int tourism ch 11 social and cultural aspects of tourism

8/3/2019 Int Tourism Ch 11 Social and Cultural Aspects of Tourism

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Chapter 11Social and CulturalAspects of Tourism


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Criticism of Tourism

Tourism has attracted as both praise and

criticism:

Praise for its potential or real economic contributions

Criticism for its adverse affect on places and hostresidents.

The challenge for tourism managers, planners and

researchers is to find ways to develop tourism as an

industry providing travel experiences which are rewarding

and sustainable for both hosts and guests.


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Sustainable Tourism

According to the WTO, sustainable tourism developmentmeets the needs of present tourists and host regionswhile protecting and enhancing the opportunity for thefuture.

Sustainable tourism emphasize three important features: Quality:A quality experience for visitors, quality of life for

the host community, protecting the quality of theenvironment.

Continuity: continuity of natural resources, continuity ofthe culture of the host community

Balance: balances the needs of the tourism industry,supporters of the environment, and the local community.


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Defining Society and Impacts

The Socio-cultural Impacts of

Tourism

Society refers to the patterns of social organization of

and within communities.

Social impacts of tourism refers to changes in the lives of

people living in destination communities.

Cultural impacts of tourism refers to changes in the arts,

artifacts, customs, rituals, and architecture of a people.

The term socio-cultural impacts refers to changes to

residents everyday experiences, as well as to their

values, way of life, and intellectual and artistic products.


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Tourism

Major socio-cultural impacts

Factor associated withTourism

Positive Impacts Negative Impacts

The use of culture as a tourist

attraction

Increased support for

traditional cultures anddisplays of ethnic identity.

Changes to traditional activities

and arts to suit production fortourists. Disruption and crowdingof traditional activities.

Direct contact betweenresidents and tourists

Breakdown of negativestereotypes. Increased

social opportunities.

Enhancement of negativestereotypes. Increased

commercialism. Introduction ofdiseases. Demonstration effects

Changes in jobs andeconomic structure resulting inchanges in social roles

New economic and socialopportunities which

decrease social inequity.

Community conflict and tension

Increased social inequity

Loss of language

Development of touristfacilities

Increased recreationalopportunities

Loss of access to places andrecreational activities.

Increase population fromtourists and associateddevelopment.

Support for medical,educational and other

facilities which enhancequality of life.

Crowding and congestionincreased crime


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Tourism

Cultural Change

Changes in cultural products and festivals: Theproduction of cultural arts and activities for tourists hasoften resulted in changes in cultural products, cultural

festivals, ceremonies, and dances to make them morepalatable to visitors.

Negative stereotypes:Intl tourists and residents oftenhave very different cultural backgrounds and it develops

negative stereotypes of tourists from their directencounters.

Community Conflict: Demonstration effect - differentapproaches exposed to tourists by the younger and olderresidents of a community.


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Tourism

Other Impacts Competition for tourist business

Increased economic inequity

Renewed interest in and opportunities for revival in theuse of local languages

The adoption by local residents of other languages

The development of facilities for tourists

Increased income and an improved quality of life for hostcommunities.

Increases in population leading to problems withcrowding, congestion, and crime.


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Tourism

Factors Related to Individual Perceptionsof Tourism

Residents who are likely to benefit from tourism are morelikely to support tourism.

People with greater of involvement in and knowledge oftourism tend to support the industry.

Communities which have had little contact with outsidershave greater difficulty dealing with tourism than those

with a longer history of dealing with other cultures. Media portrayals of tourism can influence host

perceptions by providing information which is used in thesocial construction of reality and which influence publicopinion.


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Strategies to Manage Socio-

cultural Impacts of Tourism

Cultural shock refers to the totality of reactions to new

people and settings which result in ineffective behaviors.

Cultural shock may be experienced by either visitors or

their hosts.

Cultural arrogance is defined as the continued practice

of following ones own cultural rules while disregarding

the feelings and perspectives of the host community.

Tourist behaviors that breaking known morale, religious or

social codes are example of continuing arrogance on the

part of the visitors.

Obstacles to Socio-culturalUnderstanding


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Strategies to Manage Socio-

cultural Impacts of Tourism

Strategies to Manage Socio-cultural Impacts

Pre-travel information

On-site interpretation

Societal marketing practices Facility design

A range of culture contact opportunities

Evaluation skills

Explanation of tourism issues

Community involvement in tourism planning

Developing conflict resolution skills


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The Relationship Between

Culture and Tourism

Culture Shaping Outbound Tourism

South Korean Example

Tourist activities and their values

South vs. North Europeans

Cultural differences generate a strong preference for

Chinese, French, Japanese and Italian tourists.

Golf is a high status sport by Koreans and Japanese but

not for Australians.

Tour guides perceive various nationalities as having

different behaviors.

Japanese travelers were thought to travel in groups while

the French tourists were thought to be more individuallyoriented in their vacation behavior.


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Culture and Tourism

Culture Shaping inbound Tourism

Popular culture

Cultural icons:

England: British Museum, Tower of London France: Pompidou Centre

U.S.: Disney World

Most popular categories of cultural tourism attractions

Museums (59 percent)

Historic monuments ( 37 percent)

Heritage centers ( 37 percent)

Art galleries ( 24 percent)

Performing arts ( 22 percent)


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Culture and Tourism

Culture Shaping inbound Tourism

Urban Tourism

Urban tourism focuses on the mix of attractions which

motivate travel to major population centers. New York City can be seen as an example of urban

tourism.

Ethnic Tourism refers to tourism focused on a groups

traditions and lifestyle. Viewing local festivals, attending special ceremonies, watching

local activities.


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Interpretation for Sustainable

Tourism

Interpretation for Sustainable Tourism

Interpretation can be seen as any activity which seeks to give

tourists information about the place they are visiting.

Interpretation improves the quality of the experience for the visitors.

Educating tourists about the nature of the host region and culture and

informing them of the consequences of their behavior.

Enhancing the quality of visitor experiences by adding value to tourism

products Developing tourist support for both cultural and environmental

conservation.

Relieving pressure on sites by controlling access, by distributing

visitors more evenly throughout an area


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Interpretation for Sustainable

Tourism

Principles for Enhancing the Effectiveness ofInterpretation

Interpretation must be effective

Interpreters must make a personal link with the visitor

Interpreters should present a whole rather than a part

Interpreters must provide variety in interpretative experiences


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End ofChapter 11

int tourism ch 11 social and cultural aspects of tourism

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