UNIT 10 NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF TOURISM REVISION NOTES

 Introduction to Tourism and Anthropology

Definition and Significance

• Tourism Definition: Involves movement to destinations outside normal residence for leisure, business, or other purposes; encompasses activities undertaken and services provided.
• Global Industry: Major economic sector recognized by both developed and developing nations; impacts economic, environmental, and social aspects of host communities.

Anthropological Perspective

• Anthropological Interest: Emerged post-1970s; focuses on cultural processes associated with tourism.
• Culture Contact: Anthropologists view tourists as agents of cultural contact and change, particularly in less developed regions (Nash, 1989).
• Methodological Approach: Anthropologists utilize ethnographic fieldwork to study tourist behaviors and cultural complexities in tourism encounters.

Evolution of Anthropological Study in Tourism

• Historical Perspective: Initially viewed tourism with skepticism, emphasizing negative impacts on local cultures.
• Shift in Perception: From negative assessments to a balanced view; acknowledgment of tourism’s dual impacts — positive and negative.
• Anthropological Contribution: Despite late arrival to tourism studies, anthropologists have made significant contributions through ethnographic insights.

Impact Areas of Tourism

• Socio-cultural Impact: Examines changes in societies, cultural practices, and local communities due to tourism.
• Economic Impact: Analyzes tourism’s role in local economies, employment generation, and income distribution.
• Environmental Impact: Studies effects on natural resources, ecosystems, and sustainability.
• Governmental Implications: Practical considerations for host governments in managing tourism growth and impacts.

Contemporary Trends

• Globalization Influence: Intensified connectivity reshapes tourism dynamics; contrasts with historical travel characterized by isolation and long durations.
• Complexity of Tourism: Anthropologists continue to study evolving tourism behaviors and cultural interactions amid global changes.

Globalisation, Contemporary Tourism, and Sustainable Development

Definition and Context

• Globalisation Definition: Refers to the intensification of worldwide social relations, linking distant localities and shaping local events by global occurrences (Giddens, 1990).
• Impacts: Extends across economic, social, and cultural realms; characterized by increased cross-border exchanges of people, goods, ideas, and cultures (Robertson, 1992).
• Technological Influence: Internet and communication advancements facilitate "time-space compression," bringing global communities closer (Giddens, 1990).

Anthropological Perspectives on Globalisation

• Anthropological Contribution: Study of globalism's effects on personal and community identities, de-territorialisation, and migration (Kearney, 1995; Marcus, 1995).
• Cultural Convergence: Notion of "cultural homogeneity" emerges as values and practices converge globally, impacting local identities (Burns & Holden, 1995).

Impact on Tourism

• Accessibility and Destinations: Globalisation transforms once remote sites into tourist destinations; facilitates ease of travel and connectivity across borders (Cairncross, 1997).
• Changing Perceptions: Shift from exploration and adventure to routine tourism; tourism agencies recreate adventure through symbolic aspects of travel (Cairncross, 1997).
• Identity and Belonging: Tourism exposes and reshapes notions of identity, belongingness, and personhood in a globalised world (Appadurai, 1996).

Economic and Political Considerations

• Tourism Industry Growth: Significant economic sector contributing to employment and revenue globally, particularly in developing countries (Burns & Holden, 1995).
• Political Dimensions: Tourism decisions influenced by global power dynamics and political relationships between nations (Inda & Rosaldo, 2002).
• Financial Factors: Economic disparities drive tourism to Third World countries due to perceived affordability and cost-effectiveness for visitors (Robertson, 1992).

Technology and Tourism

Impact of Technology on Tourism

• Technological Transformation: Technology catalyzes social and behavioral changes alongside cultural evolution (Urry & Larsen, 2011).
• Urbanization and Individualism: Increased urbanization and technological advancements reduce community ties, promoting individualistic decision-making in travel (Urry & Larsen, 2011).
• Family and Individual Travel: Families and individuals both engage in travel independently, influenced by personal preferences and technological accessibility (Urry & Larsen, 2011).
• Role of Travel Agencies: Travel agencies adapt to diverse travel demands, catering to family groups, individuals, and unrelated group travelers from different cultures (Urry & Larsen, 2011).

Internet's Role in Tourism

• Information Accessibility: Internet enables tourists to access extensive destination information, make reservations, and ensure service quality, enhancing overall satisfaction (Schmalleger & Carson, 2008).
• Consumer Empowerment: Empowered tourists seek customized experiences, influencing tourism product offerings and marketing strategies (Schmalleger & Carson, 2008).
• Global Reach: Internet facilitates global operations for tourism suppliers, reducing reliance on traditional intermediaries and promoting tailored services (Schmalleger & Carson, 2008).

Contemporary Tourism Dynamics

• Tourism Reflexivity: Places globally monitor and develop their tourism potential, leading to infrastructure development in unlikely destinations (Urry & Larsen, 2011).
• Shift in Tourist Demographics: Rising middle-class in Asia fuels demand for Western destinations, reshaping global tourist flows (Urry & Larsen, 2011).
• Symbolic Value of Tourism: Tourism becomes a marker of social status and cultural achievement, influencing individual and collective identities (Urry & Larsen, 2011).

Sustainability in Tourism

• Definition of Sustainable Development: Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987).
• Sustainable Tourism: Emphasizes tourism's role in sustainable development, integrating economic prosperity with environmental conservation (Brundtland Commission, 1987).
• Challenges: Despite theoretical discussions, implementation gaps persist between sustainable development principles and tourism practices (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

Tourism Planning and Management

Goals of Tourism Plans

• Visitor Increase: Goals often focus on increasing tourist numbers to benefit the local community.
• Master Plans: Typically developed by external consultants to guide tourism development.
• External Investments: Attracting external investments based on tourism potential of the area.

Benefit-Cost Analysis in Tourism Planning

• Scope: Evaluates economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts.
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Economic benefits quantified; environmental and social impacts qualitatively assessed.
• Sustainability: Focuses on sustainable practices to minimize negative impacts and maximize positive outcomes.

Environmental and Social Concerns

• Global Impact: Developing countries face environmental challenges due to tourism growth.
• Debates: Discussions on environment, development, and sustainable tourism gaining significance.

Principles of Sustainable Tourism Development

1. Ecological Integrity:

   • Ensure tourism activities are environmentally compatible.
   • Preserve life support systems like land, water, air, and vegetation.

2. Cultural Integrity:

   • Use tourism to enhance and protect local culture (religion, arts, institutions).
   • Promote cultural tourism policies.

3. Community Involvement:

   • Provide opportunities for locals to participate in tourism.
   • Support local craft industries and agricultural activities.

4. Balance:

   • Maintain harmony between economy and environment.
   • Plan tourist areas based on local resource sustainability.

5. Equity and Quality of Life:

• Ensure tourism benefits reach the local community.
• Enhance overall quality of life through tourism revenue.

New Directions in Anthropology of Tourism

Changing Nature of Tourism

• Rapid Evolution: Tourism has grown significantly since the 1990s, becoming the world's largest industry.
• Globalization Impact: Tourism influenced by globalization demands new analytical approaches.

Complex Effects of Tourism

• Economic Development: Tourism as a tool for economic growth in developing countries raises questions.
• Anthropological Queries: Focus on "Development for whom?" and how local populations benefit from tourism infrastructure.

Shift to Applied Anthropology

• Nuanced View: Anthropologists move from academic to applied roles.
• Balanced Approach: Highlight both positive and negative impacts of tourism.
• Local Participation: Emphasis on involving local communities in tourism planning and development.

Alternative Tourism and Sustainability

• Definition: Alternative tourism includes forms aligned with natural, social, and community values.
• Examples: Green Tourism, Cottage Tourism, Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism.
• Benefits: Protects natural sites, preserves cultural traditions, and supports local economies.

Ecotourism Focus

• Concept: Ecotourism respects natural history and indigenous cultures.
• Benefits: Contributes to local conservation efforts and provides economic opportunities.
• Anthropological Role: Critical in planning and implementing ecotourism projects.

Community Involvement

• Local Ownership: Communities partner with agencies and NGOs for tourism development.
• Anthropological Analysis: Focus on analyzing increased local participation in tourism.

Role of Applied Anthropologists

• Community-based Projects: Anthropologists facilitate community-centered tourism development.
• Research Frameworks: Provide frameworks for policy makers and development specialists.
• Mediators: Mediate between community concerns and tourism policies for sustainable outcomes.

Conclusion

Anthropologists play a crucial role in ensuring tourism development benefits both host communities and tourists while preserving natural and cultural resources. Applied anthropology enhances understanding of local perspectives, promotes sustainable practices, and supports community-based tourism initiatives globally.