Sustainable Tourism Planning/ Social Aspects Jan
Scope Environmental - biophysical - “plan with nature” Economic - developers - economy (nat. & local) - host community Social - people Political - how decisions are made
Social Needs - work - housing - services - school - health - water & sewer/utilities - recreation - transportation
Social (cont.) Community structure - social support system Social capital Social exclusion - deficient education - migrants - handicapped - aged - women
Tourism - benefits Force for peace and understanding - idea exchange Strengthening communities - jobs - hospitality industry training - reducing out migration - spin-offs: arts, crafts, music, food, cooking - stability
Benefits (cont.) Facilities for tourists can benefit locals - roads - electricity - means of transport - health (eg better water, sewage treatment) - sports and rec. facilities
Benefits (cont.) Revaluation of the local culture Local awareness and pride
Bad effects “Commodification” of the natives. (Fake ethnic festivals etc.) Crime: thievery, prostitution, drug dealing, pimping, begging, child abuse Standardisation: “Hilton” “Club-Med” “sanitized for your protection”
Bads (cont.) Loss of authenticity Adaptation to tourist demands (? No. of tourists; carrying capacity?) Economic inequality (locals & tourists) Pay inequality / job friction (local employees and ex-pats) Resource-use conflicts (eg beaches)
Bads (cont.) Bad behaviour; no respect for locals - photography - dress code - eating and greeting habits Disregard for local knowledge - biophysical (landforms, flora, (fauna) - customs, sacred places, special sites
Bads (cont.) Proliferation of informal sector, (if there is a promise of work) - squatting, hawkers, beggars And the worst: - Procurement of all supplies and many services (engineers, architects, building materials, plumbing and electrical gear, bedding, food, booze, geegaws) from overseas. - Coupled with overseas ownership of airlines, cruise-ships, and resorts themselves, means that most profits are repatriated to the “west”.