Anthropology of Tourism

Anthropology of Tourism

The Anthropology of Tourism is described to provide an understanding of the socio-cultural scope of tourism, which includes society and culture. It can, therefore, be said that anthropology is inclined to the impacts of tourism on the lives, culture, and traditions of residents. Various authors have approached tourism differently. According to Graburn, in his theory, described tourism as a secular ritual. For him, tourism is a non-religious action that has substituted spiritual customs regarding traditional societies. Graburn argued that certain practices or events help the residents in the community to appreciate the passage of time. For instance, in the past, festivals were held to celebrate an end in harvesting season.

In the same way, Graburn described modern society’s vacations, where individuals travel away from their residents, as similar to traditional ceremonies that were held to mark the passage of specific seasons. Travelling is also a passage of rite where people move from one destination or one stage of life to the other. Roots tourism is another part of tourism, which includes tourists who utilize their vacations to connect with their ancestors (Salazar & Graburn, 2014). These tourists move to the ancestral land to relink with their past as well as following their forefathers’ footsteps. For example, in Africa, Ghana is believed to be visited by Africans, tracing the roots and reconnecting with their forefathers.  

Sustainability in tourism describes the conservation of resources that attracts tourists, which in turn earn income to the host or local community. Tourism has been regarded as a crucial tool for sustainability in rural local regions. Indigenous territories have intense cultural beliefs and sensitivity to environmental importance. For tourism development, the views of the residents should be considered to create mutual relationships founded on viability, respect, and trust for creating local reception and sustenance (Loong, 2014). Moreover, a lot of emphasis needs to be intensified on shifting from agriculture to developing tourism in rural indigenous regions. To create impactful development that comprises the reducing unemployment and diversifying on streams of income, stimulating the economy, establishment of public infrastructure, protecting local culture, and conserving nature.

A simulacrum is a representation of someone or something. On the other hand, Simulacra are copies that portray things that either had no original or that no longer have any uniqueness. It is more concern with likeness or similarity but not identity. Moreover it seeks to know the relationships between authenticity, symbols, and the society.  This shows the importance and symbolism of culture and how well one can understand.  Baudrillard noted that there had been replacement of actual reality and meanings with symbols and signs. He also holds believe that society has been accustomed to simulacra that most of what is done lack sense or realism. Tourist occasionally tries to balance between uniqueness and similarity, and with this element of simulacra, effect helps attract and inspire most of them. It is observed that tourism has brought about improved innovation in architecture due to endless inspiration and reinvention to improve on quality. As seen in the pristine environment, Eden and Paradise, which were inspired by utopian ideas (Swarbrooke, 2012). Tourists are not only benefiting from the idealized world but also contribute through imaginations and practices. Some practices that are not of western origin also can inspire simulacra based on the creativity of traditions (Shenzen, widows on the world). Hence the combination of real and imaginary inspiration can make society a better place to live.

It is essential to factor in perspectives from different individuals because tourism development has both positive and negative consequences. Planners have the responsibility of understanding the local community to make an informed decision, to realize intended impacts to the hosting residents. The host and tourists could also be impacted negatively due to culture dilution, cultural conflicts, and natural environmental damage during the interaction. In conclusion, tourism is regarded as sustainable development to rural indigenous regions that lead to the conservation of nature and culture as standards of locals are improved.

References

Loong, B. L. S. (2014). Tourism and simulacrum: The computational economy of algorithmic destinations. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 144, 237-246.

Salazar, N. B., & Graburn, N. H. (Eds.). (2014). Tourism imaginaries: Anthropological approaches. Berghahn Books.

Swarbrooke, J. (2012). Sustainable tourism management. Cabi.