Commodifying Culture for Development? The ambivalent role of Indigenous tourism as a tool for sustainable development in Peru

In the past two decades, as the public debate about sustainable development has increasingly gained attention, sustainability goals have also reached the tourism sector, especially in lowand middle-income countries. Subsequently, sustainable tourism alternatives like pro-poor, community-based, eco-, or Indigenous tourism emerged, aiming to provide inclusive economic and socio-cultural benefits to the host communities and thus contribute to broader goals like poverty alleviation and regional sustainable development. This thesis focuses on Indigenous tourism, as a particular form of alternative tourism, and assesses its potential in serving as a tool for sustainable development of the tourism sector and the host communities, taking Peru as case study. Whereas singular aspects of Indigenous tourism have already been discussed in prior research, this thesis aims to provide a full overview of the impacts of Indigenous tourism by combining insights from an economic and socio-cultural...Show moreIn the past two decades, as the public debate about sustainable development has increasingly gained attention, sustainability goals have also reached the tourism sector, especially in lowand middle-income countries. Subsequently, sustainable tourism alternatives like pro-poor, community-based, eco-, or Indigenous tourism emerged, aiming to provide inclusive economic and socio-cultural benefits to the host communities and thus contribute to broader goals like poverty alleviation and regional sustainable development. This thesis focuses on Indigenous tourism, as a particular form of alternative tourism, and assesses its potential in serving as a tool for sustainable development of the tourism sector and the host communities, taking Peru as case study. Whereas singular aspects of Indigenous tourism have already been discussed in prior research, this thesis aims to provide a full overview of the impacts of Indigenous tourism by combining insights from an economic and socio-cultural perspective. The analysis utilizes a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative literature-based research with primary data analyses and is based on neoliberal and Marxist economic theory as well as sustainable tourism studies, critical development, and post-colonial theory. Discussing the various prospects and challenges (both economic and socio-cultural) of Indigenous tourism in Peru, this research identifies clear requirements for successful development and subsequently advocates for the promotion of Indigenous tourism as a mean toward more inclusive and sustainable development of Peru´s tourism sector and the host communities.Show less

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Commodifying Culture for Development? The ambivalent role of Indigenous tourism as a tool for sustainable development in Peru