development in the area.

Ticket sales at the Angkor gates provide salaries for a number of Cambodians, along with a source of revenue to maintain the temples. Yet huge amounts of people arrive via these package tours and exist largely in their own bubble – their buses, hotels, and restaurants are all owned by the same (usually foreign) company, which means little money “trickles down” towards local infrastructure and development.

I think this writer is sensitive enough to understand that what's made it possible for them to get to Angkor Wat is exactly what's being questioned. And they're good questions.

What do you think? Just the way tourism works? Or have you come across any examples of tourism benefitting the local populations and preserving the host environment?

This is a primo site. Travelers, spend some time fishing around in there, you'll find lots to enjoy.

Pam blogs about travel and other adventures at Nerd's Eye View. Angkor Wat is high on her list of fantasy destinations.