Sociology of Tourism

Sociology of Tourism11LEARNING OBJECTIVESAppreciate inordinate social impact travel experiences make on the individual, family, or group, and society as a whole—especially the host society. Recognize that a country’s indigenous population may resent the presence of visitors, especially in large numbers.Discover that travel patterns change with changing life characteristics and social class.Become familiar with the concept of social tourism and its importance in various countries.Perceive there are four extremes relating to the travel preferences of international tourists.NEGATIVE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF TOURISM ON A HOST SOCIETYIntroduction of undesirable activities such as gamblingDemonstration effect: local people want same luxuries, imported goods as touristsRacial tensionDevelopment of servile attitude of tourist business employeesTrinketization of arts and craftsStandardization of employees rolesLoss of cultural prideToo rapid change in local waysDisproportionate numbers of worker in low-paid, menial jobsEffects can be moderated or eliminated by intelligent planning and progressive management methodsHOW INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCE TRAVEL BEHAVIORThe impacts of AGEThe impacts of INCOMEThe impacts of EDUCATIONThe impacts of SEXUAL ORIENTATIONThe impacts of DISABILITIESTHE EMERGENCE OF GROUP TRAVEL PATTERNSTravel clubsLow-priced group travelPublic carrier group rates and arrangementsIncentive travel groupsSpecial-interest groupsSocial (subsidized) travel groupsSUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL SOCIAL EFFECTS OF TOURISMVacations, special business trips among life’s most vivid memoriesFamily vacations taken together among highlights of the year’s activitiesVisitors in an area can affect the living patterns of localsPeople of a particular country can have their lives changedMost satisfying relationships when hosts and guests meet and interact socially (i.e., reception, tea, cultural event)Tourists can be easy victims of crime; hosts can help them avoid dangerous placesResentment of visitors by locals can occurTourism development can bring undesirable social effects (prostitution, gambling, drunkenness, unwanted noise, congestion)SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL SOCIAL EFFECTS OF TOURISMPeople living in cities are more interested in travel than those living in small towns or rural areasWealthy people and those in higher social classes are greatly inclined to travelIncrease in educational level in a population brings increase in travelCatering to people with disabilities increases travel marketsGroup travel and tours are popular ways to travelSocial tourism is a form of travel where the cost is subsidized by the traveler’s trade union, government, public carrier, hotel, or associationSOME STRIKING ANOMALIES OF TRAVEL BEHAVIORSDesire for relaxation versus activityDesire for familiarity versus noveltyDesire for dependence versus autonomyDesire for order versus disorderBARRIERS TO TRAVELCostLack of time Health limitationsFamily stageLack of interestFear and safety