ANTHROPOLOGY OF TOURISM: Forging New Ground for Ecotourism and Other Alternatives
A critical Analysis and Reflection
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Introduction
This paper seeks to provide a critical analysis and reflection of the article “Forging New Ground for Ecotourism and other Alternatives” from the category of Anthropology of Tourism”. The article examines the origins of tourism from the perspective of the anthropologists who focused their studies mostly in the area of tourist exploration. In this critical analysis, we shall examine the past ecotourism and examine the weaknesses and strengths in the practices pointing out the mistakes and errors that existed in the structures as highlighted by the author
Critical Analysis
In this article, the author fails to recognize the goal of ecotourism and that the tourists visit fragile, pristine, and natural areas conserving the environment, but concentrates on the economic value of the practice. It is true that ecotourism helps to improve the quality of lives and well-being of the local people but the author fails to point out the negatives of the practice. The traveller should be aware that as much as they are provide funds for ecological conservation, it is also important to encourage them to show respect for different cultures (Stronza, 2001).
The author identifies another important aspect of ecotourism, that there exist no analytical frameworks that be used to predict the different types of circumstances and conditions under which the local communities as evidence of the particular ways they experienced tourism (Stronza, 2001). However, after identifying these gaps, the author does not provide any suggestions as solutions but rather goes ahead and asks further questions just like the previous researchers.
Reflection
My view about this article it provides insights, thoughts and viewpoints on the value of ecotourism which is an important economic activity that has over the years helped to transform the lives of millions of people all over the world.
Conclusion
In this study, personal insights, thoughts and viewpoints have been deeply analyzed using data, statistics, and theories from anthropology of tourism. The views study educates on the importance ecotourism and the need to explore other better alternatives to help conserve environment and improve the lives of people all over the world.
Reference
Stronza, A. (2001). Anthropology of Tourism: Forging new Ground for Ecotourism and Other alternatives. Annual Review of Anthropology, 30(1), 261-283.