Cultural tourism development and the Mosuo people in Lugu Lake, China
LE3 .A278 2013
2013
Colton, John
Acadia University
Master of Recreation Management
Masters
Recreation Management
Community Development
Cultural tourism is an increasingly attractive economic development opportunity for many communities throughout China. Many different cultures exist throughout China, offering a wide range of opportunities for developing cultural tourism programs. Areas rich in culture with significant natural attractions are particularly well positioned to attract cultural tourists. This thesis provides insights on how the Mosuo community utilizes their natural and cultural resources to develop cultural tourism and how tourism impacts the overall development of the Lugu Lake area. Since the establishment of the Lugu Lake Management Committee in 2004, tourism development has changed in this area. As the local highest government body, the committee plays a significant role in promoting the development of the whole community. This study provides a better understanding of the relationship between cultural tourism development and the Mosuo people in Lugu Lake. The qualitative data were gathered from eighteen formal interviews, participant observation, and field journals. The results reveal (1) how Mosuo culture is represented in tourism; (2) how the local government impacts tourism development; and (3) how tourism impacts the whole community’s development. The discussion provides further insights about how these factors are important for the community’s development. The conclusions and the recommendations reflect the importance of the environment and the unique culture to the development and sustainability of cultural tourism, and its continued role as the driver of development in Lugu Lake.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:288