A place can have the most beautiful views, famous landmarks and picture-perfect locations, but what stays with you long after the trip is often something much simpler. A conversation with a local, a meal you did not expect, a festival you happened to witness or the warmth with which someone welcomed you. For Aadil Jaipuri, that is what gives a destination its real character. “For me, it is the people and the culture. A landmark can be beautiful, but it is the experience around it that stays with you,” he said.
Having spent many years in tourism, he has seen how different every destination can feel, even when the places may look similar on a map. “Every destination has its own personality. The way people live, eat, celebrate and welcome you is what makes a place truly memorable,” he said. He also believes tourism can bring real opportunities to local communities, but only when growth does not come at the cost of what makes a place special in the first place. “Absolutely. I have seen how tourism can create jobs and opportunities for local people and small businesses. But it has to be responsible,” he said.
For Aadil, protecting a destination’s identity is not separate from tourism. It is part of what makes people want to visit. “We should develop destinations without losing their identity. The culture and environment are actually what make a destination attractive in the first place. So protecting them is also good for tourism,” he said.
That responsibility, he feels, does not belong only to those developing or managing destinations. Travellers have a role to play too.
“I think we should travel with respect. We are guests in someone else’s home,” he said.
Social media has changed the way people discover destinations, and Aadil sees both sides of that change. He said, “Social media has opened up the world and helped people discover some incredible destinations. Sometimes we become so focused on getting the perfect picture that we forget to enjoy the actual experience.”
As an actor, he knows the value of a good frame. But when he is travelling, he also wants to know when to put the camera away. “When I travel, I also want to put the camera down and enjoy the moment,” he said.
Given a choice between a famous destination and a lesser-known local spot, he would usually pick the latter. He said, “I would probably choose the local gem. I enjoy discovering places that are not yet on everyone’s list.”
The appeal, he feels, is the chance to experience a place without a fixed tourist script. “You often get a more authentic experience, meet interesting people and understand the local culture better. I still love visiting iconic destinations because there is usually a reason they became iconic,” he said.
“I think we need to become more conscious traveller. We should think about the waste we create, the resources we use and where our money goes. Choosing a local hotel, restaurant or guide can make a difference. Small changes by travellers can have a very big impact when millions of people travel every year,” Aadil ended.
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