Impact of the Development of Tourism - Essay Example

Impact of the Development of Tourism Introduction The growth of the tourism industry has been a key contributor to raised economic activity throughout the world. Jobs have been created in both small and large communities, and are the main industry in most places. It is the economic activity that is dominant in some of the communities. Still, the influence of tourism to a local community are widely not understood even where the tourism is dramatically growing and should be of the great concern or interest. However, a majority of people perceive tourism in the form of economic influence, taxes and jobs. In addition, the range of influence from tourism is broad and always influence areas that are beyond those that are commonly associated with the tourism. Moreover, leaders and residents who do understand the potential influences of tourism could integrate this sector into the community in the positive way (Kreag, 2001). However, not all influences can be applicable to each community due to conditions or resources that might differ. Tourism and community leaders should balance influence that might either improve or negatively affect residents and communities. Leaders should be visionary and sensitive, and should avoid the temptation of glossing over certain challenges tourism development can create. The tourism sector needs to also balance the concerns and opportunities of all community by working against all the conditions where positive influences benefit one section of the community, and negative impacts hurt the other. Conversely, a sensitivity of the community tourism translates to avoiding burdens on the industry that can thwart its success (Lindber & Johnson, 1997). Local leaders need not expect tourism to resolve all community issues. Tourism is just a one element of the community. Creation of the strategic development of tourism services and amenities could enhance the community or correct tourism or local deficiencies, for instance, all the business development, need to assure that its products attract customers. Overbearing restrictions and rules, as well as overburdening taxes, would make tourism businesses to be less competitive or attractive. The destination that would be critically examined is the Cannes in France. The Cannes view port of the famous Boulevard de la Croisette that is situated in the Cannes Middle Ages was a feudal defence of Lerins monastery. However, until early 19th century, Cannes remained very small fishing and agricultural village with the high density of population on the Le Suquet hill. However, during the start of 1830s, French and foreign aristocrats constructed holiday homes within the region and gradually turned Cannes into a resort town. The person responsible for the Cannes growth was Lord Henry Peter Brougham between the year 1778–1868. A talented and respected British politician during his time, and discovered Cannes in the year 1834 when on his journey to Italy. However, having bought a land to the west of Suquet hill, that is now the entrance to the city, Brougham majored on his most contacts in French politics to assist him develop the rest. However, the development of the coastal village did encourage tramway and enterprise. It is mostly recognized for its gorgeous sandy beaches that are mostly open to the public for a fee (Dimanche & Sodja, 2006). The paper, comprehensively, look at the influences of tourism and its visual culture on the local community and tourism sector. Understanding Tourism Conflicts Groups that differ are always concerned about the diverse tourism influences. To summarize, where a group embraces the economic influences of tourism, another group might experiences cultural and social impacts. Also another can be affected by the tourism’s environmental influence. In theory, the group interests could be completely separate. For instance, Group A can include the business community and those people who need jobs offered by the tourism. Group B may involve residents who feel they have been displaced by the influx of coming visitors. In addition, Group C can be the local outdoor enthusiasts who are concerned about the changes in natural resources. However, in such scenario, every group would completely have different outlooks on the tourism. As a matter of fact, all the groups could be affected positively and would support the tourism efforts of the community. However, when these group interests differ, differing perspectives could make tourism consensus on development most challenging. In most cases, groups that have interests in an area of tourism would also have interests or even concerns about the other tourism influences. In such situations, there are similar areas of a greater likelihood and interest that every group would show more appreciation for the concerns of even the other groups. Finding similarity provides a starting point for solving tourism issues (Kreag, 2001). Tourism Influence A community would not experience every influence. Some might be dependent on some natural resource features such as the coral reefs, mountains, and development as well as spatial patterns that are special zones for the tourist. Others might relate to the social situation of the community, mostly the ability to socially or culturally connect with the tourists. However, still others might relate to intensity and types of the tourism developments, that is, hostility or approval toward tourist operations. Elaboration of Tourism Influence Understanding that tourism development might result to influences that are complex suggests that local officials elected, the community residents and tourism industry need to work carefully and cooperatively to plan for its development and growth. Planning could assist in creating an industry that can enhance a community with minimal costs as well as not causing disruptions in other community life aspects. However, having a broad involvement of the community as well as embracing diverse perspectives during the planning would resolve and identify concerns that will otherwise create challenges later. Economic Tourism increase opportunities in the employment sector. Additional jobs, that range from low wage to high-paying professional levels in technical fields and management, can generate income as well as raising living standards. Particularly in most rural areas, the diversification that are created by the tourism assist communities that are dependent on one industry. As tourism is growing, opportunities are being created for development, investment, and infrastructure spending. Tourism always induces improvement in public utilities for instance sewer, water, parking, sidewalks, lighting, litter control, public restrooms, as well as landscaping (Stynes, 2011). Therefore, such improvements benefit residents and tourists alike. Likewise, tourism encourages transport infrastructure improvements that result in upgraded airports, roads, public transportation, and non-traditional transportation. Tourism influences new elements to join in the retail mix, raising shopping opportunities and adds healthy competitiveness. It always increases a communitys revenues. Sales taxes and lodging notably increase but tax revenues include air travel as well as other transportation, business, and fuel taxes (Cognizant, Dobson, & Shibli, 2000). The new jobs that are created generate more income revenues. Considering the economic influence of the tourism, it is important to understand that businesses related to tourism always include an important number of jobs that are low-paying, mostly at minimum wages. These jobs are always seasonal, hence causing under-employment or even unemployment during the off-seasons. Labor might be imported, instead of hired locally, especially of particular expertise or skills required, or if the local labor is not available. Some tourist-related businesses also are high-risk and volatile ventures that are not sustainable. Big demand for services, goods, housing and land, might increase the prices that in turn would increase the living cost (Korca, 1998). Tourism businesses might claim a land that could have high value or other application. In addition, owners who are non-local and corporations might export their profits out of the community. The community might have to generate funds through increased taxes in order to maintain roads and transportation systems that are more heavily used (Hede & Jago, 2005). Social and Cultural The social and cultural influences of tourism are warranting consideration, as impacts can either become detriments or assets to communities. Tourists influxes can bring different values to a community and influence behaviors as well as family life. Collective community and individuals might attempt to please tourists and adopt the tourist behaviors. However, interactions between tourists and residents can influence creative expression through a provision of new opportunities and by stifling individuality with the new restrictions. In addition, increased tourism could push a community to adopt a diverse moral conduct for instance improved understanding between sexes and increased illicit drug use that are both negative. However, health facilities and safety as well as staffing tend to raise at the same time the safety challenges such as accidents and crime increase. Traditionally, ceremonies might be revived and renewed by the tourist interest as well as alternative activities that are lost. Community organizations might be invigorated though facing of the opportunities of overwhelmed or tourism by its associated challenges. Calamities such as the energy shortages, terrorism,natural disasters, disease outbreak, political upheaval, a chemical spill, or widespread negative publicity can shut down tourism instantly and at the same time attract visitors who are curious (Kreag, 2001). Tourism can tremendously improve the life quality in a region by raising the number of attractions, services and recreational opportunities. Tourism can offers residents opportunities to meet make friendships, interesting people, learn about the global society, as well as exposing themselves to newer perspectives. However, experiencing diverse cultural practices can enrich experiences, increases insight, broadens horizons, and appreciation for the variety of approaches to living. Always, dwindling interest in cultures host is revived by the re-awakening heritage of culture as part of the development of tourism, that increases demand for cultural exhibits and historical. However, this interest by tourists in history opportunities and local culture to support the preservation of historical architecture and artifacts. Through learning about others, their diversity become more interesting and less threatening. Similarly, tourism can promote high levels of satisfaction in psychology from opportunities that are created by the tourism development and through interactions with travelers (Kreag, 2001). In addition, tourism could come to a society with a dark cultural and social side, too. Illegal operations would tend to go up in a relaxed atmosphere of the tourist areas. Increased drinking of the underage can become a challenge especially in the beach communities, regions with festivals that involve alcohol, as well as ski villages. It is easy to be anonymous in a place where strangers can be taken for granted; bustling of tourist traffic could increase the smugglers presence and smuggled products buyers. Changes in lifestyle, for instance, alterations in travelling patterns of the local to avoid congestion of the tourist and also avoidance of the downtown shopping could also damage the community culturally and socially. Restaurants, hotels, and shops can be pushed to tourism development into residential areas, hence forcing changes in a community physical structure. Tourist facilities development in locations that are prime might cause the locals to feel like they are excluded from such resources. However, as the local ethnic culture is altered to fit the tourism needs, cultural and language practices might also change. In regions where long term visitors tended to congregate, social cliques, like the condo tourists, might be at the odds with the local interests and working to influence the local issues. The demonstration effect of tourists, as well as the tourist facilities, might also alter customs, for example, dating habits, of those more structured or the traditional culture. The potential of marrying and meeting non-local mates might create family stress (Lindber, & Johnson, 1997). The traditional events have been playing the role of the attractiveness of a destination. They are parcel of the product portfolio of a destination. Therefore, they can generate additional tourist visits or can even convince tourists to stay longer in a destination. In addition, they might increase tourist satisfaction by offering an alternative to the normal attractions that are always offered by the destinations (Dimanche, 2003). However, a summer destination in Cannes, on the French Riviera, counts on the trade events to raise the hotel rates of occupancy in the winter seasons and shoulder. Such events can as well be used as incentives in order to attract new markets. Sports fans that are interested in a specified sport event or art buffs willing to travel in order to see a Van Gogh exhibit would visit a destination for the first time due to the the event that would satisfy their needs (Getz, 1997). During the Festival of the film, the native population in Cannes- that is 67 406 inhabitants exceeds 160, 000 habitants. Therefore, Cannes can develop in margin of the Festival of the film (Dimanche & Sodja, 2006). Places and Monuments in Cannes The edge of the sea, with its known Boulevard de la Croisette , is the most significant tourist assets, and the only islands of the Lerins, off the coast that belong to the community. Universally, Cannes is also known for its Festival film that is being held every year, May. However, the palate of these festivals is the mythical place of the marvellous city. Similarly, it is important to underline the presence of luxurious hotels on the Small cross, for example, the Martinez Hotel, Intercontinental Carlton Hotel, Stephanie Palace or Majestic Hotel. Also, one can quote the likes of remarkable buildings: the tower of Castrates and the castle, in Suquet that shelter the Museum of Castrates and it dominates the city. Also, at the side are the Notre-Dame church of the Hope as well as the vault Holy-Anne (Mules, & Faulkner, 1996). Cannes Filmfestival The FilmFestival in Cannes, was founded in 1946 and referred to as the International Festival film until 2002, with the passing years the cinema festival became more mediatized globally, and its influence however did not stop growing due to the sponsors and media present for the event, particularly during the time of opening ceremony, and the traditional rising steps: the most known red carpet as well as its twenty four steps of glory. However, in spite of the prestige, the Festival was often criticized , and it was at the centre of most scandals and controversies that magazines and newspapers, foreigners and French relayed. Every year, during the fortnight second of May, the city of Cannes is always invaded by catch of attack and scenario writers as well as by thousands of photographers. In addition, parallel to the Festival with the years going by, most sections were formed. Among them, one finds the Cinefondation, Fortnight, the a Certain Glance, Week of criticism, and especially the Market film of Cannes city, the first globally, in significance. During these festivals, the occasion is offered to the majority of distributors and producers present on the spot in order for them to find partners to finance their films projects, or even to sell the already turned works with the televisions and distributors of the whole Globe. Although, before it had the appearance of a fashionable and tourist demonstration, the Festival was formed to reward the best film, and the best actor, as well as the best actress. However, with time, other prices came and was added to Cannes-native prestige, just like the jury price, and the Gold Palm (Marzano & Scott, 2006). Events and Awareness Generates awareness of a Destination Certainly, all events cannot generate the type of global media attention that a FIFA World Cup or even Olympic games can offer. Nonetheless, due to their occurrence in one-time, events and festivals make the news and hence creating media attention and tourist, whether regional, national, or even international. Carnival time provides every year the opportunity to cities for instance the Venice, Rio de Janeiro, Nice, or even the New Orleans to be featured in international news (Dimanche, 2002: Heath & Wall, 1992). However, the Sports events produce similar effect and destinations make bids actively to host such events. Cities in Europe rival every year to differentiate itself and become Cultural centres for the European Capitals.Even trade and business events benefit the cities that also host them. To demonstrate the power of such trade event that have become popular due to the particular attention the public gives to movie stars, a good case is the Cannes International Film Festival. Cannes, is a small city with the population of about 60,000 on the French Riviera, and the city has found global exposure due to the event. City Hall in Cannes is boasting that the FilmFestival is among the event that attracts the media attention globally every year. Annual peaks could only be explained by the FilmFestival occurrence (Kreag, 2001). As a matter of fact, the most famous events plays a role as endorsers of celebrity for the destination in the similar manner a famous movie star or even an athlete can endorse a consumable goods. Destinations such as the Cannes in France need to associate itself to events that would have attributes the destination needed to adopt. Cannes year round benefits from the luxury and glamour attributes that are associated with the FilmFestival. The city does attract other events for instance, the boat show and the International Luxury Travel Market due to fact that they have the similar attributes and values and Cannes needs to to communicate to its target in the markets (Dimanche, 2008:Jago & Shaw, 1998). Conclusion Tourism growth directed toward local interests, needs, and limits would greatly enhance and influence community tourism value and assist in creating a sustainable industry. Most small communities have the resources and skills to promote successful tourism development. Creation of a local tourism industry is can not be a daunting task, but it can make tourism fit to the Community.However, the creation of a sustainable and successful tourism industry is like the creation of any sustainable and successful economic activity because it takes planning, vision and working. Perhaps, understanding the tourism nature influence will not lead to automatic solutions. It is significant to identify the origin of these influences and how they can influence interactions between residents and tourists, the environment and the host community. Researchers, divide these influences sources to two groups: destination factors and tourist factors. Tourist factors are the one that tourists come along with to the destination: they include elements such as social differences , demographic characteristics, and visitors number. Aian addition, the destination factors are those which are part of the destination itself, for example, travel linkage and circulation, acceptance tourism by the local, and leadership and local vitality. However, where culture is parcel of the attractions of tourist, cultural traits, over-amplification and creation of brand new traits in order to satisfy the taste of tourist might create a culture that is phony. Residents might experience a sense of alienation and exclusion over development and planning concerns. They might feel they have lost control over communitys future because outsiders are taking over new development and establishments (Korca, 1998). In addition, over-dependence on the non-local developers and influx outsiders, businesses can create a sense that the local community is being exploited and manipulated by people from outside for the benefit of those business people or developers. Hotels constructed in cubes that are monolithic or restaurants with franchise designs that are standardized may clash with standards of the local and can disrupt the aesthetic appearance of a community, damaging unique community character as well as spreading sameness. References Cognizant, C., Dobson, N., & Shibli, S. 2000. The Economic Importance of Major Sports Events. Wiley,pp 17-28. Dimanche, F. (2002). The Contribution of Special Events to Destination Brand Equity. In K. W. Wober (Ed.) 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