The meaning of community cultural tourism on minority host women : a case study of Lugu-Lake, Mosuo and Dai Minority Tribes

Abstract

The research investigated the meaning of community cultural tourism on minority ethnic host women. Literature review revealed a range of socio-cultural and economic impacts related to remote ethnic tourism development, the host women interaction and resulting influences. Data was obtained from interview of ethnic women who lived in the study area based on women’s various employment experiences in direct or indirect tourism sectors. Also, power relation among the stakeholders of key groups, government, community managers, NGOs and family members were analyzed in the paper. Case studies consisted of two ethnic minorities located in ethnic tourism destination (Lugu-Lake area, Lijiang, Yunnan). The use of qualitative and quantitative methods, interviews and observation were employed. The study showed that ethnic communities have not been fully integrated into the development strategies. Inadequate support of family, cultural rules and political parties also prevent women from taking up positions of responsibility. On future steps for community cultural tourism development in the ethnic areas, tourism planning should ensure that sustainable tourism development is sensitive to traditional ethnic lifestyle. Local empowerment and perception of tourism should be used for the major segments who are the main stakeholders. Host women need to be given more priority and better understanding of where and how tourism actually can help them to lead better lives and to increase their knowledge, skills and dexterity. This is to free them from the overload of work and responsibilities so that they can become very willing participants. Through training and capacity building, women will be able to run the tourism enterprise while psychological and physical empowerment is obtained. Drawing minority women towards education as rituals and thrift are deeply embedded in their psyche. Women education is quite a vital asset in any way, and should be precise, effective and long-lasting for all.