Tourism as Dynamic and Developing Sectors - Essay Example

Negative Impact Of Tourism On Language Religion And Customs And Tradition Introduction Tourism is unarguably one of the most dynamic and developing sectors earning a myriad of countries across the globe millions of dollars in different forms. A number of countries have benefited from infrastructural development, currency inflows, educational and management skills associated with tourism. Citizens from these countries have as well gained from various employment opportunities resulting from economic development of the regions visited by tourists. Some of the highly developed Western nations such as Switzerland, Italy, and Austria have attributed most of its economic and social welfare development to tourism. (Smith, 2006) Currently, it is approximated that tourism contributes to 10% of global income with at least 10% of the world workforce earning their daily bread from the sector. Viewed as ‘manna from heaven’ most analysts perceive tourisms as a way of balancing foreign trade and as a source of foreign exchange with minimal discussion on the negative challenges it’s associated with. The discussion in this paper will mainly focus on the negative challenges of tourism with deep analysis on language, religion, customs and tradition, drawing examples from various countries known as tourist destinations across the globe. P.62 Discussion One of the strongest signs of negative impacts to tourism is on language spoken by the residents. Most communities staying in areas frequently visited by tourists have lost their original language and have instead adopted languages spoken by most tourists, mainly English. For example, the official language of city of Mumbai is Marathi. Current statistics indicate that only 42% of the populace can fluently speak the language. Apart from Hindi, which is also an official language in Mumbai, English is currently regarded as the most prevalent. As business tourism is on the upsurge, English is widely spoken in various professional workforce and commercial communication. (Desai, 2004 p.41) As business tourist increase in number, Bombay Hindi, a pidgin comprising of English, Hindi and Marathi was developed to ease communication. Changes in language have also been associated with the behavior and attitudes amongst the locals. Tourism also results in imposing of the tourist’s language amongst the locals. Malindi, which is one of the coastal towns in Kenya, known for some of the best beaches in world and often visited by tourists is another example of an area where tourism led to degradation of local language. Originally, residents used to speak Kiswahili before being invaded by tourists from Italy. Currently the most dominant language spoken by residents in the city is Italian which is strange to their neighbors. Beijing China is another city that is currently being affected by tourists visiting the country. China has been known for a long time for its conservativeness and need to preserve its cultural practices (Mazanec 2012 p.8). With globalization and need to expand its market destinations, a myriad of residents are currently learning English, to make it easier do business with people from other areas. As, the trends continue, it is predicted that English will be one of the most spoken language in Beijing as well as other cities in China. Another area whose language has been negatively impacted is Djabuagay who lives in the North Queensland Australia which is a popular tourist destination. Most tourists visit the area to see the Tjapukai Aboriginal cultural park where members of the community are involved in the presentation of their cultural heritage to tourists visiting the area. Apart from exploitation of Djabugay community and degradation of their culture, residents have been forced to learn English to make it easy for them in interacting with the tourists. (United Nations Environment Programme, 2014) Religion is the second socio cultural factor that has been source of tourism in a myriad of countries across the world. Despite the economic benefits it brings to the people, a number of countries have faced negative impacts of the same. As tourists visit different places across the globe, they always tend to live their cultures and influences. This in turn results into deterioration or distinction of the religion in these countries. In Thailand for example, some of the known sources of tourism destinations are the temple of the Budha in Bangkok, the Phra Thai Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai, the Aayuthaya temple and the Emerald Budha in Bangkok. These religious sites have been tourist’s attraction areas for a long period of time. However, as tourists continue to visit the country, a number of people have been influenced by tourists to join other churches like catholic and protestant churches. Analysts believe that as times go by, it is likely that these tourist sites will be deteriorated further. (Panmunin, 2010) Culture plays a super role in tourist attractions across the globe. Despite the millions of dollars generated from the industry, analysts have raised a red card of the possible distinction of some of the cultures and traditions. Some of the negative socio-cultural impacts of tourism include; Loss or change of the indigenous values and identity Commodification- When traditional ethnic rites, religious rituals and festivals are narrowed and reduced to the expectations of the tourists leading to reconstructed ethnicity, local cultures will be turned to commodities. The moment tourists demands for entertainment, arts and souvenirs becomes a sell out as tourist product, it is likely that there will be changes in human values. Sacred objects and sites will not be respected the moment they are perceived as goods to trade. Standardization- As locals attempt to satisfy tourist needs, there is the risk of standardization through tourist desire. In preparing landscape, food and accommodation to meet unfamiliar and new stuff by the host country, they must at the same time not be too peculiar to the tourists as a few are looking for completely new things. In the traditional Colombia society, there was the creation of the molas which are blouses worn by women. This art started with designs which showed how the global village perceived the Kuna nation in terms of their spiritual life and nature. With increased tourism, the area and practice is being transformed, which has resulted in the loss of spiritual quality and value. Besides, kuna woman have also lost the knowledge of the old designs and interpretations and meanings of the designs. (Zielinski, 2011) Cultural clashes As tourism involves movements of people to new areas, there have been social and cultural clashes amongst people as a result of differences in religious, social, ethnic, cultural, language, values and levels of respect. This can result into over exploitation of the local community. Resident’s attitudes towards tourists are likely to unfold through euphoria. They are likely to welcome tourists through irritation, apathy and antagonism as anti-tourism grows amongst the communities. In a number of Muslim nations, there are strict standards when it comes to the behavior and appearance of Muslim women, who should and must always cover themselves when in public places. Tourists visiting these countries especially Dubai, are ignorant of these and in return ignores the prevalent dress codes, making them appear half naked according to the local standards. Apart from being perceived as creating ill-will, the behavior might make locals disrespect their behaviors, which then brews tension in the society. These behaviors have also impacted conservative Christians in Caribean, Polynesia and Mediterinean. Physical influences causing stress The social cultural disadvantages that evolve from the physical influences results from below factors; The conflict of exploitation of the local resources such as use of energy and water. It can also be as a result of degradation and increased charges on some amenities. Cultural deterioration. There might a damage of cultural resources resulting from littering, vandalism, and illegal destruction of cultural heritage. In countries such as Mexico, Egypt, Peru and Colombia most poorly paid guards often sell artifacts to supplement their income. An example of an area where locals have been deprived of access is the Boracy Island in Philippines. In this area, a quarter of Island has been bought by a company which led to crises of water supply and other resources with a minimal infrastructure enjoyed by the locals. Also, in Bali, Indonesia, a village beach land which was a tourist site and also used by residents for water supply has been turned to golf courses while in Pangandaran in Indonesia, the village beach which was used for festivals was sold to entrepreneurs to build hotels. With upsurge in tourism activities, there has been an increase on crime incidences and child labour. For instance, study by International Labour organization shows that most jobs in the tourism sector are either unstable, low pay, long working hours among others. An estimated 13-19 million persons less than 18 years old are approximated to be working in the tourist industry. Another negative impact of tourism in Kenya is the imposing of the foreign culture to the locals. In most tourist destinations, tourists often impose what they believe is right to the locals. In Kenya for instance, tourists have always enjoyed the tradition and cultures of Masai community. According to them, women should not go to school and young boys should be in charge of ‘Manyattas’ (houses) after initiation which is a rite of passage. (Mitchell, 2011 p.71) Female genital mutilation has also been one of the practices in the area. With increased number of tourists visiting the area, there has been open freedom especially amongst women. It is predicted that in future tourists will have little to see when they visit the community as tourists have imposed their culture amongst the locals. Conclusion It is axiomatic to argue that tourism is one of the major tenets in the growth of a number developing economies across the globe. In most areas the governments can still invest a lot to ensure that the number of tourists visiting the areas shoots. Despite the investments in the industry to enhance the growth, it is worth admitting that there are negative challenges or impacts that must be addressed. Religion, language and culture are some of the basic variables when tourists identify their destinations. In attracting tourists, some of the negative impacts of tourism as discussed above should be addressed. This however, should be done taking into consideration, changing times and needs of the tourists. Bibliography Desai, Nishtha. See the Evil: Tourism Related Paedophilia in Goa. 2nd Rev. ed. Mumbai: Vikas Adhyayan Kendra, 2004. Top of Form Bottom of Form Smith, Melanie K. Cultural Tourism in a Changing World: Politics, Participation and (re)presentation. Clevedon, UK: Channel View Publications, 2006. Top of Form Bottom of Form "United Nations Environment Programme." Resource-efficiency Business Sectoral Activities Tourism Facts and Figures about Tourism Impacts of Tourism Socio-Cultural Impacts Negative Socio-Cultural Impacts From Tourism. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://www.unep.org/resourceefficiency/Business/SectoralActivities/Tourism/FactsandFiguresaboutTourism/ImpactsofTourism/Socio-CulturalImpacts/NegativeSocio-CulturalImpactsFromTourism/tabid/78781/Default.aspx. Top of Form Bottom of Form Mitchell, Francis Harris. The Economic Value of Tourism in Kenya. 2011. Top of Form Bottom of Form Panmunin, Wanchai. The Tourism Industry in Thailand and the Welfare of Employees in Bangkoks Deluxe Hotels. 2010. Top of Form Bottom of Form Zielinski, Seweryn. Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy (STDS): An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Destination Management in the Township of Taganga, Colombia. Saarbrücken, Germany: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2011. Top of Form Bottom of Form Mazanec, Josef A. "Tourism Research in a Nutshell: “The Tourism Knowledge Map”." Tourism Review: 6-12. Read More