Tourism and Indigenous Peoples

Chapter 4.4 Tourism development in Saami communities in Finland

“…Indigenous tourism has been seen both as a possibility for Indigenous people and their economies, but also as a threat to them and their culture. Butler and Hinch (1996) have defined Indigenous tourism as an activity in which Indigenous people are directly involved. This involvement can be in two very different ways: either through direct control, and where their culture serves as the focal point of the activity or attraction.…”

“…As Butler and Hinch (1996) have argued, the pace, scale, speed, and form of development is generally determined by those exercising the greater degree of control. This is a big question for Saami society and it is good to remember that changes always take time and sometimes need generations.…”

Maintaining inherited occupations in changing times: the role of tourism among reindeer herders in northern Sweden

“…Tourism is often seen as a way to make a livelihood for indigenous populations (Butler & Hinch, 2007). On a global scale, indigenous economies based, for example, on pastoralism, farming, hunting, fishing and gathering are facing serious opposition from non-traditional economy sectors (Thomas, 2000).…”

Current Issues in Method and Practice

“…The contribution is a critical analysis of the operationalisation of the method and the challenges (and mitigation strategies) and benefits for researchers and research participants from Indigenous communities. Indigenous tourism refers to tourism activities in which Indigenous people are directly involved either through control and/or by having their culture serve as the essence of the attraction (Butler & Hinch, 2007). It forms parts of a cluster of 'tourism alternatives' that are characterised by visitor experiences that are different from traditional mass tourism (Smith & Eadington, 1992).…”

“…Indigenous communities are thought to have a competitive tourism advantage based on their unique cultures and the environments in which they live. This advantage has the potential to attract tourists and by extension, raise capital, reduce poverty, and improve quality of life for the host communities (Butler & Hinch, 2007;Goodwin, 2007;Notzke, 2006).…”