Response and Connection to Class Discussion
Summary of Main Points
The readings focus on presenting information regarding tourism, in general, with specialized discussions on island tourism and African tourism . The information disclosed by Gmelch was highly informative given the extensive presentation of the evolution of tourism. The author initiated a narrative discourse that traced the origin of packaged tours through the efforts of Thomas Cook . Likewise, relevant macro environmental factors which contributed to the proliferation of mass tourism, including its downside, enabled readers to appreciate how immense benefits outweigh any incurred costs. As such, the application of the benefits and costs of tourism to the Island of Barbados was expounded through an evaluation of its overall impact to society. As emphasized, “tourism has promoted dependency and that efforts must be made to reduce foreign influence and control over tourism such as promoting local ownership of small hotels and developing regional airlines and regional marketing” .
Description of Connection to Class Discussion
The information contained in the readings presented the need to balance the positive and negative effects of tourism in a society’s economy. For instance, an influx of foreigners due to aggressive tourism efforts would necessitate application of intensive safety measures that would ensure the protection of tourists. As such, people in power, government officials and law enforcement officers, should design stringent regulations that would protect foreigners from abusive and inappropriate behavior: robbery, kidnapping, and exposure to local diseases. Likewise, the local governments, where tourist attraction sites abound, should design policies that would facilitate the access to accommodations, travel guides, addressing language barriers, as well as ready police and health assistance, when needed. Finally, the local government should also be ready to address other socio-cultural issues, such as racial discrimination, gender inequality, and sexual preferences, among others. Overall, one realized that when governments promote tourism, public officials must assume a proactive stance in ensuring that the holistic needs and demands of the tourists while marveling at the local attractions in the country should be effectively and appropriately addressed. Only then can countries be assured that a good word could be promoted of the tourist attractions through satisfying the needs of foreign guests to the best of the nation’s abilities.
Bibliography
Bruner, E.M. "the Maasai and the Lion King: authenticity, nationalism, and globalization in African tourism." 2001. American Etnologist. 23 November 2014 <file:///C:/Users/Lenovo/Downloads/bruner(2001)_the%20Maasai%20and%20the%20Lion%20King.pdf.pdf>.
Gmelch, G. "Behind the Smile." n.d. Indiana University Press. 23 November 2014 <file:///C:/Users/Lenovo/Downloads/Gmelch,%20Behind%20the%20Smile,%20ch.%201.pdf>.
