Building a Culture of Peace through Tourism - Literature review Example

Socio-cultural and Economic Impacts of Tourism in China Just as China has begun to open its economic markets to global trade, it has also begun to open its doors to international tourism. The ancient culture and history of China has begun to attract tourists from all over the world. As these tourists travel and explore China, they impact both the economy and culture of the Chinese people from the cities to the small rural provinces. The Chinese people and government will now have to assess how tourism will affect both the socio-cultural life and the economy of its people. As more and more visitors enter China, there is a greater possibility for understanding and more hope for peace; however, there will also be some problems for China and the Chinese people. How China manages this new influx of tourism will determine what effects it will have on the country and its people. According to People's Daily (25 November 2002), Humen is a town located in south China in Guangdong Province with a population of over 700,000. In recent years, Humen has become the center of "a booming garment industry" (People's Daily 2002). Since 1996, The China Humen International Garment Trade Fair "has attracted the attention of garment enterprises from countries including the United States and France" (People's Daily 2002). Through the garment trade, Humen is growing economically, which means that, like other areas of China, they are improving their economies and receiving tourists. Humen will have to deal with many of the same questions and issues with which all of China must deal as tourism, industry, and trade continue to grow. The socio-cultural and economic impact of growth and tourism in Humen and other areas of China are not separate issues. The two are, in fact, intertwined, and one affects the other. According to Andrew Watson (1999) in his paper presented to The Leadership Conference of Conservancy and Development, the issue of growth and development in all provinces in China must be viewed from both the economic and cultural contexts. Watson (1999) feels that some of the policies of the government in China have been favorable to economic development. As economic life improves in China, so will cultural life, as some of the regional disparities between provinces begin to disappear. On the other hand, Oakes (2000) warns that rather than alleviate some regional rivalries, economic development and tourism could lead to regionalism in some of the provinces. His belief is that places like Humen may "scale up" more local, place-based identities creating even more "provincial culture" (Oakes 2000, p. 669). The danger here is that the efforts of one area to increase its economy and attractiveness as a tourist destination will undermine cooperation between provinces. In addition, he says, " 'local' and the 'regional' are now regarded as more salient scales for asserting cultural identity than the nation-state" (Oakes 2000, p. 670). In many ways, it would no longer be the government of China identifying what is "Chinese," but it would be the individual provinces creating their own separate cultural identity. Places like Humen, which has developed its economy through the garment industry, have also become attractive to tourists and business visitors. One of the things that people find when they visit Humen, as well as other provinces in China, is that its "cultural heritage is a resource, an asset" (Zheng 2000). When visitors discover the cultural richness of Humen and the other towns and provinces in China, these areas become tourist destinations. While this is good for the economy, it creates other difficulties for the local and national governments. Trevor and Li (1998) have examined both the positive and negative effects of the increase in tourism in China from international, national, and provincial perspectives. According to the study they have done, Trevor and Li (1998) note that in order for these areas to remain desirable to tourists, it will be the responsibility of the Chinese government to make certain that the proper economic resources are diverted to the provinces allowing them to sustain their cultural attractions. As Luxen (2000) points out, three factors have to be considered when assessing the impact of tourism on China: "Gross National Product," " Sustainable Development," and "Human Development." According to Luxen (2000), the assessment of economic development created by tourism does not always take into account the effects that the growing economy will have on the cultural heritage of China or on the living conditions of its people: From a strictly economic perspective, cultural heritage is a resource, an asset The preservation of cultural heritage is too often perceived as a "public expenditure", and it is therefore excluded from economic calculations and cost/benefit analysis in the planning process for other types of works. (Luxen 2000) As Humen and other areas of China expand their tourist markets, they must realize that "a rich and well-managed cultural heritage is a powerful tourist attraction, both for national as well as foreign visitors" (Luxen 2000). The World Tourism Organisation (WTO 2000) estimates that by the year 2020, as many as 130 million tourists will visit China. While tourism generates income, China must also invest capital to remain attractive to tourists. Luxen (2000) suggests that tourist destinations must invest in several areas in order to remain vital to tourism. They must create plans for social and economic management. In addition, they will have to invest in their infrastructure, improving traffic and revitalizing urban areas. Finally, as Luxen (2000) emphasizes, since much of China's attraction for tourism is its cultural heritage, it must invest in rehabilitating and preserving that heritage. In order for China to successfully market itself as a tourist destination, it will take the cooperation of both the individual towns like Humen and the national government. In many ways, Humen reflects much of what has occurred in China since the open door policy of the 1980's. According to SOUTHCN.COM (2003) Humen is a town rich in history and culture. It is home to the Opium War Museum, the Shaijao Battery Fort, and the Humen Suspension Bridge. As one of the centers of the garment industry, fashion retailers from other parts of China and from around the globe come to its department stores and fashion shops. The garment trade and tourism have been good for Humen, but like other areas of China, it must also deal with the impact of its growth and popularity. As Trevor and Li (1998) point out, one of the positive developments from tourism has been the restoration of many of the relics damaged or nearly destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Work has begun on hundreds of sites throughout China. However, they caution that at the same time, this restoration has been sporadic and unevenly applied. They suggest that perhaps the government does not have a comprehensive plan that it can manage. In areas where the local finances are not particularly good, these restoration efforts have faltered. They suggest the need for a code of heritage values much like the one adopted by Japan; however, this has not yet occurred in China. In addition, festivals, classical plays, religious ceremonies, and re-enactments of historic events have been revived for the entertainment of the tourists. Trevor and Li (1998) see a downside to this also as authenticity has often been sacrificed to market these events to tourists. Another aspect of tourism and the growing economy in China as a result of tourism is the effects it will have on peace between China and the rest of the world and peace within China's provinces themselves. Clara Tang (2005) suggests that as tourists visit China and interact with its people, peace can be fostered through this interpersonal contact and that mutual understandings will grow. She also suggests that the tourism partnerships between the Chinese government and foreign investors will not only contribute to the national economy of China, but will also increase entrepreneurship in local areas. As the economy grows, Tang sees the possibilities of international peace through the relationships people and nations build through tourism. As other have, she points out that much of what makes China attractive to tourists is the rich cultural heritage that it has and that it can share with others. Through sharing this culture, there is the hope that a greater appreciation for China and its people will develop. Tang (2005) does see some dangers as well. If the number of tourists visit China that WTO projects, there could be some resentment on the part of the Chinese people toward this influx of international visitors who may not always understand and respect the Chinese culture and traditions. This could lead to animosity and some resentment between the Chinese people and their visitors. The success of tourism is also dependent upon international relations and the ability of governments to understand and to cooperate with one another. Tang's (2005) call is for responsible tourism, which has not yet been determined or defined. Oakes (2000, p. 677) sees other issues arising from tourism. His concern is for the conflicts that modernizing China for tourists will bring to the country. According to Oakes (2000, p. 677), the arrival of vast numbers of tourists will put the provinces into competition with one another to modernize and attract these tourists, potentially creating rivalries between the provinces. This would create divisions between the provinces and exacerbate the differences between the more prosperous provinces and the less prosperous ones. Oakes (2000) believes that instead of lessening regionalism and conflict, tourism and the capital it brings could actually worsen the divisions, particularly among minorities. However, as many of the tourists traveling through China and experiencing its riches are tourists from other parts of China, the hope is that there will eventually be a greater understanding and appreciation for the cultures found in other provinces and perhaps a lessening of regionalism and more cooperation throughout China, particularly among minorities. Tourism in China brings other concerns. While most agree that China will have to modernize and improve its infrastructure while preserving its relics, no one is quite certain whether or not the mechanisms are in place to do that. Too rapid modernization could threaten the cultural heritage that is unique to China. There is always the question of whether or not tourists will contribute to a "Westernization" of China and whether or not the Chinese people are ready for such changes. As Trevor and Li (1998) point out, manipulating the cultural heritage could have the effect of making China just another tourist destination with theme parks and staged events. The issue is between modernization and preservation, and how the Chinese government handles these concerns will determine in which direction its tourism industry will go. Another issue to consider is the effect that millions of tourists visiting sites and relics will have on these ancient treasures. In his case study for TED, DeStefano (2004) discusses the Terra Cotta Army and brings up the issue of irreplaceable relics and the effects of tourism on them. DeStefano's (2004) concern is that these relics, already degraded by years of exposure to the elements will be further compromised by the influx of tourism and millions of visitors. This is just one example. China has many ancient treasures, and as of yet, neither the local nor national government has found the best means to protect them. DeStefano (2004) points out that with the help of historians and archaeologists, the Chinese government needs to create and implement laws. While there are now regulations in place for tourists who visit the excavation site, DeStefano (2004) is not convinced that these are sufficient, and he believes that further steps need to be taken to save these treasures. While the tourism industry brings in money that helps to study and to preserve these treasures, it also presents a threat to them. Tourism also means that China will have to consider environmental policies. As Trevor and Li (1998) point out, the open door policy's primary economic aim was for rapid development and modernization of China. Unfortunately, this development as a result of tourism has led to "an increase in air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, acid rain and desertification on heritage sites" (Trevor and Li 1998). Trevor and Li (1998) do acknowledge that the increase in tourism has at least brought attention to the need to preserve the environment by trying to correct management issues within "Scenic Areas." Trevor and Lee (1998) believe that tourism has been a spur to environmental efforts in China. In order to keep the tourists coming to China, the Chinese government must work together with local communities. According to Trevor and Li (1998), since 1993, 350 forests and parks have been added to the national tourism inventory. This is an example of tourism positively impacting the environment in China. Claire Doole of the World Wildlife Federation (2005) has also expressed concern for the impact of tourism on the environment and wildlife in China. Through the work of environmental organisations like WWF, former logging villages have stopped logging in the panda's bamboo habitat. As Doole (2005) explains, relationships between the villagers and the environmentalists were at one point tenuous when the villagers were asked to give up logging. Through the efforts of these environmental groups, they came to understand that "ecotourism" could be economically advantageous to them. According to the Doole (2005) remote villages like the village of Xiang Shujia are beginning to welcome tourists into their area. As the villagers open their homes to tourists, "more and more tourists are opting for the rustic village experience" (Doole 2005). Through start-up loans given by the WWF (Doole 2005), the villagers are beginning to make a living selling their handcrafts to the tourists who visit their area. Thus far, most of the tourists have been from other parts of China, but gradually, Westerners are discovering the area. According to Doole, their approach to tourism might be considered unique as they advocate "low-volume, high-value tourism" (Doole 2005). WWF runs the Wanglang Panda Reserve, and all the money generated by the reserve goes back into the local economy. However, as Doole (2005) points out, inherent in the desires of local provinces to experience maximum economic gain is the impulse to generate even more tourism in fragile ecological areas that cannot sustain it. "Companies such as WildChina have seen the potential of tapping into this market" (Doole 2005). This means that the habitats for wild animals in China could be in danger if the Chinese do not manage ecotourism responsibly. According to Doole (2005), it has only been since 1994 that Chinese environmental organisations have been allowed to monitor tourism in environmentally sensitive areas; however, the Chinese government closely monitors these environmental groups, and the fear is that economic considerations will overtake environmental concerns. The goal is to convince the government that "green tourism is sustainable and can be as profitable as mass tourism" (Doole 2005). Tourism is a relatively new industry in China. All over the country, towns like Humen are experiencing economic growth and increased tourism. While tourism can be economically advantageous to the nation, no one is certain how China will manage this influx of visitors, many of them international. Most agree that China will have to invest in infrastructure and modernization in order to welcome more visitors. At the same time, it must protect and manage the many cultural treasures and ancient relics that attract these visitors. In addition, the Chinese government must assess the effects of tourism on the individual provinces, taking into consideration environmental and human needs. While tourism holds great potential for China and its people, it also creates many challenges with which the nation must deal. References DeStefano, Thomas, 'Terra Cotta Warriors and Tourism", from TED Case Studies, No.698, January 2004. Doole, Claire 2005, 'Going Beyond the Great Wall: Ecotourism in China', WWF International, 18 July 2005. Retrieved 17 January 2006 from http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/features/index.cfmuNewsID=21813. 'Garment Industry Gaining Worldwide Fame in Ancient S. China Town', People's Daily, 25 November 2002. Retrieved 17 January 2006 from http://english.people.com.cn/200211/25/eng20021125_107401.shtml. 'Humen-A town with glorious history', 15 January 2003. Retrieved 17 January 2006 from SOUTHCN.COM. Luxen. Jean Louis 2000, 'Introductory Statement', given at Unesco World Bank Conference, Beijing, 5-7 July. Oakes, Tim 2000, 'China's Provincial Identities: Reviving Regionalism and Reinventing "Chineseness"', The Journal of Asian Studies, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 667-692. Retrieved 17 January 2006 from http://www.jstor.org. Tang, Clara Xiangru, 'Building A Culture of Peace Through Tourism', presented at 3rd Global Summit on Peace Through Tourism, 30 June 2005. Trevor, H.B. Sofield, and Li, Fung Mei Sarah 1998, 'China: Tourism Development and Cultural Policies', Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 25 no.2, pp. 362-392. Retrieved 17 January 2006 from http://wwwistp.murdoch.edu.au/publications/e_public/Case%20Studies_Asia/tourchin/. Watson, Andrew 1999, 'The Yunnan Policy in the Context of China's Economic Development', submitted to The Leadership Conference on Conservancy and Development, Yunnan Province, China, September 1999. Zheng, Sun Jia 2000, 'Minister's Opening Remarks', given at Unesco World Bank Conference, Beijing, 5-7 July. Economic Questions: 1. How can China and towns like Humen ensure that their economic growth is compatible with their heritage 2. How will China be able to assess it economic progress 3. What kind of capital investments will China have to make in the coming years to ensure that the infrastructure of China is ready for tourists 4. Will capital investment be allocated to rural as well as urban provinces for modernization 5. How can towns, like Humen, with a successful industry, economic growth, and tourist growth, help other areas develop a plan for growth 6. Will China move toward becoming a more capitalistic society as tourism and other industries grow in China 7. Should China seek foreign investment in their tourism industry 8. If there is foreign investment, how will China manage that and maintain its autonomy over its growth 9. Is China ready to make the capital investments required for its tourism industry 10. What kind of oversight will the government have to provide during the developmental stages tourism in China Socio-cultural Questions: 1. Should all Chinese treasures be open to tourists 2. How will Humen and other towns act to protect their museums and artifacts 3. How will the Chinese government ensure the protection of cultural artifacts 4. How will the Chinese keep a distinctive cultural identity 5. What kind of damage will tourism do to the environment, and how will the Chinese people and the Chinese government act to protect the environment 6. Will international tourism in China "Westernize" China 7. How can tourism foster peace between the Chinese and the International community 8. What is "cultural tourism" and what is its importance to China 9. Will tourism, in fact, stimulate the Chinese to preserve their cultural heritage 10. If tourism is more successful in some provinces than others, how will it affect regional differences and conflicts Read More