Post #59961 by christiki295 on Fri, Nov 14, 2003 12:54 PM

I do have some agreement with you, TikiBars.

When I went to check the mayan pyramids around Cancun, I was disappointed to find little indigenous eateries or fish taco stands, although there was a mall food court across the street, down from the BMW dealership. Like I said, I live in LA, which is consumer\mall\minimall hell and, while I love my city, I would hate for the rest of the world to resemble it.

Also, I visited Stonehenge when one could walk amongst the monstruous pillars, so I appreciate the loss now that such is no longer available.

According to Islandheritage.com, there is no cause for worry because Easter Island is not being overexploited by tourism. In 1999, there were only 21,434 tourists. 1998: 20,613; 1997:16,141.

However, there are only approximately 250 hotel guestrooms on the island. (This figure does not count for residenciales.)

Consequently, Easter Island is ripe for a few more hotels.

In addition, increased tax revenue from increased tourism should enable Easter Island to raise more cash for more restoration projects, as so many of the moai remained toppled from their ahu.