July Newsletter
WHo CAREs!? Chronicles
Welcome to our monthly newsletter !
July arrives, draped in sunshine. Days stretch long, promising adventures beyond the familiar. It's a month that whispers of faraway beaches, winding mountain roads, and the thrill of exploring somewhere new.
The mindful art of being a traveler, not a tourist…
Anthony Bourdain, a master of cultural immersion, embodied the difference between being a traveler and a tourist. He delved into local experiences, showcasing the world's richness beyond staged attractions.
Photographer Natacha De Mahieu’s, Theatre of Authenticity series explores this idea. Her photos capture the performative nature of tourism, particularly on social media. They spark conversation about the intersection of tourism, social media trends, and the impact on our environment.
"If I advocate for anything, it's to move. The more you experience different cultures, even through something as simple as sharing a meal, the better it is for everyone. Open your mind, explore, and connect." Anthony Bourdain.
A phenomenon called ‘overtourism’ is causing tension in popular destinations across Spain. Residents in Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands are grappling with overcrowded streets, environmental damage, and a decline in their quality of life.
This isn't limited to cities. Rural areas and islands can also suffer from overtourism. Governments and tourism boards are scrambling for solutions. Platforms like Airbnb, while offering affordable accommodations, can exacerbate the problem by reducing available housing for locals and driving up rent prices.
Water, a vital resource, is another concern. The tourism industry consumes vast quantities for hotels, restaurants, and leisure activities. This can lead to shortages, contamination, and depletion, especially in summer months on smaller islands.
This summer, be a mindful traveler. Research destinations and understand their limitations. A small island might not have the infrastructure to handle a large influx of visitors. Choose experiences that respect local cultures and environments. Travel can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding, but it requires responsibility. Responsible travel, hospitality and sustainable services are all topics we will explore at length in our next care guide – LIVe LIKe You CARe!? So, stay tuned…
Last month, we were honored to coordinate the launch of the new Métiers d’Arts space in the heart of Paris. Togetherness and inclusion where the themes of the evening. Togetherness and gratitude are both principles we value very much, as a small business, and as an active community builder.
This month the WHo CAREs!? Chronicles’ team is hard at work doing research and planning climate week in September. We might just skip our August newsletter altogether to get a much-needed break…including a much-needed digital break. We hope you won’t miss us much. 😊
Summer is about celebrating togetherness, and joy, sharing moments with the people we love, being in the moment. Summer is also about reflecting on the first half of the year, and we hope this first half of 2024 has been kind and good to you.
We wish you a lovely summer and many moments of joy.
With gratitude,
The WHo CAREs!? Chronicles Team
PS: Dive into a summer of personal growth and connection with these inspiring reads! "The Way of Integrity" by Martha Beck offers a roadmap for living an authentic life. In "The Power of Love," Bishop Michael Curry shares his message of love's transformative potential. Finally, "Listen to the Land Speak" by Manchan Magan fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world. With these diverse books, you're sure to find something to enrich your summer.