The Dreams that you Dare to Dream

I am still in search of ways to make our business more sustainable, and yet still appeal to the Tourists who are our mainstay. I have some concerns about the future of our small, and to my mind, most wonderful, corner of the world. Fort Davis, and Alpine and Marfa as well, have long been destinations for folks from the flatter, hotter and more populated regions of Texas. However, with the growing interest in the outdoors, natural and still primitive areas, and travel in general, we have begun to appeal to a much broader audience. 

Like most everything in this rushed and technological century, that can easily become a two edged sword (if it’s not already). The very folks that come to enjoy this pristine beauty are just as likely to spoil it. Too often, they bring with them the attitudes of those more crowded and yes, contemporary areas. They want entertainment, and conveniences that have come to be seen as necessities in the cities and communities they come from— extended hours and instant gratification of wants and needs. While it is fine to cater to the customer, it becomes prohibitive when it begins to seriously alter the land and the lifestyles of those of us who have chosen to live here, or have settled down here because it suits them.

There is often little understanding (among many of our tourists) of small merchants and businesses that must close to attend to appointments or other necessities, of sleepy towns that don’t offer around the clock services and luxuries. The list of differences between us, and many of these visitors can go on and on. Already, the economic costs of catering to a tourist driven and part time resident business model is becoming obvious. Housing is at a premium throughout much of this area, and affordable rentals scarce or almost non-existent. While many homes are being refitted as Airbnb’s and Short-term rentals, it is hard for people who would normally work in the service industry to find homes.  It is not always the unwillingness of people to work that so many point at, as the inability for them to live decently or at all on minimum wage in a growing number of areas. 

The list of problems grow right along with the increasing allure of our area to tourism.  From infrastructure and employment issues, to damage done to these areas by incautious and careless visitors, and to the arrival of ones whose interest lies more in exploiting the growing popularity of the area rather than preserving it, we are facing some difficult times here.

Okay! I’m coming down from my soapbox. At present,  I have a lot more questions and queries than answers. However, I have hopes that some of these issues can be addressed to the benefit of all.