Equity in tourism development: procedural (in)justice and distributive justice in Mongolia, East Asia

Abstract

This paper considers procedural justice and distributive justice as a means of examining equity in tourism development. The geographical focus of the paper is Mongolia-historically a unitary sovereign socialist state in East Asia that, in common with Central Asian republics and in contrast to other parts of the eastern sub-region of the Asian continent (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan), has been shaped by Stalinist Soviet Union policies. This particular context is interesting, not only in terms of consolidation of power, and economic, political and social transition, but also with respect to the nature of material wealth and livelihood options. Equity in tourism development in two rural Mongolian regions is explored with specific reference to the concepts of procedural justice and distributive justice. Drawing on political ecology and actor-oriented approaches, the paper considers equity from the perspectives of five actor groups: local grassroots people in two geographical areas; private sector tourism operators; Government officials; International Development Organizations and academics; and NGOs. Three periods of fieldwork were conducted, providing qualitative interview data, complemented by non-participant observations, and secondary data. Framework analysis is applied as an analytic induction tool. Five emergent themes are discussed here relating to procedural (in)justice and distributive justice. Inequity was perceived to be rooted more strongly in the processes of tourism development rather than in the outcomes but the interrelated nature of process and outcome, linked to opportunities and capabilities, is noted (Sen 1984; 1992; 1999).

Governance and local participation in ecotourism: community-level ecotourism stakeholders in Chiang Rai province, Thailand

“…In tourism, this has often happened, particularly in relation to poverty alleviation and Pro-poor Tourism (Carbone, 2005;Hummel and van der Duim, 2012). However, there is a lack of research that considers non-western constructs of justice (in the broader context of perceived 'fairness') in relation to resource distribution in tourism at a community level of analysis (Dorjsuren & Palmer, 2018). This aspect is important in relation to our broader intention (through this paper) of contributing to better understanding of the involvement in ecotourism by community-level stakeholders.…”

Building Effective Local Leaderships and Community Organizations to Strengthen the Involvement of Indigenous Communities in Ecotourism: Insights from the Batek Community in Malaysia

“…This will indirectly increase economic development, especially in the rural area. Ecotourism will encourage and strengthen cultural heritage (Goodwin, 2007;Dorjsuren and Palmer, 2018).…”

“…For instance, nowadays the ecotourism destinations in Malaysia National Park are the primary choice for tourists worldwide. With this development, involvement in eco-tourism, benefit communities economically and socially (Novelli and Tisch-Rottsteiner, 2012;Dorjsuren and Palmer, 2018). In terms of the economy, ecotourism will increase employment opportunities and income for the local society.…”