Yes.
In Taiwan, symbols of tourist experiences are transformed into tangible commodities that are instantly recognizable by people. Things such as t-shirts, key chains and fridge magnet are part of the souvenir culture. It is an example whereby, an intangible culture becomes an item which can be sold.
In the case of indigenous people, their traditional performance are oftenly modified to suit the tourists. For example, shortening the ritual to complement the tourists' tight schedule. This resulted in the simplification of culture. Even though it is said that tourism helps to conserve this cultures, it also resulted in a simplification of the culture.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Changes bought by tourism
Economic
With tourism, jobs that are unknown in the past are now available due to it demand. It also opens up new ideas of businesses that helps generate more income for the locals. A great wave of tourist is emerging in Taiwan and it will be a huge boost to the country's economy if they make good use of the opportunity.
More importantly, the profits from tourism are not concentrated with just a few major corporations, but are spread far and wide among large and small service industries and retailers.
Socio-culture
The socio-culture is another aspect which can be changed by tourism. Social contact between tourists and local people, especially the indigenous people, may result is mutual appreciation, understanding, awareness and respect. The tribes are also educated about the outside world without the need to live their home. While on the other hand, tourists can learn about their unique culture and way of life. While presenting a culture to tourists may help preserve the culture, it can also dilute or even destroy it.
Local communties also benefits when tourism leads to the improvement of social infrastructure such as school, health care or the transportation network.
Environment
Tourism has lead to the implementation of environment policies such as preservation of the nature environment. Taiwan knows that sustainability is the key to development and thus have been doing their part to contribute to sustainability.
In Taiwan, industrialization has been causing pollution to the air. Especially with the influx of tourist, more transport are used to cater to their needs. Tourists also use up resources, usually with over consumption. These had been worsening the problem of pollution.
Technology
As the country develops and open up to tourism, it is necessary to improve their technology so as to provide the best to the visitors.
With tourism, jobs that are unknown in the past are now available due to it demand. It also opens up new ideas of businesses that helps generate more income for the locals. A great wave of tourist is emerging in Taiwan and it will be a huge boost to the country's economy if they make good use of the opportunity.
More importantly, the profits from tourism are not concentrated with just a few major corporations, but are spread far and wide among large and small service industries and retailers.
Socio-culture
The socio-culture is another aspect which can be changed by tourism. Social contact between tourists and local people, especially the indigenous people, may result is mutual appreciation, understanding, awareness and respect. The tribes are also educated about the outside world without the need to live their home. While on the other hand, tourists can learn about their unique culture and way of life. While presenting a culture to tourists may help preserve the culture, it can also dilute or even destroy it.
Local communties also benefits when tourism leads to the improvement of social infrastructure such as school, health care or the transportation network.
Environment
Tourism has lead to the implementation of environment policies such as preservation of the nature environment. Taiwan knows that sustainability is the key to development and thus have been doing their part to contribute to sustainability.
In Taiwan, industrialization has been causing pollution to the air. Especially with the influx of tourist, more transport are used to cater to their needs. Tourists also use up resources, usually with over consumption. These had been worsening the problem of pollution.
Technology
As the country develops and open up to tourism, it is necessary to improve their technology so as to provide the best to the visitors.
Spot the 'Disney'
Dimensions of Disneyzation
Theming
2010 is the Year of Tiger. This year, the city invited world famous Disney character, Tigger to join the party and take the crowd on a journey into Disney's world of fantasy. The classic character was a true star of the festival with its enormous 15 meter Tigger lantern that is visible from far away.
Taichung city's Mayor, Hu, knows that 'cultural activities are the best marketing tools for any city'. Therefore, year after years of surprises were created during the annual Central Taiwan Lantern Festival. Each year, the city government put in efforts to feature well-known characters as mascot for festival themes, including Snoopy in 2006, Piglet in 2007, Mickey and Minnie Mouse is 2008.
From the huge Tigger lantern, to the smaller Winnie the Pooh and Friends displays all throughout Wenxin Forest Park, it was heaven for a Disney lover. The various themed lantern areas drew many visitors as people crowded in to get their photos with each of the characters.
Hybrid consumption
During the festival, innumerable food and shopping booths were set up. Endless rows of food stalls can be found selling dumplings, dim sum, Peking duck rolls, scallion pancakes and fresh sugar cane drink. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies while watching live entertainments and immerse in the atmosphere of celebration.
Merchandise
Tigger related items were sold during the festivals to suit the theme. Items like lanterns, glowing stick and accessories with Tigger & friends imprints can be found selling at booths. Hats with Tigger's ear are highly popular among visitors.
Performative labour
The 15 day Lantern Festival shows a different Tigger related film each day. Performance, light shows and theme music are staged as well to complement the festival.
Yet another "Disney"..
The phenomenon of themed ideas did not just limit to restaurants or events. In this case, it has even spread to the medical industry.
Introducing the Taiwan's Hello Kitty Maternity Hospital.
The idea of opening a Hello Kitty themed hospital was in hoped that this Japanese cartoon icon will ease the stress of childbirth for mothers. It at the same time boost the hospital's business as the whole idea of being surrounded by their favourite character while giving birth was very appealing to females.
The 30-bed hospital is officially authorized by Sanrio Co Ltd. From nursing staff uniform to even birth certificates, Hello Kitty can be found in every aspect of the hospital.
This hospital has gained curiosity from the world and even attracted many media from all over the world to interview.
Credits: xxx
Theming
2010 is the Year of Tiger. This year, the city invited world famous Disney character, Tigger to join the party and take the crowd on a journey into Disney's world of fantasy. The classic character was a true star of the festival with its enormous 15 meter Tigger lantern that is visible from far away.
Taichung city's Mayor, Hu, knows that 'cultural activities are the best marketing tools for any city'. Therefore, year after years of surprises were created during the annual Central Taiwan Lantern Festival. Each year, the city government put in efforts to feature well-known characters as mascot for festival themes, including Snoopy in 2006, Piglet in 2007, Mickey and Minnie Mouse is 2008.
From the huge Tigger lantern, to the smaller Winnie the Pooh and Friends displays all throughout Wenxin Forest Park, it was heaven for a Disney lover. The various themed lantern areas drew many visitors as people crowded in to get their photos with each of the characters.
Hybrid consumption
During the festival, innumerable food and shopping booths were set up. Endless rows of food stalls can be found selling dumplings, dim sum, Peking duck rolls, scallion pancakes and fresh sugar cane drink. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies while watching live entertainments and immerse in the atmosphere of celebration.
Merchandise
Tigger related items were sold during the festivals to suit the theme. Items like lanterns, glowing stick and accessories with Tigger & friends imprints can be found selling at booths. Hats with Tigger's ear are highly popular among visitors.
Performative labour
The 15 day Lantern Festival shows a different Tigger related film each day. Performance, light shows and theme music are staged as well to complement the festival.
Yet another "Disney"..
The phenomenon of themed ideas did not just limit to restaurants or events. In this case, it has even spread to the medical industry.
Introducing the Taiwan's Hello Kitty Maternity Hospital.
The idea of opening a Hello Kitty themed hospital was in hoped that this Japanese cartoon icon will ease the stress of childbirth for mothers. It at the same time boost the hospital's business as the whole idea of being surrounded by their favourite character while giving birth was very appealing to females.
The 30-bed hospital is officially authorized by Sanrio Co Ltd. From nursing staff uniform to even birth certificates, Hello Kitty can be found in every aspect of the hospital.
This hospital has gained curiosity from the world and even attracted many media from all over the world to interview.
Credits: xxx
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