The Economic And Economic Effects Of Tourism And Pacific Tourism

Tourism and Pacific communities have a complex and multi-faceted relationship. There are both positive and negative implications of the tourism industry, which are not only economic and environmental, but also deeply cultural. As globalisation has made foreign travel to the Pacific easier, cheaper, and more widespread than ever before, the effects of tourism have never been more relevant. As many island nations in the Pacific are relatively isolated, have limited resources, and rely on foreign aid to some degree, most have turned to tourism as an approach to economic development and expansion (Scheyvens and Russell 2009: 1 ). For example, Fiji relies on tourism for approximately 18% of their GDP; in the Cook Islands, this number is at 47% (Pacific Island Economies: The Role Of International Trade And Investment 2007: 13). The economic benefits of increased foreign travel to Pacific communities are many and varied. An increased level of business activity generates income, creates jobs, and increases export …show more content…
As the UNEP (2014) describes:
“Tourism can turn local cultures into commodities…Once a destination is sold as a tourism product, and the tourism demand for souvenirs, arts, entertainment and other commodities begins to exert influence, basic changes in human values may occur. Sacred sites and objects may not be respected when they are perceived as goods to trade” (Unep.org, 2014, pg.1)” This quote illustrates not only how commodification of pacific cultures can not only affect the way tourists view traditions and natural resources, but also how tourism can negatively alter how the locals view and interact with their own culture. In regards specifically to Pacific dance and art, the webs of meaning and significance behind both the creation and showcasing involved in such cultural expressions are lost, and the art is reduced to an income-generating