DESCRIPTION OF INTERACTIVE

Danger - The erosion of cultural practices and values as traditional activities and objects become commercialized.

Explanation - Tourists often like souvenirs that have traditional meaning or are sacred objects, just as they enjoying watching traditional festivals and ceremonies. What impact, if any, does this have on the original use of the object and/or ceremony?

Danger - Cultural changes through exposure to foreign norms and values.

Explanation - When tourists travel with something as simple as a camera to a place where photography isn’t mainstream (or might even be taboo), they violate the norms of the local people. Is exposure to outside culture always negative for the host community?

Danger - Crime

Explanation - Unfortunately, tourists are often targets for crime.  For example, pickpocketing can be common because tourists don’t know the area and are almost guaranteed to be carrying cash and/or credit cards. How does this increased crime for tourists also impact the locals? 

Danger - Exploitation of labour and/or child labour

Explanation - Someone has to work at a tourist site; however, these may not be well paid jobs. Regardless of the location, foreign corporations (for example, hotels) will still try to get the lowest labour costs possible. Is a community that relies on employment in the tourism industry in more danger than one with more traditional forms of employment? 

Danger - Exploitation of animals

Explanation - Just as people can be exploited, so can animals - however the animals can’t defend themselves! In many cases, animals are used to sell tourists on an experience - riding a camel in front of the Pyramids of Giza or posing with a tiger at the Tiger Temple in Thailand.  Is it fair to take these animals out of their natural habitat for the benefit of the tourist industry?  

Danger - Prostitution

Explanation - There is an entire area of the tourism industry that centres around tourists visiting foreign countries where prostitution laws are more lax.  This allows tourists to engage in activities that would be considered illegal at home. Should travellers be held to the laws in their home country or to the laws in the countries that they visit?

Danger - Social tensions related to uneven distribution of economic benefits of tourism or exclusion from them, as well as changes in social structure, roles, and status as new jobs replace traditional activities.

Explanation - When a new tourist venue is built, not everyone in the community can be employed there. Often these jobs replace traditional occupations (farming, fishing) and can divide the community. Would a job in the tourist industry be looked upon more highly than one in a more traditional industry?

Danger - Repurposing of land with social, cultural, or economic value for the use of tourism development.

Explanation - Unfortunately, when the price offered is high enough, people are often willing to sell land that is of traditional importance. Should there be rules protecting land of social, cultural or economic value from tourist development?