The tourism industry is toxic; plaguing specifically islands and small countries. Famously, Hawaii fell victim to this surging tourism known as Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa–back in 2011–overall exacerbating the toxicity of tourism seen in Hawaii specifically. Tourism, although a major part of Hawaii’s economy, proves to negatively affect not only the environment but native culture in Hawaii. Local shops and native islander’s businesses are heavily affected by the tourism industry but are ignored. In “Paradise Lost” by Drew Pagaduan published in SnoQap, the graduate student highlights how Hawaii has been taken advantage of and molded as a culture converted to foster tourism while being exploited for resources. And how foreign investors as well as the United State have “propagated the idea of Hawai’i as an island paradise” cementing an inescapable label as one of the world’s most popular tourist locations. Importantly Pagaduan notes that “the economic gains generated by the tourism industry does not trickle down to the Native Hawaiian people, not in a way which allows Native Hawaiians to subsist on their own land,” which spotlights the harm done to a community of people who have less of a voice. Overall, it makes it substantially harder for locals to afford their own land due to the spike in interest for the cluster of gorgeous islands.
The next time a trip is planned, think about where the destination is and how taking a trip there can affect that environment (positively and negatively). The question of whether to be or not to be a tourist does not need to be raised, but a simple awareness should be. It may be easy to stay at a resort, renting AirB&B’s or supporting local businesses is a simple way to start taking steps towards a thriving economy for all.
Please check out the article quoted or simply google search if you are interested in finding out more about where you may be traveling.