Lonely Planet Tarnishing Seoul?
As per the World Tourism Organization Global Code of Ethics in today’s KT article:
Press and particularly the specialized travel press and the other media, including modern means of electronic communication, should issue honest and balanced information on events and situations that could influence the flow of tourists.
Certainly. At least to some extent. And, moreover with a great deal more tact and polished set of resources. Although I’ve purchased Lonely Planet books in the past and often enjoy reading them (I bought the Bavaria edition a few months back and used it for most of our recent journey to Germany), I think this survey could have beefed up its research just a little bit better on this one. I remember being appalled when I first read it not too long ago. Driven to alcoholism? Jesus. That just reads like it was coined from an expat with a rather large chip on his shoulder. Marmot posted the link the other day to the online list of ‘least favorable cities’. I had seen it earlier and was going to throw it up here but decided against it. I can see why it’s been generating a great deal of buzz lately. But frankly, it’s a short-lived rant. And as one of the world’s leading travel books, I’m more apt to think twice about buying any further books from them in the future.
UPDATE: Looks like all the kerfuffle got some of the wheels moving. LP’s online editor revised the intro somewhat. But it simply begs the question: ‘How could you not think this would annoy or upset travelers in the first place?’ Frankly, I think a top list of least favorite destinations is absurd to begin with.
I used Moon Books when I went to Palau several years ago. I like the series – no frills, just straight and useful info. Haven’t read Rough Guides, but I may give it a go now that you mention it.
No argument that you see many a swaggering folk off their tits trying to make it home after a rough night with the co-workers, but wedging that angle in to a top five list is not exactly tactful – certainly not when you’re a ‘leading’ travel guide like LP. Frankly, I’m sort of tiring of the ‘bigger fish’ trying to call it like they see it. LP can be good on some levels, but you ever wonder how much new info they’re adding to their updated versions? Not much, if any. One book you should read is ‘Honeymoon with my Brother’. Classic. They shit canned all their guide books and saw more of the world than you can imagine.
In my estimation, guide books will soon wear out pretty thin. From what you can grab online – from a growing pool of eager contributors continually ready to update all the time – there’s no need to drop close to forty bucks on a clunker of a book. And last time I checked, LP’s website was in serious need of a facelift.
Sounds like one that got by the editor because the writer was his friend. At least the LP can deflect somewhat, saying ‘we didn’t say it’ – and accepting some flak for their part anyway. Their books are usually (usually) written better than that.
I like the LP for not being boring travel guides; even a certain level of snark is acceptable assuming you can understand its mindset for saying so. Moon’s remain comprehensive, while Rough Guides seems more interested in those that buy tour books but don’t particularly use them.
While I might not say ‘driven to alcoholism’, how many other Asian cities feature the free show of old men drinking in parks, walking in zig-zag fashion four- and five- wide, or simply passing out on the street because they couldn’t make it home? That’s a daily show in some areas of Seoul.
The last lonely planet guidebook I had was LP Japan. I threw it in the sea. How many sheep can LP herd?