Paradise Lost
Culture
This lesson looks at the social effects of tourism in Thailand and some of the ethical issues and responsibilities associated with visiting another country and culture.
Key question:
- What are some of the social costs of tourism?
Key Concepts:
Interdependence
Environmental interaction and sustainable development
Cultural understanding and Diversity
What are some of the social costs of tourism?
Many travel companies now advise tourists how to behave in different cultures but local people have to put up with the disruption that tourists may bring and any negative impact on their culture. Despite tourism bringing in money and contributing to a country's GDP, it is often local people who are the subjects in or part of the ‘attraction', that see little of money that tourists pay for a trip or a holiday. But things are changing. There are more opportunities to be ethical, sustainable or responsible when travelling which means that tourists that can actually benefit even very poor communities directly.
Click on an activity:
Starter
Main activity
Plenary
Downloads:
A slideshow of people in Khao San Road
Blog entry from a resident of Bangkok