Indigenous
peoples are finding that tourism is far from a straightforward
issue. The tourism industry, especially ecotourism, is arguably
the prime force today threatening indigenous homelands and
cultures. Its track record of exploitation, dislocation
and desecration is well documented. Meanwhile, there are
enough case studies illustrating the potential of community
conceptualized and owned tourism programmes to generate
cautious optimism. When indigenous communities have access
to reliable information on the impacts of tourism on indigenous
peoples, they can share strategies for sustainable tourism
among themselves and undertake decision-making, planning
and negotiations from this starting point. Tourism can be
a powerful addition to the toolbox of indigenous peoples
fighting for their rights.
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