Dubai Case Study

I have applied the host-guest relationship model from Williams (1998) to the Dubai case study. On the left hand side of Figure 1 (in the Appendix), where two cultures are relatively different, cultural clashes are likely to occur – e.g. Dubai. Differences in the host-guest relationship can be caused by tourists’ lack of knowledge, understanding or sensibility to local culture (Sharpley, 1999). However, on the right hand side of the diagram, as the two lines converge towards each other, the host country and the guest country are likely to have relatively few cultural clashes as their cultures are relatively similar, for example the UK and the USA. From this model we can conclude that countries with increasing cultural similarity will have a minimum cultural impact, and countries with cultural dissimilarities will have maximum cultural impact.

The demonstration effect is also key to understanding the impacts of tourism within society. De Kadt (1979) defines this as “changes in attitudes, values or behaviour which can result from merely observing tourists”. The local host population (especially from developing countries) when observing their guests might work harder for things they lack, assisting development. However, the host population might become discontented and resentful and decide to seek the level of wealth they desire through illegal activities. (Mathieson and Wall 1992).

McPheters and Stronge (1974) noted through a study in Miami that there was a strong correlation between the tourist season and the crime season. The growth of mass tourism is often accompanied by increased crime as the presence of a great number of tourists carrying valuables attracts criminals.

A third case study shows the effect of tourism and crime in...

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...ell as taking employment away from traditional work.

In conclusion, I believe that the host country has to set and implement policies in order to educate the guests how to behave when entering that country in order to limit the negative impacts of tourism on the local population and community. An example is Singapore - the government has set out rules and guidelines that tourists must observe. Countries must educate tourists through mediums such as Tourism Bodies, Tour companies and Country Guides (e.g. Lonely Planet) on culture, standards and relevant laws if they want to reduce the negative impacts tourists bring and demonstrate to the local population that positive tourism is about economic benefits such as spending and jobs and safeguarding heritage, environment and local values thus encouraging and developing sustainable sociocultural tourism in the long term.