Ethnic Tourism in Northern Thailand: The Paradox of Authentic Tourism Experience
Journal Title: Journal of Social and Political Sciences - Year 2019, Vol 2, Issue 3
Abstract
Ethnicity and the exotic are the two concepts Thailand has exploited in intimate details to create the cultural tourism experience. The Cultural tourists’ is in search of the authentic intact native. The uniqueness of the physical features of the local inhabitants, cultural dress and performances are capitalized upon. An ethnic community fits into the two concepts containing the objects of touristic desire. Despite the fact that authenticity is of great importance for cultural tourists, the very presence of the tourists is the construction of manifestations of tourism. Cultural tourism is then the reification process of the remote village life into the touristic attraction. The process illustrates the encounters of tourism hospitality practices. The social negotiation between tourists and hosts results in the transformation of self-less exotic of ethnic groups. An experience of ethnic tourism is akin to a fabricated heritage. When ethnicity and tourism are the core of economic development, the question of cultural change within the community also alters the attractiveness of the tourism location. This paper advances our understanding of the connection between ethnicity and tourism as a space of local hospitality performance and fabricated heritage creation. By discussing the author’s ethno-touristic experience in a Northern Thailand village, the analysis creates meaningful understandings of the complexity surrounding the hospitality phenomenon and the experience of ethnic culture.
Authors and Affiliations
Yuthasak Chatkaewnapanon
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP645669
- DOI 10.31014/aior.1991.02.03.95
- Views 70
- Downloads 0
Morphology of Backpacker Dormitory Inside Traditional Balinese House, Canggu Village, Bali, Indonesia
https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/JSParchives/Morphology-of-Backpacker-Dormitory-Inside-Traditional-Balinese-House%2C-Canggu-Village%2C-Bali%2C-Indonesia
Globalization of Terrorism: A Transnational Threat in Asia
This article examines the phenomenon of terrorism in Asia and how it’s implication is further linked to the global spread as well as fight on terror. The developmental challenges faced by many countries in Asia have led...
China’s Role in Afghan Peace Process
To end the long war in Afghanistan, the International Community has been making efforts to resolve the Afghan crisis peacefully by negotiation with the Taliban. China, being the neighbor of Afghanistan and emerging power...
Engagement to Rivalry: American Relations With China Since the End of the Cold War
American relations with China is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world today. It will continue to do so in the foreseeable future, which will, ultimately, affect the peace and prosperity of the globe...
Rural Banditry, Regional Security and Integration in West Africa
Rural banditry is increasingly becoming one of the worst forms of domestic insurgencies affecting West African sub-region. The prevalence and severity of rural banditry has contributed to the rising increase of regional...