The Demonstration Effect Cultural Impacts of Tourism UNBC – Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management

What are you talking about? The demonstration effect is the occurrence of indigenous (natives) and rural communities and adopting western style and behaviour that have been observed in visiting tourist through demonstration and interaction I.e natives adopting new technologies “the demonstration effect is seen as corrupter of values in a place that have strong cultural influences and strict societal norms”

Acculturation The process of acquiring or modifying a certain culture for the benefit of tourist demand Eg’s include: Changing components of dance to meet the tourist schedule, budget, and photography needs Allowing people and cameras into sacred buildings Wearing formal dress on a regular basis

The Hula Dance: Traditional Hawaiian Dance that has been altered and shortened

Modernization Comes in the form of improved infrastructure, enhanced economy and change in values Allows developing countries to improve their social status but forces them to give up their cultural identity. Eg – Cuba (communist)

Negative Impacts Change of indigenous peoples’ values and behaviours that could lead to disrespect of traditions, which may lead to disintegration of host community Desire for wealth may lead to people moving to cities to try and become wealth, which removes key people and knowledge from tribal communities

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