The evolution of backpacker destinations: the case of Zipolite, Mexico

Abstract

Despite the growing literature on backpacker tourism, little is known about the evolutionary patterns of the places that cater to such travellers. This paper analyses, first, the way in which established and current models of tourist development conceptualise backpackers and their destinations. In addition, it offers some specific suggestions that will allow them to explain the evolution of backpacker destinations in a more detailed manner. Then, results of field research conducted at Mexico's largest backpacker resort are presented, to illustrate its particular sociospatial evolution. The paper concludes that, when fuelled by an increasing number of arrivals and a growing demand for comforts, what were once drifter-dominated peripheral places may evolve gradually into well-established 'resorts' that satisfy contemporary backpackers' demands for infrastructure, natural settings and ambience. Developer-tourists with an affinity to backpacker culture are likely to become key actors as they come to gain control over land use and local economic development.

Power, Ownership and Tourism in Small Islands: Evidence from Indonesia

“…This booming tourism sector then attracted labor migration from neighboring islands and Lombok to fill the employment shortage in the growing accommodation, bar and restaurant sectors, and others arrived to invest in land or small enterprises (Cushnahan, 2004). Tourism businesses were also set up by backpackers who had decided to stay on the island -what Brenner and Fricke (2007) dub 'developer tourists' -and they specialized in dive shops and accommodation with or without catering services (Kamsma and Bras, 2000). During this early development phase only 10% of the workforce was from outside the immediate area 11 however they tended to live on the island, only returning home for annual leave or occasional weekends.…”

Les sociétés locales face au tourisme nudiste

“…Zipolite est également facilement accessible depuis l'aéroport de Huatulco, distant de la station de moins de 50 km, et qui permet l'arrivée d'une clientèle étrangère transitant par Mexico ou de résidents de l'agglomération capitale. Zipolite est réputée dans le pays pour être la plage publique la plus importante du Mexique en termes de fréquentation par des nudistes (Brenner et Fricke, 2007). Signe de sa notoriété, elle est répertoriée jusque dans un guide touristique généraliste comme le Guide vert Michelin (2001 : 277 soit officiellement autorisé.…”

‘Gay’ tourists and host community attitudes

“…The village was virtually unpopulated until it became popular in the 1970s as a 'hippy colony'; it is relatively isolated and is little more than a community stretched along the 2.5-km beach. Its tourist appeal lies in its limited development and liberal atmosphere, which includes nudism and open drug use (by both tourists and some locals) (Brenner and Fricke, 2007). Visitors are primarily younger back-packers and 'beach dwellers', and accommodation and other facilities are generally small and basic.…”