The aim of this essay is to show the relationship between politics and tourism and to discuss the issue of policy as a tool for tourism regulation in the context of sustainability. To reach this aim, an examination of literature surrounding the fields of tourism policy and planning will be undertaken. Different theories will be given and the role of governments in tourism will be defined. The issue will be discussed in a historical as well as a modern context, mainly focussing on the case study of Bhutan, and a final conclusion will be given.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The politics of tourism
- 3. The history of international tourism policy
- 4. Human vs. indigenous rights?
- 5. The role of governments in tourism: responsibilities and tasks in the context of sustainability
- 6. The case study of Bhutan
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the intricate relationship between politics and tourism, examining tourism policy as a regulatory tool within the framework of sustainability. The essay will analyze existing literature on tourism policy and planning, outlining various theories and defining the role of governments in the tourism sector. A historical and contemporary context will be provided, focusing primarily on Bhutan as a case study.
- The political dimensions of the tourism industry.
- The historical evolution of international tourism policy.
- The role of governments in regulating and promoting sustainable tourism.
- The impact of tourism on human and indigenous rights.
- A case study analysis of Bhutan's tourism policy.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay, outlining its main objective: to investigate the interplay between politics and tourism, and the function of policy in regulating tourism for sustainability. It previews the methodology, which involves a review of relevant literature on tourism policy and planning, and the exploration of diverse theoretical perspectives on the role of governments in tourism. The chapter explicitly states the intention to examine these issues historically and contemporaneously, with a particular emphasis on Bhutan as a case study.
2. The politics of tourism: This chapter establishes the political nature of the tourism industry. It highlights the industry's substantial growth, driven by increased global mobility, and the consequent need for coordinated regulation to balance the interests of diverse stakeholders. The chapter emphasizes the significant economic impact of tourism, noting its status as a leading global industry surpassing oil in foreign currency generation. It underscores the necessity to consider the negative consequences of tourism alongside its economic benefits, and it defines the overarching goal of tourism policy as integrating economic, political, cultural, and intellectual advantages to enhance global quality of life. The chapter identifies three key political dimensions of tourism research: marketplace politics in metropolitan countries, politics in developing host countries, and ideological arguments, primarily focusing on the latter two for the remainder of the essay.
3. The history of international tourism policy: This chapter divides the history of international tourism policy into four phases. Phase 1 (1945-1955) focused on streamlining international travel regulations. Phase 2 (1955-1970) saw increased government involvement in tourism marketing and the recognition of tourism's economic potential, culminating in the designation of 1967 as International Tourism Year. Phase 3 (1970-1985) involved greater government participation in tourism infrastructure and its use for regional development, along with the recognition of the right to leisure and travel. The current Phase 4 (1985-present) features continued focus on regional development, increased environmental concerns, reduced direct government involvement in infrastructure, and greater emphasis on public-private partnerships and self-regulation. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro marks a significant step toward a more sustainable tourism industry.
4. Human vs. indigenous rights?: [This chapter summary would be added here if the provided text included chapter 4. It would follow the same format and length requirements as the previous summaries.]
5. The role of governments in tourism: responsibilities and tasks in the context of sustainability: [This chapter summary would be added here if the provided text included chapter 5. It would follow the same format and length requirements as the previous summaries.]
6. The case study of Bhutan: [This chapter summary would be added here if the provided text included chapter 6. It would follow the same format and length requirements as the previous summaries.]
Keywords
Tourism policy, sustainable tourism, government regulation, political economy of tourism, international tourism, Bhutan, human rights, indigenous rights, regional development, environmental sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay explores the complex relationship between politics and tourism, focusing on tourism policy as a regulatory tool within the framework of sustainability. It examines the role of governments in regulating and promoting sustainable tourism, considering economic, political, cultural, and environmental factors.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the political dimensions of the tourism industry, the historical evolution of international tourism policy, the role of governments in sustainable tourism, the impact of tourism on human and indigenous rights, and a case study analysis of Bhutan's tourism policy.
What is the essay's methodology?
The essay utilizes a literature review of existing works on tourism policy and planning, analyzing various theories and perspectives on the role of governments in the tourism sector. It incorporates both historical and contemporary contexts.
What is the significance of the Bhutan case study?
Bhutan serves as a primary case study, allowing for a detailed examination of a specific country's approach to tourism policy and its impact on sustainability and various stakeholders.
How is the history of international tourism policy structured in the essay?
The history of international tourism policy is divided into four phases: Phase 1 (1945-1955) focused on streamlining international travel; Phase 2 (1955-1970) saw increased government involvement in marketing and recognition of tourism's economic potential; Phase 3 (1970-1985) involved greater government participation in infrastructure and regional development; and Phase 4 (1985-present) focuses on regional development, environmental concerns, public-private partnerships, and self-regulation.
What are the key political dimensions of tourism research discussed?
The essay identifies three key political dimensions: marketplace politics in metropolitan countries, politics in developing host countries, and ideological arguments, primarily focusing on the latter two.
What is the overall goal of tourism policy as defined in the essay?
The overarching goal of tourism policy is to integrate economic, political, cultural, and intellectual advantages to enhance global quality of life, balancing economic benefits with potential negative consequences.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Tourism policy, sustainable tourism, government regulation, political economy of tourism, international tourism, Bhutan, human rights, indigenous rights, regional development, environmental sustainability.
What chapters are included in this preview?
This preview includes summaries for chapters 1-3 and outlines for chapters 4-6. The full essay presumably includes a total of six chapters.
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This language preview provides a comprehensive overview of the essay, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It is intended for academic use and analysis.
- Quote paper
- Lilly Marlene Kunkel (Author), 2008, International Tourism Policy and the Role of Governments in Tourism in the Context of Sustainability, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/140517
