January 1996, Bamako, Mali I took a stroll through the crafts market in Bamako just checking to see what types of crafts are available. It seems that every 15 minutes or so, a young man would approach me inquiring whether I needed a tour guide to show me around the crafts market. All of the guys insist that they can get me the best prices. I tell him NO, I can manage by myself. Walking away, he would typically follow me and continue his hustle but I am insistent that I do not need his services. He implores me to look at the identification card that he wears around his neck; supposedly the card is issued by the tourist office and states that he’s a registered tour guide. I tell him thanks but no thanks and walk away.

Hanging around my hotel are a number of touts who want to organize a city highlights tour for me. I tell them no, I’m fine on my own. When they find out that I’m leaving Bamako shortly, their eyes light up and they propose to be my tour escort/guide for the popular 3 day/2 night expedition to the Dogon Country. I tell them NO again, but they don’t take no for an answer. It seems that each young guy who solicits me employs the same strategy - in order to convince me of his legitimacy, he pulls out a letter of recommendation from some an oversea tourist he did business with and a little makeshift photo album. After realizing I am not in the market for their services as tour guides, they are quick to offer me drugs and young girls for sex. Of course, I decline their offer and continue walking…

This actually happened to me in Mali, but the strategies employed by touts are similar in popular tourists areas around the world. If you’re a traveler, I’m sure you have had a similar experience.

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