To what extent can the impact of tourism be considered as beneficial? Discuss with reference to ethnographic case studies

Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world, impacting both Western and non-Western countries globally (Burns, 2004; Stronza, 2001). Although not a new phenomenon, it has inspired a great deal of dispute among anthropologists concerning the impacts of tourism (Burns, 2004). In this essay, I will discuss the benefits and costs of tourism with reference to specific ethnographic examples. This essay will argue that the impacts of tourism can be considered beneficial to a certain extent, fundamentally, because there are still apparent negatives to this form of travel. It will further argue that for the impacts of tourism to be considered greatly beneficial; it is vital that communities are actively involved and considered in the tourism development process. Undoubtedly, there are benefits to tourism. For instance, one of the paramount motivations for the development of tourism is the economic gain associated with this industry (Smith, 1989). Worldwide, 10 per cent of jobs are within the tourist industry, with over 100 million people being employed directly (Alisa & Ridho, 2020). Theodossopoulos & Carrier’s (2009), in their ethnographic fieldwork with the Embera, an indigenous community in Panama, stated that tourism provides the community with “new and rewarding economic possibilities” (Theodossopoulos & Carrier, 2009: p. 115). This includes local employment and income opportunities, which are noted to be far more financially rewarding and enjoyable than Embera’s previous conventional activities, including hunting and fishing (Theodossopoulos & Carrier, 2009). Furthermore, Hermans (1981) observed that tourism in Cambrils has enabled farmers to receive higher prices for their produce in summer, including fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the impact of tourism has led to land prices growing exponentially, enabling farmers to sell their land for a much higher price (Herman, 1981). Thus, providing farmers sufficient capital to invest back into agriculture in order to improve its productivity and profitability. Consequently, “tourism has promoted agriculture directly and indirectly” (Hermans, 1981: p. 456). Thus, tourism can provide a range of economic benefits for local communities, including greater and higher-income employment opportunities and higher price for their local produce. Harrison (1994) even goes as far as to argue that “in strictly economic terms, tourism is probably beneficial” (Harrison, 1994: p. 249).