The Socio-Cultural Impacts Of Tourism Research

David J. telfer & Richard accept that tourism impact destinations in developing countries, where the difference in cultural and economic characteristics between local people and, primarily, relatively wealthy western tourists is likely to be greatest (WTO 1981). At the same time in respect it would be considered unfortunate for tourism not to have some socio- cultural consequences on destinations; as a catalyst of development, tourism is usually promoted with the purpose of economic and social betterment. Moreover, tourism is seen by some as a means of achieving greater international harmony and understanding (WTO 1980) although, perhaps inevitably, it is the negative (and, frequently, emotive) socio-cultural impacts of tourism that attract

The larger the tourism industry relative to the local community, the greater its socio-cultural impact is likely to be.
• The relative importance of the tourism industry. The consequences of tourism will be more keenly felt in destinations that are highly dependent on tourism, although established resorts may have a variety of controls in place to limit such consequences.
• The pace of tourism development. Research has shown that socio-cultural impacts are more likely to be experienced when the development of tourism is rapid and uncontrolled.
It is also important to note, of course, that societies and cultures are dynamic; they are all in a constant state of change and no society is immune from external influence, tourism is undoubtedly one such influence but, frequently, tourism contributes towards, but does not cause, socio-cultural impacts and change. Nevertheless, tourism is often blamed for what are seen as undesirable changes in destination societies, and therefore care must be taken to determine the precise components of socio-cultural

For example, the traditional craft of greenstone carving in the southern India town Mahabalipuram has been revitalized by the demand for souvenirs. The products, though intended for sale to tourists, are no less authentic than those produced through similar techniques hundreds of years ago.
Less visibly, tourism also contributes to broader, deeper cultural transformations in destination societies. These are changes that occur in a society’s values, Moral codes, behavioral modes and identifying characteristics such as dress and language. It is difficult to separate the influence of tourism from other factors which induce cultural change but, nevertheless, it is generally accepted that tourism can accelerate this process this process, largely through what is known as