Tourism Anthropology -
Block 1
(Understanding Tourism)
BANS-183 | IGNOU
Meaning and Definition of Tourism
Types of Tourism (domestic,
international, eco, cultural, medical,
adventure, business)
Unit 1:
Introduction Concept of Leisure and Recreation
to Tourism
Importance of Tourism in Modern
Society
Tourism in Indian Context (historical
and contemporary)
Tourism - Key Insights
Tourism involves leisure, discretionary income,
and social sanction (Valene Smith).
Tourism as a 'modern ritual' (MacCannell).
Tourism is one of the largest industries globally,
impacting economy and culture.
In India: pilgrimages, colonial hill stations, post-
independence tourism policies.
Concept of Tourist and
Characteristics
Unit 2: Types of Tourists (Dependable,
Venturers, Pilgrims,
Tourist Backpackers, Medical Tourists)
and Motivations of Tourists (Push &
Tourism Pull Factors)
Tourism as a Social
Phenomenon
UNWTO: Domestic, Inbound,
Outbound tourists.
Motivations: escape monotony,
seek adventure, pilgrimage, leisure.
Tourists Push factors: internal motivations
Explained (stress, monotony).
Pull factors: destination attractions
(nature, monuments, culture).
Tourism = temporary migration,
shaping memories & cultural
encounters.
Unit 3: Tourism through Anthropological Lens
Anthropological
Tourists as agents Tourism and
Approaches:
of cultural Anthropology
culture contact &
encounter. Intersections.
change.
Tourism and
Tourism as Ritual
Identity (imagined
(rites of passage,
identities,
liminality).
authenticity).
Anthropologist = long-term
visitor, Tourist = short-term visitor.
Tourism as exchange: economic
(money, services) & cultural
Anthropology (rituals, traditions).
of Tourism -
Key Points Van Gennep’s rites of passage:
separation → liminality →
reincorporation.
Tourism constructs identity &
authenticity debates
(MacCannell).
Unit 4: Tourism and
Culture
• Culture as an Attraction
(monuments, art, cuisine,
folklore).
• Cultural Heritage: Tangible
(buildings, artifacts), Intangible
(rituals, traditions).
• Traditions, Festivals & Tourism.
• Representation of Culture in
Tourism (staged authenticity).
• Impact of Tourism on Culture
(positive & negative).
Culture = capital that attracts
tourists.
Festivals like Kumbh Mela, Pushkar
Tourism Fair marketed globally.
& Culture MacCannell: 'staged authenticity' in
tourist performances.
- Key
Positive impacts: cultural revival,
Insights preservation.
Negative impacts: commodification,
loss of authenticity.
Unit 5: Commodification of Culture
Art & Handicrafts Rituals & Festivals Ethnicity
Meaning of
commodified for adapted for commodified
Commodification.
markets. tourists. (exotic images).
Cultural Responsible &
Tourism & Cultural
Appropriation Sustainable
Change.
Issues. Tourism.
Cultural Commodification - Key Points
Culture becomes a Local crafts mass-
product for tourist produced &
consumption. standardized.
Sacred rituals Exotic stereotypes
presented as reinforce
tourist shows. inequality.
Need balance: Responsible
economic benefits tourism ensures
vs cultural dignity. sustainability.
