QUESTION 1

Cultural tourism, as a motivational factor for international tourism, existed during the pre-industrial era, not necessarily for the masses but rather for the elite. Nonetheless, commodification of cultural resources for the consumption of mass tourism is rather a new phenomenon that has fostered the demand for cultural tourism over the last few decades (Yang & Wall, 2009). As such, cultural tourism products are drawing significant attention as interest in experiencing and learning about different cultures has grown widespread among tourists today. The assumption is that if tourism policy makers are not clearly defining their cultural values, along with appropriate strategies to restore their authenticity, it is likely that most of the cultural uniqueness will be underutilized and eventually lost

(a) With reference to the above exposé, explain the term cultural tourism

(b) Outline the five types of cultural tourists as proposed by McKercher and Du Cros (2002)

(c) The process and product of cultural tourism have been discussed in the literature, which includes two distinct schools of thought; one is well placed in the anti-globalization camp, which sees the destruction of authentic culture (Featherstone, 2002), and the other is that which sees culture and identity as a worthwhile commodity in the global market (Geschiere, 2009). Discuss this statement with reference to any destination of your choice

(d) Describe any two characteristics of a culturally responsible tourist? Support your answer with examples

QUESTION 2

Studies of the impact on tourism on local communities have revealed that tourism has a sociological effect on host communities (Cohen, 1988). Among the most cited framework is the Doxey's Irridex Model (1976) which attempts to predict residents' attitudes towards tourists the visitor number increases. Outline and explain the different stages of the Doxey's model ( support your answer with examples)

QUESTION 3

Festivals, meetings and events, collectively known as FMEs are emerging at many destinations. Host communities usually bear the burden of FMEs as they are required to accept the latter's activities, open their doors to welcome the intrusion and gaze of the visitor, and to pay for the costs of the additional infrastructure and pressure on essential resources required to host them.

(a) Discuss four negative socio-cultural impacts of FMEs; substantiate your answers with examples as far as possible

(b) Stakeholder participation is vital in promoting cultural tourism and especially FMEs. Discuss two ways in which a community approach to sustainable FME management is beneficial to the host community and other stakeholders

QUESTION 4

World Heritage sites belong to all the people of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located (UNESCO World Heritage).According to research by Hall and Piggin (2001), over two-thirds of the World Heritage Sites they surveyed, reported an increase in visitor arrivals since gaining World Heritage Status

(a) Explicitly discuss the historical significance and contemporary importance of any world heritage site in Mauritius

(b) Consider any historic/heritage site of the Dutch Legacy in Mauritius. Critically discuss four practical ways for developing and/or further promoting cultural tourism at the said attraction