Power and the Study of Tourism

Question 1: Power and the Study of Tourism

In the epilogue to Tourism, Power and Culture, C. Michael Hall writes: “The issue of power is one that has become increasingly significant in the study of tourism […] However, even though there is now belated recognition of power as an issue in tourism studies, it remains a relatively peripheral concern in most research” (2010, 199).

Why do you think the issue of power is neglected or marginalized in tourism studies? Why should it be a crucial concern in the study of tourism?

Reference Cited

Hall, C. Michael. 2010. “Power in Tourism: Tourism in Power.” In Tourism, Power and Culture: Anthropological Insights, edited by Donald V. L.

Macleod and James G. Carrier, 199-213. Bristol: Channel View Publications.

Question 2: A Questioning Gaze – on Ourselves as Tourists

Provide a critical reflection on yourself as a tourist. Has this course changed (and challenged) how you view yourself and other tourists? If so, in which ways? Think about encounters you have had with local people at the tourist destinations (hosts). If you travelled to “non-Western” countries – or if you are from a “non-Western” country and have travelled to other “non-Western” countries – what were your expectations in regards to the “cultural Other” (hosts)?* Were these expectations fulfilled? Critically reflect on your own expectations, behavior and power (as a tourist) as well as on the possible effects your trip had.

* If you have not travelled to non-Western countries, think about what your expectations would have been before taking this course. Critically reflect on your expectations and power (as a tourist). In which ways could your trip affect hosts and the environment?