Abstract | This chapter examines how cultural tourism can be sustained through community participation. The degree of participation is however contingent on the citizens' level of empowerment. Factors restricting empowerment are lack of knowledge about tourism, lack of self-belief or a lack of skills. Conversely, esteem, pride, confidence, external contacts and skills empower citizens. Four case studies which will be discussed in the succeeding chapters, illustrate these issues. In Lapland, the collection of historic objects and stories created a feeling of togetherness and an appreciation of local traditions among the villagers. In Kiltimagh, Ireland, improving the town's appearance and recreating the 19th century market town created a sense of pride of place. In Soweto, South Africa, the residents' pride in their struggle heritage encouraged them to share to visitors, their visions of their past oppression and struggle for freedom. In Kenya and Tanzania, citizens are empowered by economic gains from tourism. Interestingly, cultural tourism stimulates greater participation and empowerment. Tourism increases a community's access to information, external contacts, new language skills and globalised media. Furthermore, tourism can boost the confidence and strengthen the identity of individuals and communities. Empowerment and participation should be sustained through education on tourists and tourism, access to electronic information, skills training and capacity building and more importantly, legal and institutional change to allow for genuine reallocation of decision-making power. |
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