The socio-cultural impacts of tourism ; a review of literature, policy and research implications for New Zealand

Abstract

This paper has been commissioned by the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department. Its objectives are to present a discussion paper on the socio-cultural impacts of tourism and the requirements for their monitoring and planning.

To achieve these objectives has required a wider review than simply summarising New Zealand and overseas studies and reports. Firstly, tourism is defined and its role in development discussed. Much of this first section focusses on tourism as a ‘product' and an industry. This discussion is supported by a number of sub-themes; why tourist's visit New Zealand, who 'owns' the tourism product, and how does this product evolve over time.

The second major focus is on factors that contribute to socio-cultural impacts. A central theme here is that impact studies merely assist us in determining how well we are meeting our objectives. It is also argued that because the tourism product changes over time and is specific to different destination areas, we will need develop our own systems of planning and monitoring that suit our own unique position and culture.

The studies reviewed are drawn together in Chapters 5 and 6 to create a monitoring and research framework for social impact assessment in New Zealand’s tourism development.