A word count: 1761

 Module Code: (FC503)

 Class Group: Section: H

 Module Title: skills for study 3-FC

Assignment title: 1750 words essay

Assignment title: Although in the short-term ethno-tourism can be beneficial, in the long term the negative consequences far outweigh any advantages ,using existing literature and data ,evaluate this claim form the perspective of visitors and tribal communities.

Tutor Name: Pyszka ,Alicja

 Student ID Number: 

Date of Submission: 1pm on Friday 2^nd September

A word count: 1761

          

               Many countries have adopted a tourism plan, this is to help stimulate the country’s local economic development since the tourism industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry. There are various different types of tourism, amongst them ethno-tourism. Ethno-tourism is ‘defined as a specialized type of cultural tourism and is defined as any excursion which focuses on the works of man rather than nature, and attempts to give the tourist an understanding of the lifestyles of local people.’ (Bolnick, 2003) . Ethno-tourists are usually targeted locally and internationally, famous ethno-tourist hotspots include, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Australia, Africa, certain parts of China and many more. Even though ethno-tourism is quickly gaining popularity, we must still understand that this ‘specialized tourism’ is still ‘an extremely unpredictable and sensitive industry’ (ibid). In the essay, I will discuss why I disagree with the point stating that in the long term the negative consequences of ethno-tourism will by far outweigh any advantage.

Ethno-tourism started in the early 21^st century when people realized that they not only wanted to visit a country for its beauty but to also mingle with the hidden sights of the country, the indigenous people and live the way they do. They wanted a holiday that they could remember, one that was authentic and to do eco-friendly activities with the people and fully submerge themselves into the new culture, It was about the experience. The visitors wanted to enjoy ‘both the natural environment and the singular ethnic experience’ (Anderson, 1996). Furthermore, tourists were attracted to the idea that they could witness a real life culture that would one day be ‘extinct’ (ibid). The ethno-tourism industry is diverse, ‘with many options for development e.g. village tours, village accommodation, food, traditional dance and music etc.’ (ibid).

 Ethno tourism may have many disadvantages such as the indigenous people could get exploited sexually or by the government, they could also get cheated by the tourist with the amount of cash they are being given as they are not educated. Other disadvantages include the tourists disrupting the indigenous people as they go about their daily lives and the indigenous tribes losing their culture by slowly being influenced by the tourists.  However, in my opinion the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages by far. For example, ethno-tourism creates jobs for the locals in terms of travel agencies and travel agents it also creates jobs for the indigenous people allowing them to sell their handcrafted items and local delicacies promoting a better economy for the country thanks to the foreign currency trades. Also with the added income, the indigenous people can now afford better healthcare and could raise the quality of their lives. With the increased livelihood, they could also afford to get better education for their young. This not only helps them to be more socialized and included into society but it also helps them and their young to be more marketable when looking for jobs in the future. 

           Long term Ethno-tourism offers economics’ benefits to both the contacted tribal communities and the nation located geographically on the land in which they reside. (Ahmed ,et all ,1994) on this basis, it can be inferred that Long Ethno-tourism it can helps more people to get a chance to work and the reason for the world travel organizations to have to ask the permission on how to use the land specifically to be respectful and to share the profit with them.

  The Miao minority with a population of over 4 million, is a tribe that can be found out of main land china and in other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, France, Britain and many more. (China International 1998)The Miao Minority is very respectful and treat guests and visitors with the upmost etiquette. According to the Miao minority in china, the long-term ethno tourism cultural professional for the local people helps to build their confidence to development their own culture. For example the Miao Minority can pass on their traditional skills to their children because their people do not need to go outside to work, they would be more content to learn their own culture, the long-term ethno-tourism. The Miao minority is a tribe based on tradition they will go to all lengths to ensure that the tradition is passed on. From education, food, Clothing and funerals, religion and also living style, festive ceremonies, specialty sports and so on.  One of the most prized traditions of the Miao minority is their own local language, this virtue is produced from the rich minority culture including activities such as festive ceremonies and dances providing a huge attraction for tourists. In the modern Ethno-tourism culture it is rich content, and strong local color, attracting to a large number of overseas tourists, with a high tourism value. According to: Tourism concern, 2009, many ethnic minorities are able to survive and continue on by using the money they receive to promote their traditions and culture. 

With the ever increasing number of ethno-tourists, the younger generation of the indigenous tribes are starting to lose their sense of culture. They would abandon the lifestyle first chance they get and start learning to be more modern, losing the opportunity to retain their own culture, language and social norms and values. Also somewhere along the process, the government often prioritizing the economy over the culture and existence of its people are turning traditional residential buildings and monuments into sky high sky scrappers and theme parks for tourism. The traditional customs and clothes have been reverted to jeans and jackets, t-shirts and shorts, flip flops and sandals. Even the lifestyle and entertainment of the young has changed, the authentic and mystical side of our traditions have been forgotten in the process in order to meet the unhealthy and sometimes vulgar needs of the tourists. They have even launched activities outside the cultural and social norm designed to attract tourists and the value of a single target, the original meanings and value of folks have either changed or disappeared, losing the true meaning of our very existence of the environment and tearing away the respect for the people alongside.

Long-term Ethnic Tourism from an economic point of view, so to promote the local economy, only the distinctive, deep culture, culture is the vitality of minority cultural tourism resources will attract more people. All of the people have to protect local natural tourist resources, If loss of ethno tourism cultural characteristics, to retain their own traditions where visitors can also learn something new, there will be many visitors coming to the minority areas to bring huge economic benefits, but also strengthened the minority people of this ethno tourism cultural identity sense and self-esteem, self-confidence and enhance their national and cultural treasures of this ethno tourism and protection. Minority areas to always wear a minority costume and traditional handicrafts; began to frequent organize festive events; not only revived the traditional culture, but also to those who endangered long-tour ethno tourism culture a new life. While outside exchange and cultural integrated and also the development of national culture.

Also due to the international tourists arriving, certain tribes may not have a strong immune system and could catch various diseases. ‘Diseases present the most direct of threats to isolated tribal communities contacted by outsiders’ (Hurtado et all, 2001, pg427). These diseases can harm a member to the extent of it being lethal which could cause extinction in the long run. Furthermore a fellow beloved tribesman’s death could unleash hateful emotions and anger towards foreigners and increase turmoil within the tribe.  This ‘mental anguish’ could also result in ‘culture shock, alcoholism and social breakdown’ (ibid).  Although one would argue that this is a reason for us to leave the indigenous people alone, I believe they need to be conditioned to this diseases so they would increase healthcare by getting the necessary immunizations needed and therefore increasing their life expectancy.  Furthermore, when tourists come they sometimes bring gifts for the tribal community. This could range from something like medicial properties to material items. These ‘goods’ however could do more harm than good to the community if not used in the right manner. For example, a camera constantly flashing in their eyes could cause epilepsy or emotional trauma. It could also affect the light sensitivity in their eyes for they are not accustomed to flashing lights.  The tourists could also bring items such as hand phones, radios and portable TVs which could result in a shock for certain members that such things exists and make them want to be modern too leaving their cultural roots behind. 

Based on the evidence I have stated, I strongly disagree with the original statement of ‘although in the short term ethno tourism can be beneficial, in the long term the negative consequences far outweigh any advantages.’ I believe that long term ethno tourism has far more advantages and can benefit the people more should they go about it more smartly. For example, they could limit the amount of visitors they allow, something like no more than 2 or 3 different groups of tourists at one time. They could also have a pre-set of regulations given out to any tourists who would like to visit explaining the manner in which they are expected to behave. They could also have a clause on what items are acceptable to bring along and what aren’t. they could also limit the duration/length of stay each group of tourists is allowed so something like no more than 2 nights or 3 nights at a time. Furthermore, the indigenous people could work up a contract with the tourist agency stating if any items should go missing or broken that it would be replaced. Also the tourists should be allowed an insurance should any major accidents happen and someone would require major medical attention. The government could also play a part by further supporting the tribes with grants as they are after all bringing in more revenue for the country. After all the point of these tourisms is also to help the people rid themselves of poverty and preserve their natural surroundings. The government could also start a volunteer holiday program where locals or foreigners could come and help the community better their houses or help with everyday activities providing better shelters. The volunteers could also teach the younger kids on how to read and write acting sort of like a tutor helping them with their studies. We must however remember that these uncontacted tribes are still people and deserve the privacy we have and only approach them if they would like to be approached.  

Bibliography:

Ahmed, Z. U., Krohn, F.B., and Heller, V. (1994). International Tourism Ethics as a way to World understanding. Journal of Tourism Studies, 5(2), 36-44. (International colleges Kaplan, skill for study pack level three)

Accessed: 23/08/2011

"Adventure Tourism" by R. Buckley (2006) Published by CABI, Wallingford, UK

“Ethnic Minorities — Emerging Entrepreneurs in Rural Viet Nam: A Study on the Impact of Business Training on Ethnic Minorities”, Jens Dyring Christensen, David Lamotte, 2001Accessed: 26/08/2011

“Employment Creation and Employment Quality in African Manufacturing Firms”, Micheline Goedhuys, 2002. (International colleges Kaplan, skill for study pack level three)

Accessed: 26/08/2011

Hitchcock, R. (1997). Cultural, Economic and Environmental impacts of Tourism among Kalahari Bushmen. In E. Chambers (Ed.), Culture and Tourism: an applied perspective. (pp.93-128). New York: New York University Press Accessed: 24/08/2011

Hurtado, M., Hill, K., Kaplan H., and Lancaster, j. (2001). The Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases among South American Indians: a call for guidelines for ethical research. Current Anthropology, 42(3), 425-432 Accessed: 25/08/2011

Malloy, D.C., and Fernell, D.A. (1998). Eco-tourism and ethics: moral development and organizational cultures, Journal of Travel Guide. London: Earthscan. Accessed: 27/07/2011

China International  (1998). Miao Minority. Available: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/nationality/miao.htm. Last accessed 27/08/2011.

Survival International . (8 November 2007). Amazon leader – uncontacted tribes suffer worst experience in 500 years . Available: http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/2586. Last accessed 24/08/2011.

survivalinternational.( 2009). Aerial photos reveal loggers inside uncontacted Indians’ territory. Available: http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/4847. Last accessed 26/8/2011.

Steven Bolnick. (2003). Promoting the Culture Sector through Job Creation and Small Enterprise Development in SADC Countries: The Ethno-tourism Industry. Available: http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_emp/@emp_ent/@ifp_seed/documents/publication/wcms_117681.pdf. Last accessed 15th august 2011.

Minority Rights Group International. (2008). World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous P. Available: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/49749d133c.html. Last accessed 25/08/2011

Vidal, John (2009-07-25). "Are we here just for your amusement?". The Guardian (London) accessed 25/08/2011