Tourism Teacher

  • What is ethical tourism and why is it important?

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Ethical tourism is on everyone’s mind these days. Over the past decade or two, people have become far more conscious of their actions. Whether it’s by turning off the lights when we leave the room, recycling our empty cereal box, not riding elephants in Thailand or eating at local restaurants in Costa Rica, there are many ways that we can be ethical tourists.

However, whilst you might read simplistic articles that give you a list of ‘things that you should do to be an ethical tourist’, these are exactly that- over simplified. In reality, ethical tourism is a multifaceted concept that requires a deep understanding if a person truly wants to demonstrate ethical behaviour.

In this article, I will tell you what is meant by the term ethical tourism, why ethical tourism has become more prominent around the world and what ethical issues the tourism industry is up against. I will also give you lots of examples of ethical tourism, discuss the criticisms of ethical tourism (because it is not perfect!) and then give you that infamous list- how to be an ethical tourist.

Don’t want to read it all? Use the list below to scroll to the bit that interests you most.

What is ethical tourism?

A definition of ethical tourism

Why is ethical tourism important?

The rise in ethical tourism

The global code of ethics for tourism, distribution of income, access to services and facilities, exploitation of children, exploitation of women, sex tourism, animal welfare, environmental destruction, cultural impacts of tourism, agritourism, charity tourism, community-based tourism, cultural tourism, pro-poor tourism, rural tourism, slow tourism, sustainable tourism, volunteer tourism, tourists are naive, small-scale projects don’t solve larger-scale problems, the subjectivity of the term ‘ethical’, ethical operators may have unethical motives, can tourism ever really be ethical, #1 be kind to the environment, #2 be kind to society, #3 be kind to the economy, ethical tourism: key takeaways, ethical tourism: faqs, ethical tourism: further reading.

young woman on fallen trunk in forest ethical tourism

Ethical tourism is a concept that has been developed in response to the critiques of mass tourism . Essentially, ethical tourism encourages tourists to move away from’ the four Ss’ (Sun, Sea, Sand and Sex), and exchange these for ‘the three Ts’ (Travelling, Trekking and Trucking).

To put it simply, ethical tourism is a form of responsible tourism . Ethical tourists consider the impact of their actions with regards to the three pillars of sustainable tourism – the environment, the economy and society. They minimise negative impacts and maximise the positive impacts.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? There problem is however, that many people are undereducated in these areas. Tourists are inherently naive. A person may think that they are demonstrating ethical behaviours and adhering to ethical practices, but in reality this may not be the case. This is through no fault of the tourist. The simple issue is that they do not know everything that they need to know in order to be an ‘ethical tourist’….

So lets delve into the concept of ethical tourism a little deeper….

As with many concepts that I attempt to define here on this website, there is a degree of ambiguity over what ethical tourism actually means. It is somewhat subjective. Ultimately, what one person may believe is ‘ethical’, another person may not .

This problem is particularly evident when we compare the way that the term ethical tourism is understood between those who live in the global north to those who live in developing countries.

The concept of ethical tourism has been developed predominantly by Western nations, in response to global concerns about the impact of mass tourism and the negative impacts that this often has. But whilst these problems are increasingly recognised in the northern hemisphere, many countries in the south lack the education and experience to facilitate the same level of comprehension. This has resulted in different interpretations of the term ‘ethical tourism’ around the world.

lake and mountain ethical tourism

Nonetheless, there have been some attempts at providing a universal definition of ethical tourism.

The World Tourism Organisation (1999) state that;

‘The understanding and promotion of the ethical values common to humanity, with an attitude of tolerance and respect for the diversity of religious, philosophical and moral beliefs, are both the foundation and consequence of responsible tourism’.

Ryan (2002, p. 17) further suggests that although it may be easy for tour operators to agree with the principles outlined by demands for an ethical approach to tourism development, it is sometimes hard to implement them because of the complex and ‘pragmatic issues of management’. He argues that although laudable in intention, ethical tourism has been an extremely difficult niche product to provide.

Harold Goodwin, the director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), supports this, reporting that ‘currently what tour operators are looking for help with is ways to make themselves more responsible’ (Goodwin, 2003).

This demonstrates that there are also disparities between the way that ethical tourism is understood (either intentionally or naively) between the different stakeholders in tourism . Businesses, for example, may promote ethical practices as a means of enhancing their corporate image, whereas tourists may have a true and natural desire to lessen their carbon footprint, for instance.

Ethical tourism is paramount.

Ultimately, we have been destroying our world for centuries and the pace at which this has happened has increased exponentially in recent years. We simply cannot continue to act in the way that we have been.

Yes, people are are recycling more than they used to. Governments are funding the building of solar and wind power plants as an alternative to coal. Biofuels are being developed for use in aircraft and electric car technology is rapidly developed. Children are taught to be ‘global citizens’ at school. BUT we are not doing enough.

If you haven’t yet watched the Netflix series Travellers , then you should do. This dystopian drama gives us insight into what our future world might look like if we continue living the way that we are… I highly recommend it.

If we want to continue to travel the world, then we must do it responsibly . And this is what ethical tourism is all about…

female traveler on high hillside in mountains ethical tourism

Ethical tourism is not a new concept, but it is one that has become more recognised in recent years.

Over the last 30 years or so, ethical tourism has become an important discussion point for academics, businesses, Governments and the general public, plenty of people are talking about it now, from ethical family travel to how to use less plastic , ethical tourism is much more in the public eye than it once was.

It’s scary to think that when our parents travelled in their youth, there was little regard for ethics. In fact, holidays were seen as a time to ‘let loose’ and to be ‘care-free’. Turning off the lights when you left a room was often the last thing on a tourist’s mind.

Fast-forward a generation and the picture is quite different….

The emergence and growth of the ‘ethical consumer’ has been apparent since the 1990s (Shaw & Clarke, 1999). In response, companies began to realise the importance of social responsibility and began to implement ethical practices into their business models. Sadly, this often means that companies have little regard for ethics, but instead their motives are profit-driven. But nonetheless, ethical practices are adopted, which is a good thing!

Ethical tourism over the years has moved from a micro form of niche tourism to a macro niche in tourism . However, it remains just that- a niche.

However, there are a number of predictions that show an accelerated growth in the interest of ethical tourism in the near future. Therefore, I predict that it is only a matter of time before ethical tourism is integrated into the mass tourism model .

In fact, there is a strong argument to suggest that ethical tourism should be part of an attitude towards tourism , rather than a niche product.

tourist next to tent in desert in daytime ethical tourism

So how to we monitor and measure ethical behaviour? What are the guidelines for ethical tourism? Is there a code of conduct?

These are all very important questions. The problem that we have with broad and subjective concepts, such as ethical tourism, is definition and measurement. When is something ethical and who decides?

Unfortunately, there is not one set code of conduct for stakeholders in tourism to work towards. This makes for somewhat murky waters… nonetheless, there are a number of guidelines and codes that are used in different spheres and contexts.

Some examples of codes of conduct used in ethical tourism include:

  • Global Code of Ethics for Tourism – United Nations
  • Tips for Responsible travellers – World Committee on Tourism Ethics (ECTE)
  • Putting Ethics into Practice – Tearfund
  • The Countryside Commissions’ Code – UK Government
  • Code of Ethics – Conservation International
  • Environmental Codes of Conduct for Tourism – United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • Values in Action: WWF’s Core Standards of Performance – World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
  • Tour Operators’ Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development  (TOI)  – United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)

The purpose of codes, such as these, is to raise awareness and to educate the tourist.

They do also play an important role in informing other stakeholders of tourism, such as private organisations of Government. Codes of conduct help to explain how it is possible for people to support the management of tourism in a sustainable, and ethical, manner.

What is ethical tourism?

Major ethical issues in tourism

There are many many ethical issues within tourism. After all, tourism is one of, if the the , biggest industry in the world- so there are bound to be a diverse range of issues.

Below, I have briefly outlined some of the most common ethical issues in tourism.

woman in red dresses carrying firewood ethical tourism

There is lots of money to be made in tourism. However, the income is rarely distributed evenly.

More often than not, the vast majority of wealth made from tourism goes to large, Western corporations. Even if we concentrate on an area of tourism that is in the developing world, much of the income from tourism is still swallowed up by international organisations, known as economic leakage .

Inherently, most of the jobs in the travel and tourism industry pay low salaries. Think- the chef in your hotel restaurant, the maids who clean your beds and the theme park ride operator at the fun fair. None of these people are likely to be paid high salaries.

Tourism can also cause other negative economic impacts , such as gentrification (when local people are pushed out of the area that they have traditionally lived in because the cost of living has risen too much). Tourism can encourage theft, gambling and cause people to leave their traditional methods of income generation behind (such as farming) in exchange for tourism.

The sex tourism industry in Thailand is a good example of this, where young girls frequently leave their homes in rural areas to join the sex trade in the city in search of a more prosperous economic outlook.

body oof water ethical tourism

The tourism industry is known to use and abuse local areas and resources. This is often at the detriment of the local population .

Take golf tourism, for example. Golf courses require a huge amount of water in order to be maintained. In some parts of the world, where there are water shortages, this means that local people may go without essential water needed for cooking, washing etc at the expense of the tourism industry.

boy sitting on dirt ethical tourism

Sadly, children are exploited with the tourism industry more often than we care to admit.

Have you ever bought an item from a kid who is a street seller? If the answer is yes, then you are helping to fuel this exploitation…. if the parents know that their kids can make money from tourism, they will continue to keep them out of school and working on the streets.

There are many jobs that kids do that are indirectly linked to the tourism industry too. From working in factories to farm work to begging, to sex tourism.

an elderly person wearing brown sakkat hat ethical tourism

Similarly, many women are exploited within the tourism industry.

The most obvious example is this is through sex tourism , which is a prominent industry in South East Asia, amongst other parts of the world.

However, there are also many other ways that women are treated unfairly in the tourism industry. Most of the top jobs are done by men and women salaries, on average, are significantly lower around the world than men’s salaries.

amsterdam canal lights red light district ethical tourism

As I mentioned before, the sex tourism industry is pretty significant. While many people like to pretend it doesn’t exist, the truth is that this is a multi-million Dollar industry.

However, many people who work in the sex trade do not want to be there. Some are forced into this line of work against their will. Some are only children.

photo of an elephant carrying people on a green grass field ethical tourism

Wildlife tourism has moved towards the forefront of consumer awareness in recent years. People are now largely empathetic of animal rights and welfare.

People are now preferring to visit safari parks over zoos, going to animal sanctuaries and conservation projects and volunteering their time to help, rather than hinder.

Nonetheless, maltreatment of animals does still happen in many contexts around the world; from dolphins in captivity to cat cafes to riding elephants.

black airplane in the sky ethical tourism

It’s ironic really that tourism all too often destroys the environment that it relies on.

For tourism to be ethical, stakeholders need to ensure that any damage to the environment is minimised. This includes a range of aspects such as reducing CO2 emissions to picking up litter to reducing the amount of plastic that we use.

photo of man in red and white lungi skirt standing on grass field ethical tourism

There are many ways that tourism can adversely affect culture .

Authenticity in tourism is often a controversial topic, as is globalisation . Tourists should be mindful of local cultures, religions and customs and try not to offend people during their travels too.

Examples of ethical tourism

So, now that we understand what ethical tourism is, lets look at some examples of ethical tourism in practice. Below, I have outlined some of the major examples of ethical tourism. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and not all of these types of tourism are entirely ethical 100% of the time.

silhouette of person riding a horse ethical tourism

Agritourism, also referred to as agricultural tourism, argotourism or farm tourism is a subset of the rural tourism industry. It focusses on agricultural operations and involves tourist activities based in or around farms. This includes activities such as wine tours, horseback riding, clay bird shooting, animal petting and historical agricultural exhibits.

selective focus photography cement ethical tourism

Charity tourism, also referred to as aid tourism, is a form of travel which centres around charitable activity. It can involve helping those in need directly by joining a  volunteer tourism  programme, for example. It can also involve booking tours and travels or providing financial donations through organisations and tour operators which promote charitable tourism, such as  Tourism Concern ,  Barefoot or the  Travel Foundation .

adventure backlit dawn dusk ethical tourism

Community based tourism is a term used to describe holidays that benefit both the traveller and the destination. Community based tourism is based on the premise of collective responsibility, allowing the local community to have an active involvement in the development and management of tourism in the area.It often involves rural, poor and economically marginalised populations, where individuals are given the opportunity to raise money through work as land managers, entrepreneurs, produce and service providers and employees.

two women wearing traditional dress carrying basins ethical tourism

Cultural tourism  is the act of travellers visiting particular destinations in order to experience and learn about a particular culture. This can include many activities such as; attending events and festivals, visiting museums and tasting the local food and drinks. Cultural tourism can also be an unintentional part of the tourism experience, whereby cultural immersion (with the local people, their language, customs, cuisine etc) is an inevitable part of a person’s holiday.

man carrying black backpack standing beside trees ethical tourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism directed at preserving fragile environments and eco-systems. Ecotourism commonly occurs in threatened natural environments, where the intention is to provide conservation. Ecotourism efforts include building tourist facilities that have minimal impact on the natural environment, adopting the use of products such as compost toilets or solar-powered electricity. Ecotourism has become somewhat of a ‘buzz word’ in recent years and is closely related to the concept of  sustainable tourism .

snowy mountain ridge against cloudy sky ethical tourism

Geotourism is tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical features of a destination. Geotourism adopts the principles of sustainable tourism , with a focus on the synergy of the destination- it aims to bring together all of the elements of geographical character to create a fulfilling and rewarding tourism product. Examples of geo tourism may be holiday homes that are run locally and built with local products (e.g. stones) or local produce being sold to tourists.

little boy carrying can ethical tourism

Pro-poor tourism is not a sector of the tourism industry per se, rather it is an approach to the industry. Pro-poor tourism, often shortened to PPT, intends to provide net benefits to the poor. These can be economic, social or environmental benefits and can be achieved through a range of means such as taking part in charity tourism or purchasing a holiday package through a charitable operator.

cozy wooden house and chairs in autumn forest ethical tourism

According to the World Tourism Organisation, rural tourism is ‘a type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle / culture, angling and sightseeing’. Rural tourism takes place in non-urban areas such as national parks, forests or mountain areas. Popular rural tourism activities include cycling, walking or hiking.

train railway near trees ethical tourism

Slow tourism  is based on the concept of speed. It involves travelling for a prolonged period of time at a slow pace, allowing the tourist a deep, authentic and cultural experience. An alternative tourism form, slow travel is typically associated with sustainable practices, taking into consideration the impacts of travel on the environment, society and economy. Slow travel can be undertaken in any destination, but is particularly popular amongst traditional backpacking routes in destinations such as South East Asia, Central America or Australia .

elegant woman walking on sandy beach near sea ethical tourism

Sustainable tourism , similarly to responsible tourism, relies on the premise of taking care of the environment, society and economy. Sustainable tourism principles intend to minimise the negative impacts of tourism, whilst maximising the positive impacts. As defined in the Bruntland Report, sustainable tourism is ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

person holding a turtle ethical tourism

Volunteer tourism  is a type of tourism whereby an individual will travel abroad to a destination that is predominantly considered ‘undeveloped’ or ‘developing’ to offer their support to those in need. According to Steven Wearing, the founder of the concept, a volunteer tourist undertakes holidays that might involve aiding or alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society, the restoration of certain environments or research into aspects of society or environment.

man planting on field ethical tourism

WWOOFING  stands for world wide opportunities on organic farms. It is a form of homestay tourism, whereby the tourist works on the farm in exchange for free board. WWOOFING has grown as an industry in recent years and is particularly popular in Australia, where many international tourists undertake agricultural work in order to extend the duration of their working holiday visa.

Criticisms of ethical tourism

Ethical tourism is all about doing good . Sounds great, doesn’t it? Too good to be true even? Well, perhaps it is…

There are, in actual fact, many criticisms of ethical tourism. Yes, it done well it has some fantastic positive impacts. But all too often this is not the case. The most common criticisms of ethical tourism include; the naivety of tourists, the fact that small-scale projects often can not solve large-scale problems and the subjectivity of the term ethical tourism. In addition to this, some people actually question whether achieving true ethical tourism is even possible!

woman in plaid taking photo in mountains

Many tourists don’t want to exhibit unethical behaviour. The problem is that they simply do not realise that they are doing it!

I remember when I first moved to Thailand to teach English and I leant that it was culturally offensive to show the soles of your feet. I was horrified to learn this, given that I had been sat on the floor in temples and other public places with my legs straight out in front of me- and soles completely on show! This is one example of how tourists are often ignorant to local customs and traditions, and can this easily cause offence, albeit in unintentionally.

Wildlife tourism is another good example. For years, tourists would ride elephants, completely unaware of how much the elephant would suffer in order to provide them with this pleasure. Fortunately, there is now a lot more awareness in this area.

person lying on cart

Many examples of ethical tourism, such as volunteer tourism projects or areas which are adopting geotourism principles are small in size. Yes, there are positive impacts to such projects, but they are barely a pin-prick into the bigger problems at hand.

Take pro-poor tourism, for example. There are some fantastic initiatives around the world, however these projects are small. Every little helps, for sure- but they only have a small impact on the wider issue and problems.

unrecognizable tourists walking near old buddhist temple in city

What is ethical behaviour?

Part of the problem with ethical tourism is that different people have different perceptions of what is ethical and what is not. In China , for example- it is deemed as perfectly ok to keep animals in small enclosures. Whereas, in much of the Western world, tourists would look upon this in horror.

Perception of ethics vary around the world and between different types of people . And a large part of this is done to education and awareness. If you have never been taught that fois gras is made by force feeding geese to fatten their liver, then you might be perfectly happy to eat it. If you have not seen the documentaries about how plastic is filling our oceans then you may have no problem with using a plastic disposable straw.

The point I am trying to make is that people view ethical tourism and understand ethical tourism in different ways. This includes not only tourists, but also tour operators , travel agents , tour guides, Governments and a range of other tourism industry stakeholders.

serious black man browsing mobile phone

The last criticism of ethical tourism that is worthwhile mentioning here is motivation .

Why does someone make a commitment to be an ethical tourist or to promote ethical tourism? Is it because they genuinely care about said ethical issues? Or is it because they are making money from it is some way?

We live in a world where consumerism and commercialisation are key. The capitalist marketplace demands competitive prices, innovative practices, superior marketing and a USP.

One way of achieving these things is for organisations to promote themselves as ethical operators. This enhances their corporate social image and makes them look more appealing to customers. In turn, this increases business and makes the organisation more money.

So, does the organisation who is promoting ethical tourism really care about ethical tourism? Maybe they do care, but I suspect that profit comes before ethics in most instances. Sad, but true.

content ethnic girlfriends with bok choy in local bazaar

So we have concluded that ethical tourism is subjective and difficult to measure. Does that mean that there is really such a thing as ethical tourism? Can any tourism be entirely and truthfully ethical? what does this actually mean?

Monbiot (1999) makes a valid argument in this regard, stating that; ‘tourism is, by and large, an unethical activity, which allows us to have fun at everyone else’s expense’.  Hickman (2002) further concludes that tourism is inherently a ‘self centred act’. Butcher (2009) takes this one step further by questioning whether ethical tourism is actually a good thing at all, in his chapter entitled ‘Against Ethical Tourism’ in the book Philosophical Issues in Tourism .

Perhaps the answer is that ethical tourism should not be seen as a form of tourism per se , but instead should be approach that is taken in an appropriate way, depending on the specific context. It is certainly not a black and white issue… and is certainly an area worthy of further discussion.

How to be an ethical tourist

I would like to end this article with a practical overview of some of the things that tourists, and other tourism industry stakeholders, can do to exhibit ethical behaviour.

It is extremely difficult (if possible at all) to be 100% ethical for 100% of the time. BUT, there are many things that we CAN do to help to protect and preserve the environment, society and the economy. Keep reading to find out what YOU can do to help.

woman with raising arms facing pathway between forest trees

If you want to be an ethical tourist, you must demonstrate a commitment to reducing any negative impacts on the environment. Some of the things that you can do include:

  • Don’t buy animal souvenirs
  • Don’t touch animals
  • Don’t feed wild animals
  • Avoid unethical wildlife tourism
  • Don’t drop litter
  • Don’t touch coral
  • Try slow tourism
  • Opt for eco-friendly transportation options
  • Turn off the lights
  • Try ecotourism
  • Avoid plastic
  • Don’t waste water
  • Stick to main paths

arches architecture building daylight

Ethical tourists also have a care and consideration for society and the communities that they interact with as part of their tourist experience. Here are some things that you can do to be an ethical tourist:

  • Learn the local language
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Immerse yourself into local life
  • Be sensitive
  • Don’t give to beggars
  • Treat people fairly
  • Avoid sex tourism
  • Don’t take photos of people without their permission

Lastly, an ethical tourist should be mindful of their economic behaviour. Here are some things that you can do to ensure that you have a positive impact, where possible:

  • Avoid multinational chain hotels
  • Limit economic leakage where you can
  • Avoid all-inclusive holidays
  • Leave positive reviews for local businesses
  • Consider who you are booking your holiday with
  • Haggle fairly
  • Ethical tourism involves making responsible and sustainable choices when traveling.
  • It is important to respect local cultures, traditions, and customs when visiting a new place.
  • Supporting local communities by buying locally-made products and using locally-owned businesses can have a positive impact on the local economy.
  • Minimising your carbon footprint by using eco-friendly transportation options and reducing waste can help reduce the impact of tourism on the environment.
  • Being mindful of the impact of your visit on the local environment and taking steps to minimize damage, such as not littering or damaging natural habitats, is important.
  • Engaging in ethical wildlife tourism, such as visiting sanctuaries and conservation centers, can help support animal welfare and conservation efforts.
  • Respecting the privacy and dignity of local people is important when taking photographs or engaging in other tourist activities.
  • Supporting ethical tourism organisations and initiatives can help promote sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
  • Learning about the history and culture of the destination you are visiting can help you appreciate and respect it more.
  • Ultimately, ethical tourism involves making conscious and informed decisions that benefit the destination and its people, while minimising negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Lastly, lets finish off this article by answering some of the most common questions on this subject.

Ethical tourism refers to tourism that promotes responsible and sustainable practices that benefit the environment and local communities.

How is ethical tourism different from other types of tourism?

Ethical tourism is different from other types of tourism because it places an emphasis on promoting sustainable and ethical practices, while minimising negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Ethical tourism is important because it helps promote sustainable and ethical practices in the tourism industry, which can benefit both the environment and local communities.

What are some examples of ethical tourism practices?

Examples of ethical tourism practices include supporting local businesses, reducing waste and using eco-friendly transportation options, respecting local cultures and traditions, and engaging in ethical wildlife tourism.

How can tourism negatively impact the environment and local communities?

Tourism can negatively impact the environment and local communities through overdevelopment, pollution, cultural commodification, and economic exploitation.

Can ethical tourism benefit local communities?

Yes, ethical tourism can benefit local communities by supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and promoting sustainable practices.

What is responsible tourism?

Responsible tourism is a type of tourism that aims to promote ethical and sustainable practices that benefit local communities and minimise negative impacts on the environment.

Is ethical tourism more expensive than traditional tourism?

Ethical tourism may not necessarily be more expensive than traditional tourism, as it depends on the specific activities and accommodations chosen.

What is the role of governments and tourism organisations in promoting ethical tourism?

Governments and tourism organisations have a role in promoting ethical tourism by creating policies and guidelines that encourage sustainable and ethical practices, and by educating tourists on ethical tourism practices.

How can tourists engage in ethical tourism?

Tourists can engage in ethical tourism by being mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities, supporting local businesses, engaging in ethical wildlife tourism, and respecting local cultures and traditions.

Ethical tourism is a fascinating and important subject that is only going to grow in the coming years. Want to learn more? Check out the resources below:

  • What Sustainable Tourism Is + Why It Is The Most Important Consideration Right Now
  • The Shocking Truth About Sex tourism
  • What is sports tourism and why it is so big?
  • What is responsible tourism and why does it matter?

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Book cover

Handbook of Tourism and Quality-of-Life Research II pp 429–443 Cite as

Ethnic Tourism and Quality of Life: Community Perspectives

  • Li Yang 11 ,
  • Xiang (Robert) Li 12 &
  • Xingyu Huang 12  
  • First Online: 24 September 2023

212 Accesses

Part of the book series: International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life ((IHQL))

Ethnic tourism has recently been promoted as an economic development and cultural preservation strategy in many destinations. This tactic can have significant impacts on residents’ quality of life (QOL) in ethnic communities whose development potential is limited. This study reviews research at the intersection of ethnic tourism and QOL to examine how such tourism affects host groups’ culture, ethnicity, and QOL from a community perspective. The review indicates that although substantial attention has been devoted to the impact of ethnic tourism in general, little effort has been made to link these insights to residents’ QOL. It is argued that a more comprehensive framework is needed which integrates objective and subjective measures to explore the potential of ethnic tourism to contribute to QOL as well as the degree to which it can extend across situations.

  • Ethnic tourism
  • Host groups’ culture
  • Quality of life
  • Community perspectives

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Yang, L., (Robert) Li, X., Huang, X. (2023). Ethnic Tourism and Quality of Life: Community Perspectives. In: Uysal, M., Sirgy, M.J. (eds) Handbook of Tourism and Quality-of-Life Research II. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31513-8_29

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Ethnic and Minority Cultures as Tourist Attractions

Journal of Tourism Futures

ISSN : 2055-5911

Article publication date: 15 December 2017

Issue publication date: 15 December 2017

Wall, G. (2017), "Ethnic and Minority Cultures as Tourist Attractions", Journal of Tourism Futures , Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 196-197. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-09-2017-063

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Geoffrey Wall

Published in the Journal of Tourism Futures . Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

Many forms of tourism facilitate engagement with the “other” for both hosts and guests or, more correctly, for service providers and their customers, as well as for residents and other users of destination areas. Sometimes these interactions promote information exchange, understanding and mutual tolerance, but at other times they are uncomfortable and reinforce stereotypes. At the time of writing this review, contentious elections have taken place in both North America and Europe, and hitherto sometimes muted concerns about migration, terrorism, racism, sexism, religion, identity, inequality and power relationships have surfaced and are receiving enormous attention by the media, both traditional and social. Thus, the topic of this book is of immense current concern and the political climate is one in which changes may be anticipated in relationships between majority and minority peoples. The role of tourism in mediating contentious relationships, therefore, should be of substantial current interest.

Urban tourism, in spite of its magnitude, has been slow to gain attention commensurate with its importance. The editors of this work claim that ethnic and minority tourism have attracted more attention in rural as opposed to urban settings. There is some justification for the former claim regarding ethnicity, but less for the latter for gay and lesbian tourism, for example, has received almost no attention outside of urban settings. Some may argue that ethnic clusters, slums and LGBTQ communities are sufficiently different as places and tourist destinations that they merit separate coverage, whereas others may see strong similarities and appreciate the diversity that their inclusion brings to the book. Nevertheless, few will deny that these topics are current and that their discussion is timely with considerable implications for urban landscapes and lives, as well as tourism.

The authors claim justifiably that the book examines “from various perspectives the global phenomenon of ethnic, migrant and minority communities that face or choose tourism development” (p. 215). They also identify 11 key issues that are the focus of attention (p. 13). These range from theoretical developments to past and present models of urban policy and planning, and recommendations that focus upon guiding the development of ethnic and minority communities. These tasks are addressed by academic authors through 11 main chapters plus a brief introduction and conclusion. In the end, the editors admit that there are both similarities and differences, communities are complex and not homogeneous, outcomes are contingent and there is no “grand narrative”.

The work is divided into four main sections: sociocultural developments, community perceptions, visitor experiences and development policies. Inevitably, the contents of these sections are not distinct for, as the editors acknowledge, in reality issues are interrelated and overlap. Each section consists of three and, in one case two, chapters, and is introduced by short but useful sections by the editors. The contents are varied in both topics and locations so that it is likely that even the most well-informed reader will be exposed to new materials. Most chapters introduce topics and illustrate these by case studies. For example, Asian identities are explored in London, followed by a discussion of Roma tourism in Hungary, guided tours in Brussels, intercultural change in multiple locations, place perceptions in a settlement in Israel, slum tourism in Mumbai and also in Rio in India and Brazil, respectively, Chinatowns in Australia, ethnic tourism in China, Jewish culture and tourism in Budapest and, finally, the gay quarter in Cape Town, South Africa.

Most cases provide a brief historical context, with reference to antecedents such as colonialism but the emphasis is on the contemporary and the recent past. Regarding future tourism, the topic is not considered explicitly but is implicit in the discussions of planning and policy, where greater involvement of minorities is seen as a widespread requirement.

The work contains no photographs and very little quantitative information. The topics would seem to lend themselves to the former. The latter reflects an emphasis on concepts and ideas, which is a strength of the book, and will mean that it will have a longer life because graphical and statistical information can become dated very quickly. However, it also means that in most cases one does not learn exactly how many business are involved, how many visitors are attracted, how much they spend, or what proportions of residents hold particular views or, indeed, exact definitions of study areas. This is acceptable in a book but would be less so in journal articles. Such precise information is difficult to acquire.

The editors have done an excellent job in ensuring that there is consistency in style among chapters. Their own contributions provide useful conceptual discussions rather than superficial descriptions of the contents of chapters as is common in many edited books.

As I read the book, I identified a number of topics that are glossed over, such as the role festivals and special events, and the documentation and interpretation of landscape change. These and other research needs are identified very briefly in the conclusion.

Overall, I found the book easy to read, free of unnecessary jargon, with a focus on important themes, illustrated by a wide range of examples from many parts of the world. It is a very useful and timely contribution to the literature, could be used as a course text, and provides a foundation on which others can certainly build.

Acknowledgements

© Geoffrey Wall. Published in the Journal of Tourism Futures . Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

About the author

Geoffrey Wall is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.

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Hubhey: For Everyone

Ethnic Tourism: An Ultimate Guide

Ethnic tourism: what is it, why do it, and how to do it righ.

Tourism has become increasingly popular as the years have gone by, and it’s not hard to see why: you get to explore the world, learn about different cultures, try new cuisines, meet interesting people, and enjoy the sites.

Table of Contents

Everyone likes to travel and can have different tastes some like mountains, while others like beaches. This taste to travel has given rise to different types of tourism.

What Is Ethnic Tourism?

| Read: 11 Most Affordable Cities To Visit In Europe

Types of Tourism

There are many types of tourism depending on the intention behind travel. Some I like to mention are:

  • Slum Tourism
  • Medicinal Tourism
  • Dark Tourism
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Wild Life Tourism
  • Business Tourism
  • Educational Tourism
  • Ethnic Tourism

In this article, Ethnic Tourism is highlighted.

It’s no wonder, then, that more and more people are exploring foreign lands through their vacations each year—but how do you know if your trip will be inclusive of the culture around you or if it will simply reinforce stereotypes?

Ethnic tourism has become more and more popular in recent years as travel becomes easier, faster, and cheaper than it ever has been before.

There is no better way to experience life in a new culture than by using your senses. Your sense of taste, touch, and smell will be stimulated in new ways as you learn about other cultures through food, customs, and architecture.

You’ll get an up-close look at a country’s people and history while exploring everything from ancient ruins to the latest techno-dance club scenes.

  • Known Facts Qatar FIFA 2022 (TIPS AND COMPLETE GUIDE) September 19, 2022
  • 11 Most Affordable Cities To Visit In Europe January 10, 2023

However, when you look at the general population of tourists, you can see why this might not be such a great idea after all.

According to the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), only 18% of international tourists are women, while 59% are men – the remaining 23% are either children or remain unknown.

This means that only 41% of travelers have female representation in their traveling parties, despite the fact that women make up half the world’s population.

What is ethnic tourism?

Ethnic tourism refers to the travel of tourists who want to experience the culture and traditions of different cultures other than their own.

Ethnic tourism is the exploration of people, culture, and heritage through travel.

This type of tourism is not new but has been growing rapidly in recent years as more people seek out authentic experiences and interactions with locals while traveling.

It has been around for centuries, but only over the past few years has it reached new heights in popularity with people all over the world.

A form of tourism that is based on cultural heritage, ethnic identity, and ethnicity.

This travel option can appeal to everyone, regardless of how much money you have or how much you like traveling to new places; as long as you’re interested in seeing a new part of the world and learning about different cultures, this travel trend may be perfect for you!

Here’s what you need to know about ethnic tourism.

In the case of the United States, this tourism is often African American or Latino in nature. It can also be referred to as cross-cultural tourism or ethnic tourism.

Where it came from

The origins of ethnic tourism can be traced back to the nineteenth century when people in search of the exotic and the primitive started visiting South America, Africa, and Asia.

They were not just looking for new places to visit, but also for new cultures to experience.

Today, ethnic tourism has become more popular than ever before. People are traveling across the world in order to explore other cultures and traditions with a sense of adventure, curiosity, and openness.

As it is with any type of travel, there are certain planning that one should take before embarking on their journey.

Planning before travel

  • Find out more about the country’s culture and history.
  • Consider visiting popular attractions that are the most representative of their culture.
  • Plan to visit at least two countries so you can see how different cultures affect your vacation experience, as well as be exposed to new foods, languages, and customs.
  • Plan for a mix of adventurous activities and relaxing days on the beach or by the pool in order to get an authentic taste of what a country has to offer its visitors.
  • Be sure to use sunscreen, pack plenty of water, wear comfortable clothing and bring sunglasses with UV protection so that you stay healthy during your travels!

Don’t miss these activities!

  • Visit an ethnic festival or celebration.
  • Go on a walking tour of your city to explore different neighborhoods and cultures.
  • Visit a grocery store that specializes in ethnic foods.
  • Find the nearest ethnic restaurant and try a new dish.
  • Participate in an activity that is specific to your culture such as yoga, music lessons, or cooking classes.
  • Travel abroad to experience other cultures firsthand.

Tips if traveling

  • Before traveling you must aware of the currency, climate, and local rules of that country.
  • You must take travel insurance.
  • Check the flight connections from your city.
  • Besides this, you must arrange a good travel bag, comfortable clothes, and traveling shoes that are a must.

Ethnic Tourism And Cultural Tourism

What is cultural representation?

Cultural representation is the way in which a culture is represented to a certain group of people. For example, many Hollywood movies are about white, heterosexual people.

As a result, these groups are misrepresented. So what does this have to do with tourism?

Well, as an increasing number of travelers from different countries venture to other parts of the world, they want to experience authentic cultural experiences while they’re there.

This includes not only food and sights but also customs and traditions that may not be readily available if you’re just staying in your own country.

Tourism affects the life of the local population in a positive as well as in a negative way.

Though the tourism industry has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes by commodifying other cultures, it can also be used to spread awareness and help change perceptions through cultural exchange.

How does culture affect us?

Culture affects us in a multitude of ways, from the language we speak to the music we listen to. For many people, culture is the one thing that keeps them grounded and allows them to feel like they have a sense of home.

Culture is also what shapes our values and morals. In this way, culture influences every aspect of our lives. But how does it affect tourism?

Culture has both positive and negative effects on tourism. On one hand, cultural landmarks are popular tourist destinations because they can provide individuals with a window into another society’s beliefs, customs, and traditions.

How is culture presented in travel?

Culture is an integral part of travel. It’s what makes each place unique and provides a glimpse into the daily life of locals.

From food to history to entertainment, culture ties everything together in a way that can’t be replicated.

This is why it’s so important for travelers to take the time to experience the culture first-hand when they’re visiting a country, instead of just visiting attractions or restaurants.

How do we travel responsibly with cultural awareness?

Travel responsibly doesn’t mean you have to give up your culture and identity (cultural identity) while you’re abroad. In fact, it’s the opposite.

There are many ways to be culturally aware without giving up any of your own customs.

It’s important to remember that no one should tell you how to live your life, but they can help guide you in the right direction based on what they know best.

Study where you’re going and talk with locals beforehand.

Know what customs may be different from yours and don’t judge a country by how it looks from the outside.

What are some positive examples?

There are so many different cultures around the world, and it is important for people to be able to experience all of them.

One way this is done is through ethnic tourism, also known as cultural representation. This is when a particular culture or country offers a tour that highlights its history, customs, and food.

For example, Egypt offers Nile River Cruises, and African safaris, while Argentina celebrates its gaucho heritage by hosting the annual National Festival of Gauchos.

What are some negative examples?

It’s not always easy to make sure that everyone is represented fairly on tours or in books. For instance, if an author visits a small town in Utah, they may only write about Mormons or visit one Mormon church during their stay there.

How it can become problematic?

It is easy to assume that the tourism industry, at its core, is simply about offering potential tourists the opportunity to experience a new culture.

This may be true for many Americans and Europeans who are looking for a cultural adventure or an authentic experience.

However, if you are not white and living in a colonized country, you have probably experienced some form of tourism as an economic and cultural invasion.

For example, my family lives in Guyana and they often get tourists visiting their village asking them to perform dances or sing songs. They even go so far as to ask people to sell the crafts that they made at home.

How we can fix this problem

In this digital age, it’s easier than ever to explore the world virtually and avoid the hassle of being out in public.

That makes it even more important for destination marketing organizations to make their destinations as accessible as possible.

VR tours are an effective way to promote your destination while also highlighting the cultural diversity that draws people there.

The immersive experience enables potential visitors to see what they’re missing by staying at home with their screens and gives them a chance to explore other cultures firsthand.

In addition, VR is a space where minority groups can have a voice and share their perspectives on what culture means to them.

This is important because so often people from dominant cultures such as white Americans assume that they know everything about minority cultures without ever asking or listening.

Ethnic Tourism Destinations

Where to go?

If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, then there are better places to visit in Asia.

From the busy streets of Bangkok to the serene Buddhist temples of Kyoto, Asian culture is vibrant and exciting.

To make your trip even more memorable and rewarding, be sure to visit some of these lesser-known tourist destinations in Asia.

India: India is the most populous country in the world. It has a population of over 1 billion.

You can find a diversity of cultures and ethnicity in this county, so India is one of the best places to experience ethnic tourism.

Ethnic tourism is an important aspect of cultural tourism and it provides travelers with an opportunity to explore different parts of the world while immersing themselves in a different culture and way of life.

There are many places to visit in India if you want to experience ethnic tourism.

Take a trip to Kerala where you can find some people that still live as they did centuries ago or visit Bhutan and get introduced to Buddhism, which is dominant there.

Vietnam: Explore the culture and cuisine of Vietnam, a country that has been influenced by both China and France.

Vietnam shows a lot of cultural diversity.

Check out Hanoi’s Old Quarter for an escape from bustling city life, or take a slow boat down the Mekong River to discover untouched villages.

Thailand: Head over to Thailand for an exotic mix of cultures with Hindu temples, Buddhist shrines, and ancient Khmer ruins all within reach.

Visit Bangkok for its lively nightlife, or explore southern Thailand’s white sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees!

Mexico: Experience the hustle and bustle of Latin America in Mexico City or any other number of vibrant destinations in this diverse region.

Mexican culture is mainly influenced by its native inhabitants and the culture of Spain.

Mexican culture is described as the ‘child’ of both western and native American civilizations.

Other slight effects comprise those from other regions of Europe, as well as Asia, and Africa.

New Zealand : Experience the mix of different cultures from old Polynesian culture to more recent American, Australian, Asian and European cultures.

What can we do as travelers to ensure we’re giving back more than what we take from a place?

  • Do your research and plan, be prepared for what you want to see, and know the prices before you arrive.
  • Be open to new things! Go with an open mind and take in all of the new experiences and people around you.

Learning about different cultures is one of the best parts of travel! Plus, it’s always nice to get feedback from a local on where they would recommend visiting or what food they think is their favorite dish!

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions- this includes dressing appropriately, respecting monuments, not littering, etc.

Tourism provides sustainable development in rural areas especially if they have historic preservation or some cultural expressions.

  • Ethnic tourism is not just about sightseeing – it’s about living the culture.

Cultural representation is an important part to form the image of a certain country’s culture in everyone’s mind.

Consequently, travelers must find time to experience the culture first-hand when they’re visiting a country, besides just visiting attractions or restaurants.

Both are co-related. So, it’s not wrong to say that Ethnic tourism provides a sneak peek into a variety of cultures, into another society’s beliefs, customs, and traditions.

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Ethnic tourism (or so called sentimental tourism ) relates mainly to international travel. Participants of ethnic tourism are searching for their identity, roots, origin and values. Sentimental tourism is often identified with ethnic tourism, which is not necessarily right. The term "ethnic tourism" in the scientific literature is understood in two ways. In the first approach it is treated as field trips to learn and make contacts with people of different cultural areas (desire to experience cultural diversity), while in the second as the traveling of people of the same ethnic group. And it is hard to precisely differentiate ethnic tourism from a sentimental tourism.

  • 1 Definition of ethnic tourism
  • 2 Diaspora as a form of ethnic tourism
  • 3 Main destinations of ethnic tourism
  • 4 Elements of sentimental trip
  • 5 Examples of Ethnic tourism
  • 6 Advantages of Ethnic tourism
  • 7 Limitations of Ethnic tourism
  • 8 Other approaches related to Ethnic tourism
  • 9 References

Definition of ethnic tourism

In the absence of a strict definition of ethnic tourism, there is need to clarify the individual words of that definition. At first attention is called to the "tourist character" of a trip. These are the journeys falling within the scope of tourism, but they not include commercial activity and forced eviction to their own country. Traveling within the country such as the trip to visit family, also can not be called "ethnic" tourism. Such trips do not change the ethnic environment in the country. As for the term "origin" it is dealing with people who, although not themselves come from places visited, but have taken the trip because of a desire to meet with the place of origin of their ancestors. An important term is "identity". Thanks to him we can put in the context of ethnic tourism, numerous trips, where people visit places important for the nation, its history and culture, despite the lack of personal or family relationship with these areas.

ethnic tourism meaning

Diaspora as a form of ethnic tourism

The starting point for reflection on contemporary sentimental tourism (ethnic tourism) is the phenomenon of diaspora, that is, the dispersion of the whole nations abroad. Diaspora has two sources, the first approach is the emigration from the home country and in the second form of ethnic communities as a result of changes in state borders. This phenomenon is accompanied by the formation of the ethnic groups, understood as a social group, which has a common origin and culture.

An important role in the sentimental journeys undertaken by the ethnic groups plays a sense of common cultural heritage. Tourists usually those seeking contact with their country of origin , country home, country of birth of their ancestors. This kind of tourism is also called back to the roots . Tourists often seek their ancestors, they want to establish relationship and maintain any contact with the family.

Main destinations of ethnic tourism

The countries in which ethnic tourism is of great importance, are: Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and Greece, to which arrive many descendants of participants of great migration in the nineteenth century, while in Central Europe and especially in Poland, a large migratory movement was associated with World War II and its political consequences. Contemporary manifestations of ethnic tourism are sentimental Germans traveling in areas of western and northern Polish, special places where they visit cemeteries, monuments; Israeli citizens, the descendants of Jews who come to Poland to places where Jewish culture flourished, or to places where Holocaust took place.

Elements of sentimental trip

The typical features of ethnic trip include a strong concentration of programs at locations associated with a particular ethnic group, and a great desire and motivation to familiarize tourists with souvenirs of the past, or even to a deeper personal encounter with the history of the country and its present situation. Organized groups have a guide, which greatly facilitates the transfer of information , but a common problem is that some of the participants express a desire to visit particular site individually. At such moments, a lot depends on the skill of the guide, who must arrange individual expeditions. Ethnic tourism is heavily influenced by the political situation and freedom to travel, because very often immigrants can not arrive to places from where they previously emigrated. A common reason is not economic situation , but persecution, border changes, tensions and ethnic conflicts.

Examples of Ethnic tourism

  • Cultural Tours : These are organized trips that focus on the culture of a certain ethnic group. Cultural tours usually take place in the country where the particular culture is found and can include visits to historical sites, museums, and other cultural attractions.
  • Ethnic Food Tours : Ethnic food tours are a great way to explore a different culture through the cuisine it offers. These tours usually include visits to restaurants, street food stalls, and food markets, as well as cooking classes, market visits, and more.
  • Ethnic Festivals and Celebrations : These are events that are held to celebrate a particular cultural group's traditions and customs. These festivals can include music, dance, art, and food, and provide a great opportunity to learn more about a different culture.
  • Language and Immersion Tours : Language and immersion tours are great for those who are interested in learning about a different culture through direct immersion. These tours involve living with a local family, attending language classes, and participating in cultural activities.

Advantages of Ethnic tourism

A major advantage of ethnic tourism is that it can provide travelers with unique experiences that they can’t find elsewhere. It can be a great opportunity to learn and experience a new culture. It also allows travelers to gain insight into the history, customs and traditions of a foreign land. Additionally, it can help to strengthen relationships and understanding between different ethnic and national groups. Finally, it can also help to promote economic development and create employment opportunities in the region, as well as generating revenue for the local government . Ethnic tourism can also be beneficial to the environment, as it can lead to increased conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices.

Limitations of Ethnic tourism

A major limitation of ethnic tourism is that it can be difficult to define and differentiate from sentimental tourism. There are several other limitations that should be taken into consideration when planning an ethnic tourism experience, including:

  • Limited access to authentic cultural experiences : Depending on the destination, access to some cultural experiences may be limited due to language barriers, cost , or limited availability.
  • Ethical considerations : Ethical considerations must be taken into account when engaging in ethnic tourism, as certain cultural practices may be deemed unacceptable, or even offensive, by some groups.
  • Potential exploitation : Ethnic tourism can also be seen as exploitative, as some tourists may seek out cultural experiences without truly understanding or respecting the beliefs and customs of the people being visited.
  • Safety : In some areas, ethnic tourism may put tourists at risk . Areas with high levels of political unrest or violence may be unsafe for ethnic tourists, and should be avoided.
  • Cost : Ethnic tourism can be expensive, especially if the destination is remote or difficult to access.

Other approaches related to Ethnic tourism

Other approaches related to ethnic tourism include:

  • Cultural tourism : This form of tourism involves traveling to areas of cultural significance, such as places of historical importance, religious sites, and areas of cultural heritage. It often involves an educational component, and can involve experiencing local customs and traditions.
  • Heritage tourism : This form of tourism is focused on visiting and learning about sites of historical and cultural importance. It often includes activities such as visiting monuments, museums, and other culturally significant places.
  • Immigrant tourism : This type of tourism is when people travel to their ancestral homeland or countries of origin. It often involves activities such as visiting relatives, experiencing local culture, and learning about their history.
  • Indigenous tourism : This type of tourism focuses on preserving and celebrating the culture and traditions of indigenous peoples. It often involves activities such as visiting traditional sites, learning about and participating in local customs and traditions, and supporting local businesses.

In summary, other approaches related to ethnic tourism include cultural tourism, heritage tourism, immigrant tourism, and indigenous tourism. All of these forms of tourism involve learning about and experiencing different cultures and customs, and can be an important way for people to learn more about their own identity and their place in the world.

  • Harron, S., Weiler, B., & Hall, C. M. (1992). Ethnic tourism . Special interest tourism., 83-94.
  • Leong, L. W. T. (1997). Commodifying ethnicity: State and ethnic tourism in Singapore . Tourism, ethnicity and the state in Asian and Pacific societies, 71-98.
  • Ostrowski, S. (1991). Ethnic tourism—focus on Poland . Tourism Management , 12(2), 125-130.
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What is Ethical and Sustainable Tourism

And how to make conscious travel decisions, it is enough to google “sustainable travel” to get millions of answers from: “travel is a force for good”; “travel is a driver for positive change”; “sustainable tourism has a green glow to it”, etc. etc..

Positive Travel What is Sustainable Travel The Wanderlust

Photo by: MADA RIYANHADI

There is also a myriad of confusing terms used loosely by both travellers and the travel industry to describe more or less the same thing: from responsible tourism to eco-travel and green travel to community-based tourism and even regenerative travel. Enough to get our head spinning, as travellers. But in a nutshell, they are all trying to describe how ethical and sustainable our travels are.

To understand the concept behind “sustainable travel” we need to realised that our travel, leisure and recreational choices and activities are part of a much larger economic, social and environmental context. Let’s examine some of these elements before we delve into the meaning of sustainable travel.

In this articles you will learn about:

The economics of travel

Cancel culture and the dark side of travel, evolving traveller expectations, sustainable travel initiatives, so, what is sustainable travel, if you care about your travel impact here is what you need to know.

While tourism and travel generally are considered to be non-essential economic activities the reality is they have a huge impact on the world economy. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that 1 in 10 people are employed in the travel industry directly and indirectly. Nearly 3 billion travel internationally each year and they generate a staggering USD 2.3 trillion in global revenue. May be not this year, but this trend is here to stay.

Positive Travel Sustainable travel indian railway

Photo by: EGOR METSLER

Just to put things into perspective this is roughly the equivalent of the GDP of 5 of the top 10 world economies respectively: UK, France, Italy, Brazil and Canada. Only the economies of USA, China, Japan, Germany and India are larger than the global travel industry.

If we add to these figures the value of domestic travel, leisure and recreation this makes travel the 4th largest sector in the world only after mining, automotive and agriculture, according to the WTTC.

This is why a pandemic of the size of COVID-19 has a devastating impact on travel and a huge knock on effect on other industries, such as infrastructure (roads, ports, airports), agriculture and fishing, technology and other related services such as insurance and finance. It is estimated that nearly 200mn people will lost their tourism related in 2020 and up to 80% of passenger transportation has been cancelled so far, including flights, trains and ship.

However, travel is not only about its economic benefits. There is also a number of social and environmental issues that go with it and there is a very dark side to travel as well which is mostly linked to it ecological and social impact.

Organisations such the WTTC and WTO (UN World Tourism Organisation) are working hard to highlight and prove the economic value of tourism and in recent years have put travel sustainably and sustainable development high on their agendas. They have realised that economics is an equation that involves the planet and people. However, decades of reckless ecological and social exploitation for economic benefits have led to a negative image of tourists and tourism in general.

ethnic tourism meaning

There is a growing cancel culture towards tourism and travel as being harmful to the environment and society.

New terms have emerged to shame the culprits: from “flygskam” (flight shame) and “tagskryt” (train-bragging) to “human zoos” and over-tourism. While this movement has created an important momentum towards being more conscious travellers, it can also have a paralysing effect.

We are also aware of flying being extremely carbon intensive, cruise ships spewing toxic and human waste into the ocean and crowds literally sinking Venice, we tend to look the other way when it comes to some other fundamental and just as damaging travel practices.

One example is the extreme dependence of a country’s economy on tourism like in the case of island nations such as Fiji, the Maldives and the Seychelles. Natural disasters, political unrests or pandemics, like the current one, not only lead to an economic standstill but to a complete social collapse. For countries like these tourist crowds can be like locust invasions, devastating the place and living it to its own devices when disaster strikes. And if we dive deeper we realise that there are even darker sides to travel, including hunting trips, “trophy” tourism, sex, orphan and refugee attractions.

No wonder that tourism and tourists have earned a bad reputation in many places. And as the world turns its attention to other more pressing matters such as dealing with the current crisis, such situations are being aggravated.

There are already reports of people who have lost their tourism jobs turning to uncontrolled fishing to feed their families and the lack of rangers increasing the poaching in wildlife protected areas. Not to mention the masses of waste, and Covid waste in particular, that are starting to litter seashores and oceans, which are often prime travel and leisure locations.

The concept of travel is changing. Even now during lockdown and constantly changing restrictions we see a transformation in the way people perceive travel, leisure and recreation.

Positive Travel Sustainable travel indian railway having-too-much-fun-in-the-ice-caves

Photo by: RACHEL WIESMANN

While there has been a growing movement of “Stay at Home” and “Dream Now Travel Later” advocates, people have not stopped to travel. They are just travelling differently. New terms have emerged such as “stacations” and “locavores”.

This is all part of a larger trend that has been going on in the last couple of decades towards more experiential and immersive travel. It is no longer enough to go and lay on a beach that can be anywhere in the world or cruise on a ship the size of a moving city that can be sailing anywhere in the ocean. Travellers want to experience places and immerse themselves in new cultures. They are looking for interaction with local people and communities and to discover breath-taking and pristine environments.

Positive Travel Sustainable Travel Taking a photo of a Swiss Cow

Photo by: JAROMIR CHALABALA

This has become the new travel mantra fuelled by social media. People are making bucket-lists and wish-lists of places they what to visit. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Tik-Tuk are filled with images of perfect dreamy places stimulating travellers’ appetite for more and shaping their attitudes and behaviours towards a place. Only on Instagram there are over 500 million posts tagged with #travel and over 10 million #bucketlist posts. Heated debated are sparked by influencers and their followers on over-tourism, “green-washing”, the ethics behind geotagging places in nature and if ecotourism is really ethical. Social media has become the single most powerful influencer of where we want to go, what we want to do and how we want to experience places.

As we are looking for more immersive experiences the more aware we become of natural environments and the people and cultures we visit.

This has led to another trend: more mindful and conscious travel and travellers.  Terms such as “responsible traveller or “responsible tourist” and “green travellers” have emerged. Influencers and marketing companies come up with new slogans such “tread lightly” and be a “respectful trailblazers”. However, irrespectively of the terminology we use the most fundamental legacy of this movements is a drive toward more ethical and eco-friendly travel. Over 60% of people day thy have taken some form of a sustainable trip in the last 3 years and over 30% say lack of information is the single biggest obstacle to sustainable travel.

The travel industry has been quick to jump on the “sustainability” bandwagon.

paradise-in-andaman-islands-india-with-a-sailing-boat

There is a proliferation of self-proclaimed eco-friendly accommodations such as “eco-hotels”, “eco-resorts” and “eco-lodges”, specialised Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and certifications and labels trying to cater for this new generation of eco-conscious globetrotters. There are over 50 certification schemes and labels addressing the environmental sustainability and social responsibility of destinations and places. Examples include Green Key, Green Globe, Globe Check and Earth Leaf, to mention but a few.

On the OTA site there are platforms such as Green Pearls, Kinder Traveller and Book Different. The search engine Ecosia offers a choice of booking options that contribute in one way or another to the local economy, ecology and people we visit. Even the giant booking.com has seized the economic value of “travelling responsibly” by partnering with Green Key. All of them enticing you as a traveller to book with them and they will offset your travel carbon footprint, plant trees and give back to fair trade and community projects.

However, there are also many travel companies that have been created with sustainable at the very core of their values and activities.

Examples include Intrepid and Grasshopper Adventures. The Long Run is a group of property owners which oversee collectively over 21 million acres of land and have a substantial amount of natural, wildlife and cultural assets to protect. They are working jointly to share best practices.  Regenerative Travel is another example of an organisation that has elevated the discussion to a new level, where we no long speak about sustainability but regeneration.

All of this has given travellers a massive headache fuelled by a sense of guilt and confusion. How can one as a traveller sift through the mountains of “eco-claims” and navigate through the maze of “green-boasting” and “green-washing”?

Positive Travel Sustainable Travel

It is time to get back to the question of “what is ethical and sustainable travel?”. The definition of sustainable travel is evolving constantly as travel expectations and experiences develop and destinations are faces with an increasing number of eco and social challenges: from over-tourism to climate change and plastic waste. While many are trying to nail down and box in this definition the travel community will continue to come up with new and improved versions and names to grasp the concept of travelling more ethically and sustainably.

For us at Positive Travel ethical and sustainable travel is the junction where traveller expectations and destination needs meet at environmental, social and economic level.

It is a mutual understanding between all travel stakeholders of the impact travel, leisure and recreation have on these 3 intrinsically linked pillars and a common agenda on how to ensure a positive impact for the planet and people on individual, community and global level.

This approach has helps us shape a set of 12 +principles each addressing concerns voiced by the travel community and their related impact ranging from climate, zero waste and wildlife protection to fair working conditions, culture and heritage protection and local sourcing. Everything we do is link to one or several of these principles.

buddhist-man-pay-respect-to-monk-at-pangong-lake-ladakh-jammu-and-kashmir-india

Buddhist Man Paying Respect to Monk at Pangong Lake Ladakh Jammu and Kashmir, india

  There is no magic wand or silver bullet. We, as travellers, will have to do the leg work. Just like we invest time and energy to shape our perfect dream trips, holiday and vacations by browsing the internet, social media and specialised magazines looking for inspiration, we can do the same with creating our perfect sustainable and ethical travel experience. Eventually it will become a natural part of our travel, leisure and recreation decision making process. This will help us avoid travel and leisure activities which are harmful for nature and locals leaning towards the “dark side of travel” and decipher “green-washing” claims.

There is no perfect advice or checklist on how to make our trips more ethical and sustainable. However, we can start by asking some of the following questions:

  • Does the destination and place feet my personal values and ethos?
  • Do I prefer to go to popular destinations or get off the beaten track, exploring alternative destinations?
  • How can I avoid being part of the crowd and contribute to mass tourism?
  • How do I get from A to B? Should I walk, cycle and use public transport or just hop on a taxi? Should I privilege trains to flying , when possible?
  • How do I choose the places where I stay? Do I consider how they contribute to the local economy, employment and the environment? Or just book last a minute offer in a mass beach resort with an international hotel chain?
  • How do I choose the places where I eat? And do I seek out local, seasonal, sustainably grown and organic options?
  • Do I look into buying legitimate local product and hand-crafted items to support local communities and protect wildlife?
  • Do I consider what are the resources, such as energy and water , I use when travelling? What do I do with my travel waste?
  • What is my attitude towards wildlife and natural pristine places such as National Parks and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and related eco-systems such as coral reefs?
  • What is the impact of my leisure and recreational activities?

As we start asking ourselves these questions we will realise that by defining what we stand for as travellers not only shapes the type of travel experiences we want to have but also sends a clear message to the travel industry and destinations what we expect from them.

This helps them in term shape their offering and demand from their respective governments and instructions regulatory and infrastructure changes.

One thing is certain, travel is constantly evolving and the concept of sustainable travel is a fundamental part of it. So, watch this space.

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The Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing is, quite simply, the definitive reference work in the field. Carefully curated by leading tourism scholar Dimitrios Buhalis, this is the largest tourism management and marketing ontology that has ever been put together and offers a holistic examination of this interdisciplinary field.

Use the Search within Book (below right) or browse the list of entries alphabetically to navigate over 1200 entries from leading international scholars.

An invaluable resource for academics, students and practitioners providing an ideal starting point for any research journey. The concise entries present an accessible and condensed overview of each topic and the selected references that follow each entry suggest directions for further detailed exploration.

Ethnic tourism is a form of tourism where the motivation for tourists is to seek authentic cultural experiences by coming into close contact with the local community, particularly those that comprise characteristic minority groups. These tourists aim to experience the cultural aspect of the local community, in lieu of creating economic opportunities for the respective community. This type of tourism should not be p. 123 confused with recreational tourism, as ethnic tourism is about embracing nature through the local community rather than recreational activities. Tourists involved in ethnic tourism expect to pursue activities that bring them closer to the ethnic values of the host.

Valene Smith first coined the term ethnic tourism in her book Host and Guests: The Anthropology of Tourism . She defined it as tourism marketed to the public in terms of the ‘quaint’ customs of Indigenous and often ‘exotic’ peoples ( Smith, 1977 ). However, as tourism evolved, the term ethnic tourism has been used interchangeably with ‘Aboriginal tourism’ and ‘Indigenous tourism’ (see the entries in this Encyclopedia ). Indigenous/Aboriginal tourism is referred to as tourism focused on an Indigenous population ( Scherrer, 2020 ). Ethnic tourism, however, is every tourist visit to any ethnic group regardless of whether the group is Indigenous or not ( Egresi and Hoşgeçin, 2014 ).

Destination activities often stimulate ethnic tourism experiences. These include visits to native homes and villages, observation of dances and ceremonies, or shopping for primitive wares or curios, some of which may have considerable intrinsic value to the art historian. Frequently these tourist targets are far removed from the ‘beaten path’ and attract only a limited number of visitors motivated by curiosity and/or elite peer approval. As long as the flow of visitors is sporadic and small, host–guest contact is minimal ( Smith, 1977 ).

To understand ethnic tourism, and taking India as an example, being part of any fair and festival – for example, Diwali, the Festival of Lights – with an ethnic group is an example of ethnic tourism. Similarly, tourists gathering to be part of the Pushkar Fair, a livestock and cultural fair in Rajasthan, India, would be labelled as ethnic tourists. There are numerous traditional activities performed by ethnic minorities with roots in Rajasthan. In Ranchi, in the state of Jharkhand in India, the Adivasi Festival is another example. These fairs and festivals mark the richness of the traditions of ethnicity that are handed down through the generations.

The purpose of ethnic tourists is to spend time to connect with a destination through tradition and culture – for example, by visiting the Korean Folk Village, Yingon, South Korea; Fiji’s Orchid Island Cultural Centre; Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center; or Thailand’s hill p. 124 tribes. Ethnic tourism is based on converting ethnic culture into a product. Countries with ethnical diversity have an added advantage, as they can harness their diversity to attract tourists, leading to local economic growth.

Four key stakeholder groups are involved in ethnic tourism: government, tourism entrepreneurs, tourists and ethnic minorities – that is, the hosts, as depicted in the figure. Each group perceives ethnic tourism differently, and each has their own motives for encouraging or rejecting tourism. Consultation amongst the community is a kind of collaboration where individuals and stakeholder groups ensure they work together to achieve consensus. Ethnic tourism should create value for all stakeholders. Tourism planning and the coordination between stakeholders should help to maintain an equilibrium of power and ensure that all stakeholders meet their needs ( Nguyen, Lee and Newsome, 2020 ).

Globalization has impacted ethnic tourism substantially, and with ease of travel, the curiosity of people has increased. The desire to understand one’s ethnic past is growing as well ( Chistyakova, 2020 ). Ethnicity of a place or community has always been a key part of tourism activity. Many travel companies provide ethnic tourism itineraries. However, the authenticity of ethnic tourism has been debated. Graburn ( 1976 ), in his book Ethnic and Tourist Arts: Cultural Expressions from the Fourth World stated that ‘archaisms’ can be used as a form of ethnic compression in a deliberate attempt to imitate or even relive the style of a previous period, whether recent or remote, of one’s own culture or even the resurrection of the features of some other prestigious society. Similarly, MacCannell ( 1992 ) was dismayed at the outcome of ethnic tourism where often the hosts cross the threshold to make the tourist feel more native, while an artificial portrayal of ethnic culture may seem fake in the minds of tourists ( Chistyakova, 2020 ).

ethnic tourism meaning

Ethnic tourism – stakeholders, issues and effects

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There have been many arguments both for and against ethnic tourism, yet, on balance, there appear to be more positives. Ethnic tourism is often prevalent in countries that had once been forced to subjugate their ethnic values under colonialism but have since rediscovered their roots. Tourism can provide an ethnic group with a medium through which they can promote their ethnicity and can therefore be a way for their disappearing minority heritage to be preserved. The theme for the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s World Tourism Day 2020 was ‘Tourism and Rural Development’, which created the opportunity to promote ethnic tourism as one of the products of being ‘local’.

Post-lockdown (not post-COVID-19), is a tricky time to promote tourism. During these times, ethnic tourism can play a pivotal role in a steady, sustainable growth in tourism. However, as authenticity has been under the microscope, ethnic tourism needs to be promoted in a way that is more inclusive. Profits from ethnic tourism rarely go to the key ethnic groups. In India, efforts are being made to engage inbound travellers to off-the-beaten-path locations that maintain their ethnic values. Tourism should be promoted in a way that pays adequate respect to the traditional knowledge imparted by these people who have been part of the community for generations.

Chistyakova , O.V. ( 2020 ), ‘Ethnic tourism as knowing other’ , RUDN Journal of Philosophy , 24 ( 4 ), 720 – 28 .

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Egresi , I. and Hoşgeçin , T. ( 2014 ), ‘Ethnic tourism: an example from Istanbul, Turkey’ , Geographia Napocensis VIII ( 1 ), 37 – 50 .

Graburn , N.H. ( 1976 ), Ethnic and Tourist Arts: Cultural Expressions from the Fourth World , Berkeley, CA : University of California Press .

MacCannell , D. ( 1992 ), ‘Reconstructed ethnicity: tourism and cultural identity in Third World communities’ , in D. MacCannell , Empty Meeting Grounds: The Tourist Papers , London : Routledge , pp. 158 – 71 .

Nguyen , H.V. , Lee , D. and Newsome , D. ( 2020 ), ‘Kinh and ethnic tourism stakeholder participation and collaboration in tourism planning in Sapa, Vietnam’ , 14 ( 4 ), 579 – 97 .

Scherrer , P. ( 2020 ), ‘Tourism to serve culture: the evolution of an Aboriginal tourism business model in Australia’ , Tourism Review , 75 ( 4 ), 663 – 80 .

Smith , V.L. ( 1977 ), Hosts and Guests: The Anthropology of Tourism , Philadelphia, PA : University of Pennsylvania Press .

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  • Front Matter Show Items
  • Entries and authors
  • Tourism management and marketing in transformation: editor’s statement and introduction to the Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing
  • Aboriginal Tourism
  • Academic Destination
  • Academic Tourism
  • Accessibility and Transportation
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism
  • Accessible Tourism
  • Accessible Tourism Customer-to-Customer (C2C) Co-creation
  • Accessible Tourism Language
  • Accommodation
  • Activist Tourism
  • Activity-based Costing
  • Actor–Network Theory
  • Adaptive Management
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Adversity Quotient
  • Aerial Imagery
  • Affect in Tourism
  • Affinity Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • Agritourism
  • Airbnb Value
  • Airbnb Visitors
  • Airline Alliances
  • Airline Business Models
  • Airline Economics
  • Airline Management
  • Airline Markets
  • Airline Types
  • Airport Codes
  • Airport Digital Passenger Journey
  • Airport Marketing
  • Air Traffic Management
  • Air Transport and Tourism
  • Air Travel Passenger Rights
  • Algorithmic Management
  • All-inclusive
  • All-inclusive Value
  • Allocentric
  • Allotment Contract
  • Ambedkar Tourism
  • Amusement Parks
  • Animal Sentience
  • Animals in Tourism Experiences
  • Anti-tourism
  • Apartheid Dark Tourism
  • Archaeological Tourism
  • Archaeological Tourism Challenges
  • Archaeology
  • Archipelago Tourism
  • Architecture
  • Arctic Adventure
  • Armchair Traveller
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality and Tourism
  • Artificial Intelligence-empowered Voice Bots in Hotels
  • Artificial Neural Networks
  • Artificially Intelligent Social Device Use Acceptance
  • Artisan Entrepreneurs
  • Astronomical Tourism
  • Astrotourism
  • Attitude–Behaviour Gap
  • Attractiveness
  • Augmented Hotelier
  • Augmented Reality
  • Augmented Reality Guided Tours
  • Authentic Experience
  • Authenticity
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tourism
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Aversion to Tourism
  • Aviation Law
  • Aviation and Tourism
  • Babymoon Tourism
  • Backpacker Phenomenon
  • Backpacker Tourism
  • Backwater Tourism
  • Balance of Payments
  • Balanced Scorecard
  • Balloon Tourism
  • BCIM Economic Corridor
  • Bedouin Tourism
  • Beer Tourism
  • Behaviour-Change in Tourism
  • Behavioural Nudging
  • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Tourism Development
  • Belt and Road Tourism
  • Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking Destinations
  • Benchmarking in the Hotel Industry
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Biodiversity and Tourism
  • Black Market Beggarism
  • Black Swan Events
  • Bleisure Typologies
  • Blockchain Applications
  • Blockchain Roadmap
  • Blue Economy
  • Blue Ocean Strategy
  • Bollywood Tourism
  • Book Towns and Book Festivals
  • Border Haats
  • Border Tourism
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Brand Architecture
  • Brand Awareness
  • Brand Equity
  • Brand Identity
  • Brand Image
  • Brand Portfolio Management
  • Buddhist Heritage
  • Buddhist Tourism
  • Budgeting in Hospitality
  • Built Heritage
  • Burnout Syndrome
  • Business Intelligence
  • Business Models
  • Business Process Management
  • Business Process Re-engineering
  • Business Travel
  • Business Travel Management (BTM)
  • Business-to-Business (B2B) in Tourism
  • Cannabis Tourism
  • Carbon Footprint
  • Carbon Neutral Hospitality
  • Career Planning
  • Career Preparedness
  • Caribbean Destination
  • Caribbean Tourism
  • Carnival Tourism
  • Carrying Capacity and Sustainable Development
  • Cathedral Tourism
  • Cause Marketing
  • Céad Míle Fáilte – A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to Ireland
  • Celebrity Endorsement
  • Chance Tourism
  • Cheese Tourism
  • Children in Hospitality and Tourism
  • China Readiness
  • China’s Border Tourism
  • China’s Greater Bay Area Tourism Hub Development
  • Chinese Tourists and Shopping
  • Choice Architecture
  • Choice Modelling
  • Christmas Markets
  • Church Tourism
  • The Circular Economy
  • Circular Economy – Social Dimension
  • Citizen Engagement
  • City Breaks
  • City Hospitality
  • City Tourism
  • Climate Change and Tourism
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Coastal Tourism
  • Co-creation Developments
  • Co-creation Experience
  • Co-creation Experiences and Experiencescape
  • Co-design Experiences
  • Co-evolution in Tourism
  • Coffee Shop
  • Coffee Tourism
  • Collaborative Consumption
  • Collaborative Destination Marketing
  • Collaborative Management
  • Collaborative Marketing
  • Colonialism and Tourism
  • Commitment Contract
  • Commodification
  • Communism (Tourism in Communist States)
  • Communism Tours
  • Communist Heritage Management
  • Community Empowerment
  • Community of Practice
  • Community Resistance
  • Community Response to Homestay Tourism
  • Community Well-being
  • Community-based Tourism in Africa
  • Compensation
  • Complaint Behaviour
  • Complementary Currency
  • Complex Systems
  • Compositional Data in Tourism
  • Computer Reservation Systems
  • Conferences
  • Conflict Analysis
  • Conflict Management
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Consumer Engagement
  • Consumer Value
  • Consumption of Cultural Experiences
  • Contents Tourism
  • Context-aware Trip Planning
  • Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Cooking Holidays
  • Cooperative Hotel Human Relations Management
  • Coopetitive Relationships
  • Coopetition
  • Corporate Event
  • Corporate Reputation
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Corporate Travel Management (CTM)
  • Couchsurfing
  • COVID-19 Economic Impact in 2020
  • COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Co-workation
  • Co-working Spaces
  • Creating Shared Value (CSV)
  • Creative Industries
  • Crisis and Disaster Management
  • Crisis Management
  • Critical Event Studies
  • Critical Hospitality
  • Critical Thinking in Tourism Studies
  • Cross-border Region
  • Cross-cultural Tourism
  • Cruise-port Destination
  • Cruise Tourism
  • Cruise Travel Passenger Rights
  • Culinary Innovation
  • Culinary Tourism
  • Culinary Tourism Motivations
  • Cultural Distance
  • Cultural Entrepreneur
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Cultural Impacts
  • Cultural Intelligence
  • Cultural Sustainability
  • Cultural Tourism
  • Cultural Tourism Destination
  • Customer Behaviour
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Experience in Tourism
  • Customer Feedback
  • Consumer Loyalty
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Customer Service
  • Customer-based Destination Brand Equity Model
  • Customer-to-Customer (C2C) Co-creation
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cyber Threat Actors
  • Cycle Tourism
  • Cycle Tourist Characteristics
  • Dance, Outdoor
  • Dark Sky Tourism
  • Dark Tourism
  • Dark Tourism Branding
  • Dark Tourism and Ethics
  • Dark Tourism Products
  • Dark Tourism: South African War
  • Dark Tourism Spectrum
  • Dark Visitor Attractions
  • Data Analytical Tools
  • Data Crowdsourcing
  • Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
  • Data Mining
  • Data Science in Tourism
  • Decent Work
  • Deep Learning in Tourism
  • Deep Machine Learning
  • Default Option
  • Deliberative and Inclusionary Processes (DIPs)
  • Demarketing
  • Demonstration Effect
  • Desert Tourism
  • Destination
  • Destination Assurance
  • Destination Brand Associations
  • Destination Brand Attachment
  • Destination Brand Equity
  • Destination Brand Love
  • Destination Brand Strategy
  • Destination Branding
  • Destination Cake Model
  • Destination Capabilities
  • Destination Competitiveness
  • Destination Competitiveness Dimensions
  • Destination Evolution
  • Destination Image
  • Destination Influencer Marketing
  • Destination Loyalty
  • Destination Management
  • Destination Management and Coordination
  • Destination Management Organization (DMO)
  • Destination Management System
  • Destination Managers
  • Destination Marketing
  • Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
  • Destination Marketing and Service-Dominant Logic
  • Destination Performance
  • Destination Quality
  • Destination Resilience
  • Destination Typology
  • Destination-based Revenue Management
  • Development
  • Deviant Behaviour
  • Diabetes and Long-haul Travel
  • Diaspora Tourism
  • Differentiation
  • Diffusion Models of eTourism
  • Digital Communication
  • Digital Communication Functions
  • Digital Community
  • Digital Customer Journey
  • Digital Divide in Tourism
  • Digital Leisure
  • Digital Marketing
  • Digital Marketing Strategies
  • Digital Media
  • Digital Nomads
  • Digital Tourism Text
  • Disabled Children in Tourism
  • Disaster Management Framework
  • Disaster Mobile Applications
  • Discrimination
  • Disneyization
  • Distressed Destination
  • Distributed Leadership
  • Distribution
  • Distribution Channels
  • Distribution (Direct)
  • Diversity Management
  • Doughnut Economics
  • Dracula Tourism
  • Drones in Tourism
  • Dynamic Capabilities
  • Dynamic Capabilities and Crisis Management
  • Dynamic Packaging
  • eBusiness Model
  • eBusiness Readiness
  • Ecolabelling
  • Ecological Footprint and Tourism
  • eCommerce Types
  • Economic Impact
  • Economics of Tourism
  • Ecosystem Services
  • Ecotourism Experiences
  • EcoWellness
  • Educational Tourism
  • Edutainment
  • Electronic Distribution
  • Emerging Destinations
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Emotional Intelligence and Service Quality
  • Emotional Intensity
  • Emotional Labour
  • Emotions in Tourism
  • Employability
  • Employee Engagement
  • Employee Retention
  • Employee Retention Strategies
  • Employer Branding
  • Empowerment in Tourism
  • Energy Site Tourism
  • Entrepreneurial Destination Ecosystem
  • Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
  • Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and Tourism
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Equestrian Tourism
  • eStorytelling
  • Ethical Consumers
  • Ethical Tourism Marketing
  • Ethics in Qualitative Research Methods
  • Ethnic Tourism
  • Ethnography
  • Evaluation Research
  • Event Development
  • Event Legacy
  • Event Management
  • Event Marketing
  • Event Motivation
  • Event Portfolio
  • Event Studies
  • Event Tourism
  • Evidence-informed Planning for Tourism
  • eWOM Platforms
  • Exclave Travel
  • Exhibitions
  • Existential Tourism
  • Expatriation in Tourism
  • Experience Design
  • Experience Economy
  • Experiencescape
  • Experiential Education
  • Exploration
  • Exploratory Research
  • Extraordinary Tourist Experience
  • Facebook Marketing
  • Family Business
  • Family Capital
  • Family Firms in Tourism
  • Family Hotel
  • Family Tourism
  • Family Vacations
  • Family-friendly Tourism Supply
  • Farm Tourism
  • Favela Tourism
  • Feeling Economy
  • Female Sex Tourism
  • Fertility Tourism
  • Festival Management
  • Fieldwork (in Tourism)
  • Film Tourism
  • Film-induced Tourism
  • Financial Management
  • Five Forces Model
  • 5G in Tourism
  • Flash Sales
  • Flight Shaming
  • Focus Groups in Tourism Research
  • FOMO – Fear of Missing Out
  • Food Authenticity
  • Food and Beverage Festivals
  • Food and Beverage (F&B) Management
  • Food and Beverage Service
  • Food and Beverage Tourism
  • Food Choice in Travel and Tourism
  • Food Markets
  • Food Neophilia and Neophobia
  • Food Safety
  • Food Tourism
  • Food Tourism Enterprises
  • Food Tourism Events
  • Food Walking Tour
  • Food and Wine Co-creation Experiences
  • Foodie Tourism
  • Football Tourism
  • Forecasting
  • Foreign Languages
  • Foreign Real Estate Investment
  • Forest Bathing Tourism
  • Forest Tourism
  • Framing Effect
  • Free Guided Tours
  • Free Walking Tours
  • Freedom Camping
  • Frequent Flyer Programme
  • Fright Tourism
  • Game of Thrones Tourism
  • Gamification
  • Gamified Advertising
  • Gamified Mobile Applications in Tourism
  • Gaming Tourism
  • Garden Tourism
  • Gastronomic Experience
  • Gastronomic Tourism Marketing
  • Gay Tourism
  • Gender and Entrepreneurship in Tourism
  • Gender in Marketing
  • Gender Stereotypes
  • Gender and Tourism
  • Gendered Career Choices
  • Genealogy Tourism
  • Genealogy Tourism: Trends and Perspectives
  • Generation Z Tourists
  • Genocide Tourism
  • Gentrification and Policy
  • Geotourism Marketing
  • Global Citizenship
  • Global Citizenship Education
  • Global Distribution Systems (GDS)
  • Global Tourism Trends
  • Globalization
  • Glocalization
  • Golf Club Management
  • Golf Tourism
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Trends
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Grandparent Travel (Grandtravel)
  • Gravity Model
  • Green Beach Model
  • Green Marketing
  • Greening of Hospitality
  • Greenwashing
  • Greenwashing in Hospitality
  • Grounded Theory
  • Guided Tour Experience
  • Hajj and Umrah
  • Halal Hotels
  • Halal Tourism
  • Hallmark Events
  • Halo Effect
  • Halo Effect as a Cognitive Bias
  • Handicrafts
  • Health Tourism
  • Health Tourism Product
  • Hedonic Pricing 2.0
  • Heritage Conservation
  • Heritage Societal Attitudes and Feelings
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Heritage Town ( Borgo )
  • Heritage Trail
  • Heritage Walks
  • High-performance Work Systems
  • High-speed Rail and Tourist Arrivals
  • Hiking Tourism
  • Historic Housing Tourism
  • Holistic Tourism
  • Homestay and Community
  • Hospitality
  • Hospitality Advertising
  • Hospitality Employability
  • Hospitality Experience Model
  • Hospitality Externalities
  • Hospitality IT Applications
  • Hospitality Service Innovations
  • Hospitality Servicescape
  • Hospitality Spaces
  • Host and Guest: An Economic Exchange
  • Host Sincerity
  • Hot Spring Tourism
  • Hotel Amenities
  • Hotel Asset Management
  • Hotel Business Service
  • Hotel Chains
  • Hotel HR Strategy
  • Hotel Location Decision
  • Hotel Marketing Consortium
  • Hotel Property Management System
  • Hotel Quality Management
  • Hotel Room Price
  • Hotel Seasonality
  • Hotel Standard Operating Procedures Post-COVID-19
  • Human Resource Management
  • Human Resources
  • Hunting Tourism
  • Hunting Tourism Ethics
  • ICTs and Well-being
  • Immersive Technology
  • Immigrant Workers
  • Immovable Cultural Heritage
  • Impactful Tourism Experiences
  • Impacts of Events
  • Importance–Performance Analysis
  • Inclusive Experience
  • Inclusive Service Delivery
  • Inclusive Tourism
  • Independent Museums
  • Independent Travel Agency
  • Indian Hospitality
  • Indigenous Beverages
  • Indigenous Tourism
  • Industry 4.0
  • Informal Economy
  • Informal Learning in the Tourism Workplace
  • Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism
  • Information and Communication Technology for Events
  • Information Search in Tourism
  • Initial Public Offerings in the Tourism Industry
  • Innovation Ecosystem
  • Innovation Management
  • Instagramming
  • Institutional Theory
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Integrated Resort
  • Intellectual Capital
  • Intelligent Agent Technology (IAT)
  • Intelligent Systems
  • Inter-destination Cooperation
  • Interaction with Persuasive Systems
  • Intermediaries
  • Intermediary (Online)
  • Intermediary (Traditional Offline)
  • Internal Branding
  • Internal Marketing
  • International Tourism Organizations (ITOs)
  • Internationalization Ladder in Tourism
  • Internet of Bodies
  • Internet of Things
  • Interoperability
  • Interorganizational Relations
  • Interpretation
  • Interpretative Tools
  • Interviews in Tourism Research
  • Intrapreneurship
  • Investment Rationale
  • Islam-friendly Tourism
  • Islamic Marketing
  • Island Destinations (Warm Water)
  • Jewish Tourism
  • JOMO – Joy of Missing Out
  • Journey Mapping
  • Judgmental Heuristics
  • Just Tourism Destination
  • Justice in Tourism
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Key Success Factors
  • Knitting Tourism
  • Korean Wave Tourism
  • Labour Mobility
  • Language Tourism
  • Leadership Types
  • Lean Thinking
  • Lifestyle Entrepreneurship
  • Lifestyle Entrepreneurship in Rural Tourism
  • Lighthouse Tourism
  • Liminal Tourism
  • Liminoid Behaviour in Tourism
  • Linguistic Styles in eWOM
  • Literary Cartography and Tourism
  • Literary Heritage and Tourism
  • Literary Tourism
  • Literary Tourism and Education
  • Literary Tourism and Writers’ Houses
  • Literary Tourism Marketing
  • Literary Tourism Motivations
  • Literary Tourism Product
  • Literary Tourist
  • Living Labs in Tourism
  • Lobbying in Tourism
  • Lodging Management
  • Loyalty Programmes
  • Luxury Accommodation
  • Luxury Rail Tourism in India
  • Machine Learning
  • Maladaptation
  • Management Control Systems in Hospitality
  • Management Science
  • Managerial Roles
  • Market Sales Mix Ratio
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Marketing Attribution
  • Marketing Destinations
  • Marketing Mix
  • Marketing Plan
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Mass Tourism
  • Mass Tourism to Over-tourism
  • Masstige Marketing
  • Master Plans and Tourism
  • McDonaldization
  • Meaningful Tourism
  • Media and Tourist Behaviour
  • Medical Tourism
  • Medical Tourism Cost Justification
  • Medical Tourism Experience
  • Medical Tourism Marketing
  • Medical Tourism Products
  • Mega Events
  • Megatrends and Tourism
  • Memorability
  • Mental Health
  • Metabolism in Tourism
  • Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Micro-breweries
  • Micro-certification
  • Microentrepreneurship
  • Military Tourism
  • Mindfulness in Tourism
  • Mirror Tourist
  • Mixed Methods Research
  • Mixed and Multiple Methods
  • Mobile Commerce (mCommerce)
  • Mobile Positioning Data
  • Mobile Push Notifications
  • Mobilizing Tourism
  • Moment of Truth
  • Moment of Truth Stages
  • Mountain Tourism
  • Mountain Tourism Activities
  • Mountaineering Tourism
  • Mozart Tourism
  • Multi-destination Travel
  • Multi-level Place Branding
  • Multi-sensory Tourism
  • Museum Services
  • Museums: Tourist Oriented vs Local Oriented
  • Muslim Health Tourism
  • Muslim Travel Motivation
  • Muslim Women Tourists
  • Namahaste: A Spiritual Gesture and Greeting
  • National Park Tourism
  • National Tourism Organizations
  • Natural Disasters
  • Natural Ecosystem
  • Natural Heritage
  • Nature Tourism
  • Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
  • Nature-based Tourism Experiencescape
  • Nautical Tourism
  • Neocolonialism
  • Neo-tribes and Tourism
  • Netnography
  • Net Promoter Score
  • Network Analysis Methods
  • Networked Independent Traveller
  • Neurodiversity and Tourism
  • Neuromarketing
  • Neurotourism Analysis
  • Neurotourism Ethics
  • New Distribution Capability (NDC)
  • Niche Tourism
  • Night Tourism
  • Non-verbal Communication
  • Nordic Tourism
  • Nostalgia in Senior Tourism
  • Not in My Back Yard (NIMBY)
  • Olympic Games and Tourist Arrivals
  • Olympic Tourism
  • Online Advertising
  • Online Brand Communities
  • Online Communities
  • Online Peer-to-peer Hospitality
  • Online Reputation Management
  • Online Reviews
  • Online Travel Agency (OTA)
  • Organic Dining Experience
  • Organic Farming
  • Organizational Cognition
  • Organizational Communication Strategy
  • Orientalism
  • Orphanage Tourism
  • Outsourcing
  • Outsourcing in the Hotel Industry
  • Overtourism
  • Over-tourism Mitigation
  • Over-tourism Solutions
  • Package Holiday Operators
  • Package Tourism
  • Package Travel Contract
  • Palace Hotels in India
  • Park Tourism Partnerships
  • Passive House Hotel
  • Pay-what-you-want
  • Peace Heritage
  • Peace Tourism
  • Peace and Tourism
  • Peacebuilder
  • Peacebuilding Tourism
  • Peer-to-peer Accommodation
  • Permatourism
  • Personalization
  • Personology
  • PESTEL Analysis
  • Pet-friendly Tourism
  • Phenomenography
  • Phenomenology
  • Photography
  • Photography of Travel Experiences
  • Pilgrim Co-creation
  • Pilgrimage Tourism
  • Pilgrimage Trail
  • Pinniped (Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses) Based Tourism
  • Place Attachment/Detachment
  • Place Brand Equity
  • Place Branding
  • Place Coolness
  • Place Identity
  • Placemaking
  • Place Marketing
  • Platform Business
  • Platform Economy
  • Point of Interest
  • Policy Discourse
  • Policy-making
  • Political Economy
  • Post-conflict Destination Branding
  • Post-disaster Tourism Marketing
  • Posthumanism
  • Post-pandemic Tourism
  • Post-tourism
  • Post-tourist
  • Poverty Alleviation
  • Price Fairness
  • Pricing and Room Rate Frequency
  • Prison Tourism
  • Productivity
  • Profit and Loss Account
  • Project Management
  • Prospect Theory
  • Prosumption
  • Protected Area Tourism
  • Psychocentric
  • Public Transport
  • Push and Pull Factors
  • Qualitative Research Sources
  • Qualitative Research for Tourism
  • Quality of Life
  • Quality Management
  • Quantitative Research
  • Quantum Computing
  • Questionnaire
  • Racism and Tourism
  • Realist Tourism Experience
  • Real Time Response
  • Real-time Service/Nowness
  • Rebound Effect
  • Recursive Abstraction Method for Analysing Qualitative Data
  • Red Tourism
  • Refugee–Tourism Nexus
  • Regenerative Tourism
  • Regional Innovation Systems
  • Regional Knowledge Networks in Tourism
  • Relationship Marketing
  • Religious Routes
  • Religious Tourism
  • Religious Tourism Challenges
  • Repeat Tourism
  • Reproductive Tourism
  • Reputation Intelligence
  • Research Methodology
  • Research Philosophy
  • Research-related Tourism
  • Residents and Airbnb
  • Residents’ Perceptions of Tourism Impacts
  • Residents’ Protests
  • Resilience of Tourism Employees
  • Resilient Destination Planning
  • Resilient Destinations
  • Resilient Island Tourism
  • Responsible Tourism
  • Responsible Tourism Management
  • Responsible Tourism Marketing
  • Responsible Tourism Mission in India
  • Responsible Tourist
  • Restaurants
  • Revenue Management
  • Revenue Management Evolution
  • Risk Disposition
  • Risk Management
  • Risk Perceptions Among Tourists
  • Risk Perceptions in Tourism
  • Risk Treatment Strategies in Tourism Businesses
  • River Tourism
  • Robot Anthropomorphism
  • Room Allocation
  • Room Tetris
  • Room-to-let Accommodation
  • Roots Tourism
  • Rural Development
  • Rural Festival
  • Rural Gentrification
  • Rural Tourism
  • Rural Tourism Activities
  • Satellite Technology
  • Screen-induced tourism
  • Scuba Diving Terminology
  • Scuba Diving Tourism
  • Seaside Piers
  • Seasonality
  • Seasonality Measurement
  • Segmentation
  • Senior Tourism
  • Senior Tourists’ Decision Making
  • Senior Travellers’ Experience
  • Sense of Place
  • Sensory Marketing
  • Serene Tourism
  • Service Cannibalization
  • Service Design
  • Service Innovation
  • Service Language
  • Service Marketing Mix
  • Service Quality
  • Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction
  • Servicescapes
  • SERVQUAL Scale
  • Sex in Tourism
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Sexual Health Education for Tourists
  • Sexual Relationships and Trekking Guides
  • Sharing Economy
  • Shopping Tourism
  • Silk Route Tourism
  • Six Sigma in Hospitality
  • Ski Resorts
  • Slavery Heritage
  • Slow Adventure
  • Slow Cities
  • Slow Food Movement
  • Slow Travel
  • Small Island Destination
  • Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
  • Smart Cruising
  • Smart Tourism
  • Smart Tourism Destination
  • Smart Tourists
  • Social Capital
  • Social Capital Management
  • Social Contact
  • Social Enterprise
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Exchange Theory
  • Social Exclusion in Tourism
  • Social Marketing
  • Social Media Analytics
  • Social Media Influencers
  • Social Media Influencers Typology
  • Social Media Intelligence
  • Social Media and Overcrowding
  • Social Media Semiotics
  • Social Networks Strategy
  • Social Resources
  • Social Tourism
  • Socializing Tourism
  • Sociology Paradigms
  • Sociology of Tourism
  • Solo Holiday
  • Solo Travellers
  • Space Tourism
  • Spatiotemporal Tourist Behaviour
  • Special Forms of Tourism
  • Special Interest Tourism
  • Spillover Effect of Tourism Advertising
  • Spiritual Journey
  • Spiritual Tourism
  • Sport Tourism Digital Marketing
  • Sport Tourism Events
  • Sport Tourism Participants
  • Sport Tourism Types and Needs
  • Sports Tourism
  • Sports Tourism Developments
  • Staged Authenticity
  • Stages of Travel
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Stakeholder Networks
  • Stakeholders
  • Staycation Motivation
  • Stochastic Frontier Analysis
  • Storytelling
  • Strategic Management Accounting
  • Strategic–Relational Approach
  • Street Food
  • Street Food Vending
  • Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)
  • Students (of Tourism)
  • Study Abroad and Language Tourism
  • Study Tours
  • Sufi Tourism
  • ‘Sun, Sand, Sea and Sex’ Tourism
  • Surf Destination Attributes
  • Surf Tourism
  • Sustainable Adaptation
  • Sustainable Destination Development
  • Sustainable Food Operations
  • Sustainable and Responsible Tourism (SRT)
  • Sustainable Strategies
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Sustainable Tourism Management
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Talent Management
  • Tea Ceremonies
  • Tea Consumption Heritage
  • Tea Tourism
  • Team Building
  • Technology for Sustainable Tourism
  • TEFL Tourism
  • Teleportation
  • Television Tourism
  • Temple Food
  • Territorial Empowerment
  • Terroir Tourism
  • Terrorism Causes in Tourism
  • Theme Parks
  • Themed Touring Routes
  • Themed Visitor Attractions
  • Thermal Tourism
  • 3D Printing
  • Tickets and Ticketing
  • Total Revenue Management
  • Touchpoints in the Customer Journey
  • Tourism in Africa
  • Tourism Analytics
  • Tourism Carrying Capacity
  • Tourism Confusion
  • Tourism Consumption
  • Tourism Demand Analysis
  • Tourism in Difficult Areas
  • Tourism Dispersal
  • Tourism Ecology
  • Tourism Economics and Policy
  • Tourism Geographies
  • Tourism and Hospitality Education
  • Tourism Industry
  • Tourism Innovation Dynamics
  • Tourism Interest Groups
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IMAGES

  1. Ethnic Groups Of Malaysia

    ethnic tourism meaning

  2. Hanoi culture-tourism village hosts ethnic people’s spring-welcoming

    ethnic tourism meaning

  3. Hill tribes and ethnic tourism

    ethnic tourism meaning

  4. PPT

    ethnic tourism meaning

  5. Ethnic tourism with the Haliti-Paresi natives

    ethnic tourism meaning

  6. Cultural visits

    ethnic tourism meaning

VIDEO

  1. Cultural Tourism / Meaning and Benefits of Cultural Tourism / Ecotourism Journey / Tourism

  2. Heritage Tourism / Meaning, Activities and Benefits of Heritage Tourism / Ecotourism Journey

  3. What is cultural tourism?

  4. The Rise of Cultural Tourism

  5. What is Tourism?

  6. 10 Things you Need To Know about Cultural Tourism

COMMENTS

  1. Ethnic tourism

    Ethnic tourism is a mixed blessing for host populations because of its mixed positive and negative consequences. Early studies often portrayed it as a destructive force that undermines traditional cultures and causes problems for host communities such as increased social tension, sociocultural breakdown, and an erosion of identity and the sense of place (Smith 1977).

  2. What is ethical tourism and why is it important?

    Ethical tourism is a concept that has been developed in response to the critiques of mass tourism. Essentially, ethical tourism encourages tourists to move away from' the four Ss' (Sun, Sea, Sand and Sex), and exchange these for 'the three Ts' (Travelling, Trekking and Trucking). To put it simply, ethical tourism is a form of ...

  3. Ethnic Tourism

    Ethnic tourism is a mixed blessing for host populations because of its positive and negative consequences. Such tourism appears to be a good option for economic development in ethnic areas where development options are limited. It can lead to positive economic, cultural, and political effects, especially economic impacts through creating ...

  4. Ethnic tourism: A framework and an application

    Ethnic tourism is employed by many countries to facilitate economic and cultural development and to assist in heritage preservation. Although a substantial literature is devoted to the impacts of ethnic tourism, little research has been done on planning ethnic attractions or related management issues. This paper addresses this gap by examining ...

  5. PDF Understanding Ethnic Tourists

    Ethnic tourism is when travellers choose to experience first hand the practices of another culture, and may involve performances, presentations and attractions portraying or presented by small, often isolated Indigenous communities. Examples of communities that attract tourists for this reason include the Amish communities of the United States ...

  6. Ethnic Tourism and Quality of Life: Community Perspectives

    The popularity of ethnic tourism has ballooned following a drastic rise in the travel and tourism industry (Magnoni & Cable, 2008).Many countries have leveraged their cultural diversity and used ethnic tourism to stimulate local economic development (Henderson, 2003).Research spanning disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, geography, and planning have explored various ...

  7. (PDF) Ethnic Tourism as Knowing Other

    Ethnic tourism is a way to understand the world's historical and cultural heritage; it includes elements of entertaining, cultural, and educational tourism, since it satisfies people's needs in ...

  8. Ethnic tourism and cultural representation

    Ethnic tourism is used by many governments for economic and cultural development (Henderson, 2003, Walsh and Swain, ... Contemporary cultural attractions are often viewed as spaces through which "power, identity, meaning, and behavior are constructed, negotiated, and renegotiated according to socio-cultural dynamics (Aitcheson & Reeves, ...

  9. Ethnic Tourism

    The book explores emerging themes, concepts, and issues in ethnic tourism, through examination of theoretical underpinnings and empirical research in various ethnic destinations worldwide. It encapsulates cultural, environmental, and economic dimensions of ethnic tourism, which is a force of change in many ethnic communities and suggests means ...

  10. What is ethnic tourism? An Australian perspective

    As travel to long-haul, culturally different destinations becomes increasingly popular, this article outlines the two major types of activity referred to by the label 'ethnic tourism', namely the search for 'exotic' cultures and travel which is motivated by purposes of ethnic reunion. It is argued that the search for the exotic is the ...

  11. Ethnic Tourism Impacts, Challenges and Opportunities

    The book explores emerging themes, concepts, and issues in ethnic tourism, through examination of theoretical underpinnings and empirical research in various ethnic destinations worldwide. It encapsulates cultural, environmental, and economic dimensions of ethnic tourism, which is a force of change in many ethnic communities and suggests means through which local benefits can be enhanced and ...

  12. Ethnic and Minority Cultures as Tourist Attractions

    Urban tourism, in spite of its magnitude, has been slow to gain attention commensurate with its importance. The editors of this work claim that ethnic and minority tourism have attracted more attention in rural as opposed to urban settings. There is some justification for the former claim regarding ethnicity, but less for the latter for gay and ...

  13. Ethnic Tourism: An Ultimate Guide

    Ethnic tourism is the exploration of people, culture, and heritage through travel. This type of tourism is not new but has been growing rapidly in recent years as more people seek out authentic experiences and interactions with locals while traveling. It has been around for centuries, but only over the past few years has it reached new heights ...

  14. What is ethnic tourism? An Australian perspective

    Li Yang. Sociology, Geography. 2007. Ethnic tourism has emerged as a means that is employed by many countries to facilitate economic and cultural development and to assist in the preservation of ethnic heritage. However,…. Expand.

  15. Ethnic tourism

    Definition of ethnic tourism. In the absence of a strict definition of ethnic tourism, there is need to clarify the individual words of that definition. At first attention is called to the "tourist character" of a trip. These are the journeys falling within the scope of tourism, but they not include commercial activity and forced eviction to their own country.

  16. PDF Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City

    Tourism, Ethnic Diversity and the City It is hard to imagine urban tourism today without immigrants. Immigrants often provide the cheap labour or the enterpreneurial drive for the urban tourism indus-try. Moreover, their real or imagined cultural expressions are increasingly discernible amongst the 'objects' of urban tourism.

  17. What is Ethical and Sustainable Tourism

    It is enough to Google "sustainable travel" to get millions of answers from: "travel is a force for good"; "travel is a driver for positive change"; "sustainable tourism has a green glow to it", etc. etc. There is also a myriad of confusing terms used loosely by both travellers and the travel industry to describe more or less ...

  18. Understanding ethnic tourists

    This definition of ethnic tourism includestraditional and contemporary cultural presentations and performances, thus embracing those whichare only partially for tourists as well as those which are wholly for visitors. >In the world of tourism researchers, attention has been chiefly directed towards describingand understanding the impacts of ...

  19. Full article: Let's listen: the voices of ethnic villagers in

    Ethnic tourism and nature of host-tourist interactions in ethnic tourism. Ethnic tourism was first introduced by Smith (Citation 1977) as 'tourism marketed to the public in terms of the 'quaint' customs of indigenous and often 'exotic' people' (p. 2).In tourism literature, terms such as 'aboriginal', 'indigenous', 'tribal' or 'community-based' tourism are sometimes ...

  20. Scientific Approaches to the Definition of Ethnо-Tourism Concept

    "ethnic tourism" a nd it does not change the meaning of this concept. In some cases, authors added to ethno- other conceptions, as graphic or cultural, and it means that ethno-

  21. Ethnic Tourism in: Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing

    The Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing is, quite simply, the definitive reference work in the field. Carefully curated by leading tourism scholar Dimitrios Buhalis, this is the largest tourism management and marketing ontology that has ever been put together and offers a holistic examination of this interdisciplinary field. Use the Search within Book (below right) or browse the ...

  22. Discuss the meaning of Ethnic Tourism. What is the difference ...

    Meaning of Ethnic Tourism: The term 'Ethnic' was originally coined to refer to all those groups which were not Jewish. By mid 15th century all non Jewish and non-christian groups were termed "Ethnic". By the late 19th and early 20th century. "Ethnicity" was placed between the ideas of race and those of culture.

  23. The many names of "Roots tourism": An integrative review of the

    However, the term "ethnic tourism" is also often used in the context of visiting lands of other ethnic groups, often exotic tribes or peoples. In this case, one has no personal connection to these places. ... On the definition of sentimental and ethnic tourism. Folia Turistica, 40 (2016), pp. 47-69, 10.5604/01.3001.0010.4018. Google Scholar.