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2524 Words
Introduction: Impact of Equality and Poverty on Tourism Participation
Q 1. What are the challenges around participation in the tourism industry?
The tourism industry has many impacts on society, employment generation, restoring historic sites, improving the lifestyle of locals and increasing the economy of that country or area. This essay will discuss the equality in tourism sector by using various statistical data. Relation between equality and participation has also been discussed in this essay with its importance and nature. This essay also contains information related to the impact of poverty on the tourism industry with the help of statistical data. This further includes monitoring and examining their relationship in future for better understanding. This essay also highlights the concept of participation in the tourism industry and its impact on societal issues. It also includes barrier which is most commonly faced by the stakeholder while participating.
Stakeholders are the people who are involved directly or indirectly in the business process and have a stake in the industry. They are the individuals, organizations, local communities or environmental groups whose work was affected by changes in industry. They have a significant role in the growth of the tourism sector as they organize different seminars and conferences in various market sectors (Singgalen, et. al. 2019). Values and principles of business tourism have been put together by various public and private sector stakeholders.
It is important to identify potential stakeholders to work accordingly which could lead to fulfilling their needs and want, so this leads to the importance of the concept of analysis of stakeholders in the tourism industry. Predictions of problems, which could arise in future, could be identified by using stakeholder advice and feedback. Involvement of stakeholders could be increased by conducting direct communication, public meetings, focus groups and surveys. Proper evaluation of stakeholders will help in generating a competitive edge over others (Holler, et. al. 2020). It will also help in improving the position of the company by fulfilling the needs of stakeholders.
The interrelationship between the concepts of equality and participation
In the tourism industry, equality means making sure that everyone, irrespective of background, has the same rights too and possibilities within the sector. In order to encourage inclusion and justice for every stakeholder, it entails eradicating prejudice, fostering diversity, and ensuring equitable access to attractions, employment, and experience.
Women hold just 23% of leadership roles in tourism globally, according to statistics from a 2020 study by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), demonstrating gender imbalance (Women’s Empowerment and tourism, 2023). This is in line with feminist ideology, which emphasises societal power imbalances. Furthermore, research from the UNWTO revealed that Indigenous peoples frequently had poorer incomes and fewer opportunities for education and healthcare, despite being frequently a key draw for visitors. This illustrates the idea of structural prejudice, in which disadvantaged groups have systematic obstacles in the workplace. Data on people with impairments show that there is insufficient equity in the tourism industry. Over 1 billion people globally, as estimated by the World Health Organisation, have some kind of disability, yet numerous tourist locations do not have the necessary facilities to meet their demands, which is an example of the social framework of disability theory.
Equality and participation within any situation, including tourism, possess a reciprocal and strengthening relationship. Individuals get an opinion and an awareness of the agency via participating. It can reduce inequity when underrepresented groups, such as women or indigenous peoples, are involved in tourist decision-making processes. This allows them to speak out for their rights and necessities. More equitable policies and practices may result from including a wide variety of stakeholders in tourist development and planning. By addressing the unique issues faced by numerous populations, inclusion may promote more advantages and access equity (Alarcón and Cole, 2021). Sharing knowledge and education are common components of participation. People are more prepared to oppose discriminatory practices and promote equality when they are aware of their rights and possibilities within the tourist industry. The creation of policies that support equality can be influenced through active involvement. For instance, the suggestions of disability advocacy organisations may result in the development of accessible tourist facilities, therefore eliminating inequalities for those with disability.
The need of continuous research and monitoring into how equality and participation interact in the tourism sector cannot be overstated. Social, financial & environmental problems are always changing, and the travel business is dynamic with changing trends. Stakeholder may spot new problems, assess the success of programmes and campaigns that support equality and involvement, and adjust their tactics as necessary by doing continual research and monitoring. This promotes equity, lowers inequities, and has a good impact on both the local community and the tourism business as a whole. It also helps guarantee that the tourist sector stays sensitive to the demands of various populations (Towner, 2021). Continuous analysis of these connections promotes a culture of responsibility and ongoing development in travel procedures.
The interrelationship between the concepts of poverty and participation
Poverty is a complicated multifaceted concept that includes an absence of equitable access to basic essentials, such as shelter, education, food, as well as health care, caused by inadequate revenue or resources. Poverty can contribute to and have an effect on the tourist industry. Because economically underprivileged populations may rely upon tourism an avenue of income, it can act as an incentive for tourism (Milano, et. al. 2019). On the contrary hand, by causing income inequities and relocating locals, tourism can worsen poverty.
For example, the level of poverty in the travel and tourism industry, The COVID-19 pandemic, estimated by the World tourist Organisation (UNWTO), may threaten almost 100 million direct employments in the tourist sector by 2020. In developing nations where tourism is an important economic engine, many of this employment are located. The unexpected decline in tourism revenue has a disproportionately negative effect on the most vulnerable inhabitants, escalating the level of poverty in these areas. The International Labour Organization's (ILO) study also reveals income inequality within the industry. Some occupations in the tourist industry have poor compensation, little job security, and little opportunity for social advantages. The insecure nature of their jobs makes tourist employees more vulnerable to poverty.
It becomes complicated how poverty and involvement in the tourist industry are related. When used in this context, the term "participation" describes how actively local communities and marginalized groups are involved in decision-making, job possibilities, and the dispersion of tourist profits. Participation may reduce the negative impacts of poverty in a number of different ways. By include local communities in tourist development and planning, it first gives them authority. Communities may more effectively represent their interests and make sure that the advantages of tourism are spread fairly when they play a role in the way activities are carried out. This fits with the theories of democratic growth (Wondirad and Ewnetu, 2019). Especially in small-scale and community-driven tourism efforts, involvement can result in training and employment creation. Individuals in poverty may be given work options as a result, lessening their vulnerability financially. This relationship is emphasised by the use of the livelihood strategy for the growth of the tourist industry. Participation may also improve the upkeep of regional landscapes and cultures, which are frequently assets in tourism (Car, et. al. 2019). Communities are more inclined to choose sustainable and responsible tourist practices when they participate in decision-making, ensuring that the tourism industry is not harming their natural resources or heritage of culture.
For a number of reasons it is essential to continuously study and analyze the way involvement in the tourist industry and poverty interact. Firstly, the travel and tourism sector is dynamic, with shifting trends and difficulties. Ongoing research assists in identifying new problems, evaluating the success of community engagement and reduction of poverty projects, and modifying techniques as necessary. Second, the effect of tourism on poverty depends on the environment. Each location has particular socioeconomic, cultural, and ecological factors that affect how poverty and tourism interact. Policymakers and stakeholders may customise actions to particular situations with the help of ongoing monitoring, assuring their applicability and efficacy.
Evaluate the challenges of participation in the tourism sector
Tourism participation is the direct involvement of a variety of stakeholders in the organising, making decisions, and management procedures of tourism-related activities and locations. These stakeholders include communities at large, companies, agencies of government, and visitor’s individuals (Scheyvens and Hughes, 2021). It includes a variety of activities, including as community involvement in the growth of the tourism industry and contributions from travelers to responsible and environmentally friendly travel practices.
Participation is frequently seen as an effective way to address numerous social problems in the framework of tourism. This viewpoint is based on the understanding of inclusive participation and decision-making of a wide range of interested parties may result in more accountable and sustainable tourist practices. When community groups and environmental groups take part in the preparation of tourism, there is a better chance of implementing environmentally friendly procedures as well as reducing the adverse environmental effects of tourism. Indigenous customs and cultures may be protected and preserved, avoiding their commercialization and exploitation, by including local populations in choices concerning cultural heritage tourism (Farmaki and Pappas, 2022). Participation can help the advantages of tourism be distributed more fairly. Reduced disparities in income can help to alleviate poverty by including marginalised communities in tourism-related endeavours. Participation makes ensuring that many viewpoints and opinions are taken into account, fostering social inclusion and tackling problems of exclusion and prejudice in the tourist industry.
Considering the advantages, there are a number of challenges that prevent successful stakeholder engagement in tourism. This involves how power dynamics frequently disadvantage smaller, less powerful, or less powerful stakeholders, leaving outcast populations and local communities. These inequalities may prevent them from participating meaningfully. The capacity of stakeholders to engage effectively might be hampered by a lack of knowledge about the procedures for preparing and making decisions in the tourist industry. Small enterprises and local communities might not have the necessary personnel and financial resources to take part in difficult tourist planning and development activities. Particularly in places with different people, cultural and language variations might obstruct effective involvement by causing communication difficulties (Scheyvens and Momsen, 2020). Cooperative decision-making may be hampered by the resistance of some parties, especially well-established companies and government organizations. Political meddling and bureaucratic red tape may make it challenging for stakeholders to participate in tourism development processes.
According to the particular context and location, these obstacles can have a variety of meanings and effects. Additionally, if the tourist sector develops, additional difficulties might appear. However, there is an increasing understanding of how crucial it is to remove these obstacles in order to advance more inclusive, ecological, and ethical tourism practises.
Conclusion
This essay includes the importance of equality in the tourism sector. Various data and statistics have been used to evaluate the equality scenario in the tourism industry. It has been identified that women contribute much less than men which shows gender imbalance in industry. It also shows ways and measures through which this imbalance could be reduced. The industry operates in a dynamic environment which leads to changes in the needs of stakeholders, so to fulfil their needs continuous research into equality and participation should be done. The general public should be made aware of the growth possibility of this industry which could be done by educating them. This essay also shows how tourism and poverty are interlinked. Tourism generates income for poor people but something worsens the situation of the poor. The tourism industry generates a way through which poverty can be reduced as it gives a path for new employment opportunities. Local communities and organisations should participate in the industry by offering local products and services and attracting tourists towards them. This includes various ways through which the participation of locals could be increased resulting in improving their financial position.
Data and statistics have been used to illustrate how tourism impacts poverty. This essay shows various reasons which are a barrier for people to participate in the tourism industry. Increasing in participation of communities protecting environment will help in the growth of the tourism industry. The culture and customs of the places could be preserved and protected by the participation of such groups as they will restrict things which are against their culture. It describes how a lack of knowledge regarding procedure and decision-making could impact the effectiveness of the stakeholders. This includes the growth of the tourist sector which will improve the conditions of stakeholders and local people of that area leading to economic development in the country.
References
Books and Journals
Alarcón, D.M. and Cole, S., 2021. No sustainability for tourism without gender equality. In Activating critical thinking to advance the sustainable development goals in tourism systems (pp. 57-73). Routledge.
Car, T., Stifanich, L.P. and Šimuni?, M., 2019. Internet of things (iot) in tourism and hospitality: Opportunities and challenges. Tourism in South East Europe, 5, pp.163-175.
Farmaki, A. and Pappas, N., 2022. Poverty and tourism decision-making: a chaordic perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 34(3), pp.1012-1036.
Holler, J., Bernier, Q., Roberts, J.T. and Robinson, S.A., 2020. Transformational adaptation in least developed countries: does expanded stakeholder participation make a difference?. Sustainability, 12(4), p.1657.
Milano, C., Novelli, M. and Cheer, J.M., 2019. Overtourism and tourismphobia: A journey through four decades of tourism development, planning and local concerns. Tourism Planning & Development, 16(4), pp.353-357.
Scheyvens, R. and Hughes, E., 2021. Can tourism help to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere”? The challenge of tourism addressing SDG1. In Activating critical thinking to advance the sustainable development goals in tourism systems (pp. 215-233). Routledge.
Scheyvens, R. and Momsen, J.H., 2020. Tourism and poverty reduction: Issues for small island states. In Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals (pp. 111-129). Routledge.
Singgalen, Y.A., Sasongko, G. and Wiloso, P.G., 2019. Community participation in regional tourism development: a case study in North Halmahera Regency-Indonesia. Insights into Regional Development, 1(4), pp.318-333.
Towner, N., 2021. Surfing tourism and local stakeholder collaboration. In Stakeholders Management and Ecotourism (pp. 66-84). Routledge.
Wondirad, A. and Ewnetu, B., 2019. Community participation in tourism development as a tool to foster sustainable land and resource use practices in a national park milieu. Land use policy, 88, p.104155.
Online
Women’s empowerment and tourism, 2023. Online. Available through. :<https://www.unwto.org/gender-and-tourism>
