Cultural Tourism: Demonstration Effect and Culture Clash

Demonstration Effect

The culture of visiting tourists influences, overwhelms or replaces the local, traditional culture

• local population observes tourist culture and wants to emulate (copy) that tourist culture

Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China

Demonstration Effect in China?“Why China’s youth find western culture attractive”

Examples?

Starbucks around the world

Why is this negative?

Why is this negative?

Culture ClashDifferences in cultural values and customs that place people in conflict with one another

How could this happen on a trip?• Different customs regarding appropriate clothing (see picture below)• Food (type of food, food handling/preparation, diet restrictions, how

animals are slaughtered, how food is consumed, meal times, alcohol/beverages, leftovers, money/tipping)• Religion• Different languages• Hand Gestures/Body Language/Eye Contact• Greetings (hand shake, bowing/curtsy, no contact, hugging, kissing

the cheek)

UAE beach to impose fines for tourists wearing bikinis