The Social Impacts of Island Tourism in Thailand

A Review of Literature

on

The Social Impacts of Island Tourism in Thailand

Literature Review

Tourism in Thailand

Island tourism has become one of the most popular tourism markets in the industry (Hsieh & Park, 2009). It is especially popular to tourists living in cooler climates as they can use this opportunity as a getaway from their home countries. Island tourism is also suitable for tourists of all ages and target groups, whether they are travelling alone, as a couple, or even as a big family vacation.

Mingsarn (2004) claimed Thailand is one of the most popular international tourist destinations, as it is known for its richness in culture, beautiful scenery, variety of attractions, as well as the friendly and kind characteristics of the Thai people.

As the second largest source of income (Kontogeorgopoulos, 1998; Nopparat, 2010), tourism in Thailand has been growing rapidly since the 1960s (Kontogeorgopoulos, 1998; Yuthasak, 2011), as the public and private sectors have been continuously creating new markets to ensure that tourists of all types receive the full Thai experience during their stay.

Particularly island tourism, Nuanwan and Wanarat (n.d.) said that Thailand has many locations for tourists to choose their preferred islands and beaches, where some have even been in top ranks as most beautiful in the world.

Environmental Impacts

With the rapid growth of island tourism, Somruthai (2010) said that it is inevitable that there will be a dependence on many of its natural resources, which will also be affected in one way or another. First of all is the effect of tourism on water (Harcombe, 1999; Mingsarn, 2004), which include scarcity due to overcrowding and increase use on different purposes, the decrease in water quality as demand rises, and water pollution due to hazardous waste from recreational activities among others.

There is also the problem of air pollution (Yuthasak, 2011) from the increased use of vehicles, both land and air, which can contribute to global warming (Harcombe, 1999). Noise pollution can also occur (Yuthasak, 2011), as activities on the island tend to run throughout the day. Harcombe (1999) and Yuthasak (2011) said island tourism can severely effect the plantation and wild life as trees and land are excavated to construct more accommodation and entertainment venues to support the growing population. The scenic view that tourists have come to the islands for have disappeared and replaced with buildings and artificial light.

Studies by Andriotis (2004), Harcombe (1999), Somruthai (2010) that with the effects of tourism on the environment, there have been some positive issues that emerge. Somruthai (2010) said tourists have now become more aware of their actions on the environment, the concept of "green tourism" or "eco-tourism" has become more well-known and preferred by tourists as they want to be a part of preserving the nature of the destination.

Socio-Cultural Impacts

Apart from the physical or natural effects, island tourism can also have an impact to the people living on the island, especially the local community. These effects can be both advantages and disadvantages and are divided into many aspects.

Economy & Social Status

One of the important effects is the impact of tourism on the local community financially (Andriotis, 2004; Laloumis, Pappas, & Vounatsou, n.d.; Opperman & Weaver, 2000 as cited in Somruthai, 2010). Thailand's affordable prices as well as the high standard of service and friendly staff have long impressed tourists (Mingsarn, 2004), which many time result in repeated or longer visits.

The growth of tourism also means the growth of businesses in many aspects (Somruthai, 2010), whether it is hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and activities, tour packages, souvenirs, etc. The rise of businesses result in the improvement of the local economy and increased job opportunities, especially in areas where there is usually low income but have shifted to a long-haul travel destination (Harcombe, 1999; Shaw, 2002 as cited in Somruthai, 2010; Yuthasak, 2011). Job opportunities also arise for people who have seasonal jobs, such as, fishermen. The new opportunities can create social change through new wealth, new expectations, and new working habits (Harcombe, 1999). Harcombe (1999) said job opportunities for locals could be either right on the travel destination or travelling to work at other locations.

Harcombe (1999) and Yuthasak (2011) said that social statuses can also be shifted as the local economy prospers. As job opportunities in the service sector increase, women and the younger generation can now work as the service sector is suitable for the target group as they are more friendly and eager to learn (Harcombe, 1999). This means that women and the younger generation can now make their own income and even provide more money for their families rather than solely depending on men or the older generation in the household. This also means that women no longer need to stay at home and do house chores all the time (Yuthasak, 2011).

However, Harcombe (1999) has also suggested of negative economic consequences on the local community. Some negative impacts may be that the job opportunities may be seasonal for those who rely their income from only the tourism sector, as demand will only be during the high season of tourism (Shaw, 2002 as cited in Somruthai, 2010). In addition, the working conditions of some may not be satisfactory, for example, working long hours or night shifts, which can be dangerous for women or young people.

Mingsarn (2004) suggested that the rapid growth of tourism can also cause an uneven distribution of financial benefits. This can occur as tourist resources, such as attractions, can be undistributed throughout the island, which could mean less opportunities for locals who live further from the more densely populated areas. Uneven distribution of benefits can also be due to the loss of local control as the local elites have more resources to invest on businesses on the island and therefore gain more profit than those with less capital. Meanwhile, power brokers and international contacts will come into newly established tourist destinations to open a variety of business and gain profit for themselves or the company (Harcombe, 1999, Yuthasak, 2011).

Culture Broker

According to Laloumis, Pappas, & Vounatsou (n.d.), tourism undoubtedly involves