To be in a paradise which is exotic, strange, with amazing landscapes and people who are not affected by corrupted society, is the main reason for tourists to visit foreign countries. However, the questions is, if increasing tourism would be an advantage or a disadvantage for the potential host country, and how tourism affects the economy, society, the and the local environment. International tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy and represents profitability for the visiting country and positively impacts the economy. The question is, whether the economic advantage compensates the damage, which is inflicted to the society, environment and the culture by the tourists.
Table of Contents
1. INDONESIA AS A DEVELOPING COUNTRY ON THE WAY TO MASS TOURISM
2. CULTURAL TOURISM IN BALI
3. WOMEN, PROSTITUTION AND AIDS
4. BOMB ATTACK IN BALI – THE END OF THE MASS TOURISM?
5. STRATEGIES
6. RESUMEE
Objectives and Topics
This essay explores the complex relationship between tourism and development, using the island of Bali as a primary case study to examine how mass tourism impacts the host country's economy, society, and environment. It investigates the motivations behind travel to Bali, the challenges of balancing rapid economic growth with cultural preservation, and the systemic social issues exacerbated by the tourism sector.
- Socio-economic impact of mass tourism in developing nations
- Cultural commodification and the "Balinization of Bali"
- The intersection of tourism, poverty, and public health (AIDS)
- Effects of external shocks and security threats on tourist arrivals
- Development strategies and sustainable future tourism models
Excerpt from the Book
CULTURAL TOURISM IN BALI
The Indonesian government recognized Balinese culture, considering history, as a valuable resource for the economic development of the island. How this resolution could lead to "Cultural Renaissance" of the Balinese culture (Picard, 1993, p.87) or to the "Balinisation of Bali" (Picard, 1993, p.75) will be discussed in the following.
Apart from traditional Balinese music, painting and carving art, the traditionally accomplished dances are the most spectacular characteristic of the island. These dances are however not exclusively intended for the public, but also serve religious purposes, „because present among the spectators are the ancestors, the gods and the demons, who share with the Balinese a keen taste for lively festivals and fine performances“. (Picard, 1995, p.58)
The Balinese government went even so far to say, that the island inhabitants have to behave as authentically Balinese as possible, since authenticity is exactly that what potential tourists search. Thus the term "Balinization of Bali" developed, and the condition that the culture is not regarded as a "Heritage" any more, but as the "Capital". (Picard, 1995, p.55)
Summary of Chapters
1. INDONESIA AS A DEVELOPING COUNTRY ON THE WAY TO MASS TOURISM: Provides the socio-economic context of Indonesia as a developing nation and outlines the initial master planning and infrastructure development that launched Bali as a major tourism destination.
2. CULTURAL TOURISM IN BALI: Examines how Balinese culture has been transformed into a commercial resource and the resulting tension between preserving authentic traditions and satisfying the demands of mass tourism.
3. WOMEN, PROSTITUTION AND AIDS: Analyzes the negative social repercussions of the sex industry on the island, focusing on the spread of HIV/AIDS and the role of NGOs in addressing these community challenges.
4. BOMB ATTACK IN BALI – THE END OF THE MASS TOURISM?: Investigates the economic consequences of the 2002 Bali bombing, exploring how the tourism industry reacted to this major security crisis and its impact on visitor numbers.
5. STRATEGIES: Discusses the government's economic modernization efforts through international development assistance, lending programs, and the emergence of new initiatives like the "Sua Bali" concept aimed at sustainable development.
6. RESUMEE: Synthesizes the findings of the study, concluding that while tourism drives economic survival, it continues to pose significant dilemmas for the long-term preservation of Balinese society and culture.
Keywords
Bali, Mass Tourism, Developing Countries, Indonesia, Cultural Tourism, Economic Growth, Modernization Theory, Prostitution, HIV/AIDS, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Tourism Development, Socio-cultural impact, Balinization, Security Threats
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the development of mass tourism in Bali and its dual role as a driver of economic prosperity and a potential catalyst for social and cultural degradation.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers economics, socio-cultural preservation, public health issues related to the sex industry, development policy, and the long-term sustainability of tourism.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The primary objective is to analyze whether the economic gains from mass tourism are sufficient to compensate for the negative impacts on Bali's traditional culture, environment, and social structure.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on tourism statistics, development theory, and existing academic literature to assess the case of Bali.
What is addressed in the main part of the work?
The main part covers the history of tourism development, the commercialization of Balinese culture, the public health crisis regarding AIDS, the economic impact of the 2002 terror attacks, and international development strategies.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Keywords include Bali, mass tourism, economic development, cultural heritage, Balinization, modernization theory, and sustainable tourism.
How did the 2002 Bali bombing affect the tourism sector?
The bombing caused a significant decline in visitor numbers by 31 percent, though the overall Indonesian GDP growth remained resilient due to factors limited to the impact of the 1997/98 Asia crisis.
What is the "Sua Bali" concept mentioned in the study?
The "Sua Bali" concept is an initiative aiming to bridge the gap between tourists and local life, helping visitors "meet and understand Bali" while minimizing negative impacts on the local environment and culture.
- Quote paper
- Olesja Büchner (Author), 2003, Bali - mass tourism in developing countries, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/22133
