Tourism interaction on islands: the community and visitor social exchange

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the cultural interaction between communities and visitors to islands using social exchange theory to enhance the understanding of the island experience. Method/ApproachThe method consisted of thirty in-depth interviews with community and tourism stakeholders, and formed part of a multi-phase study that used social exchange theory as the lens to illuminate a range of perspectives of island interaction. This paper presents a comparative case study of Bruny Island in Tasmania, and Magnetic Island in Queensland, Australia. FindingsFindings revealed that local community members have a wide range of motivations for entering into social exchanges with visitors, ranging from solely economic, to a genuine desire to provide quality experiences. Additionally, findings showed the nature of island cultural interaction can vary immensely, from welcoming and meaningful exchanges through to superficial and even hostile contact. Research Limitations/ImplicationsAs this research was undertaken on two islands in Australia, within a particular timeframe, the results may not be representative of island communities generally. Nonetheless, the results 2 are indicative of locals' perceptions of their interactions with visitors. Additionally, the research can be replicated in other contexts. Practical ImplicationsThe findings have a range of practical implications for the management of local and visitor interaction on islands. A key implication for island communities is the importance of developing programs that educate and inform locals about the potential benefits of interaction. Additionally, this research illustrates how islands can use cultural interaction to differentiate their tourism product and market island experiences. Originality/Value of PaperThe paper's contribution is its use of social exchange theory at a micro-level to illuminate a range of local community members' perspectives of their tourism exchanges, in order to enhance understanding of the complex process of interaction between locals and visitors to islands.

Impactos dos Eventos em Destinos Turísticos

“…Apesar de esses eventos promoverem o impulso da atividade turística, muitas vezes impactando na economia local, temos também que considerar o impacto social gerado pela atividade, por meio da identificação do envolvimento de todos os atores do destino (stakeholders). Estudos indicam que os eventos geram condições favoráveis, nas quais os moradores podem optar por interagir com os visitantes, com um limite de tempo, e sem ameaça ao estilo de vida dos habitantes locais (Moyle, Croy, & Weiter, 2010). Nesse momento, é relevante considerar a interface com os cidadãos no processo de produção do turismo local, com o objetivo de se tornarem condicionantes sociais para o sucesso do destino (Roche,1994).…”

Small Island Visitor Attractions

“…Implementation actions demand deep collaboration and involvement with the community in development activities, operations management, and maintenance, because these are the critical activities that dictate whether the visitor has a satisfactory experience (Kan et al, 2009;Moyle et al, 2010;Shikida, Yoda, Kino, & Morishige, 2010).…”

Community Perceptions of Tourism: Bruny and Magnetic Islands, Australia

“…Both are also rich in Australian culture and heritage and, importantly for the present paper, each has an established local community that, based on interviews with visitors, is an important element of the tourist experience (Moyle, Croy & Weiler, 2009). …”

“…The low number of studies is surprising given there are over 8,000 islands scattered along the Australian seaboard (Tourism Australia, 2008), and many possess distinctive cultural and environmental significance, with unique marine and terrestrial flora and fauna due to their isolation (Dutton, 1986). Like island destinations worldwide, tourists are attracted to Australia's islands for their natural and cultural significance, including a real desire to encounter island residents and their distinctive lifestyles (Moyle, Croy & Weiler, 2009). Within the context of Australia, this paper investigates island communities' perceptions of tourism.…”