Bloom Spaces: Reproduction and Tourism on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Bloom Spaces explores the complex nature of tourist-place relations, focusing on women's experiences in Costa Rica and the reproductive experiences that resonate with tourist imaginaries. It proposes a rethinking of tourism that takes reproduction into consideration, highlighting the multiple actors involved and the inequities that are reproduced.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Tourism has a profound impact on the relationships between people and places, particularly in the context of reproductive experiences. Bloom Spaces, a book by Susan Frohlick, explores the experiences of women who travel to Costa Rica in search of health and wellness and find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. The book delves into the ways in which the reproductive experience resonates with powerful tourist imaginaries of the Caribbean and multisensory environments of culture and place. Through an experimental approach that combines creative nonfiction, poetry, photography, and narrative ethnographic writing, Frohlick seeks to capture the feelings and sensations that influence reproduction in tourist destinations. The book urges a rethinking of tourism that takes reproduction into consideration, highlighting the multiple actors involved and the inequities that are reproduced.

One of the key themes of Bloom Spaces is the idea of "bloom spaces." These spaces are created by the atmosphere of a destination, which can include factors such as the natural environment, the cultural landscape, and the social interactions between tourists and locals. Frohlick argues that these spaces can have a significant impact on reproductive behavior, particularly among women.

For example, the natural environment of Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. These environments can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating, and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. However, they can also be sexually stimulating, particularly for women who are seeking to conceive. Frohlick notes that many women who travel to Costa Rica for health and wellness purposes are unaware of the potential risks associated with sexual activity in these environments.

The cultural landscape of Costa Rica is also important in shaping reproductive behavior. The country is known for its vibrant music, dance, and art, and many tourists come to experience these cultural traditions. However, these traditions can also be sexually explicit, particularly in the context of tourism. Frohlick argues that these traditions can create a sense of sexual entitlement and can lead to sexual violence.

Social interactions between tourists and locals can also have a significant impact on reproductive behavior. For example, many tourists are attracted to the idea of having a "local experience" and may engage in sexual activity with local women. However, these interactions can be risky, particularly if the local women are not aware of the potential risks associated with sexual activity. Frohlick notes that many local women are not educated about sexual health and may not have access to contraception.

In addition to the impact of the atmosphere on reproductive behavior, Bloom Spaces also explores the ways in which tourism can contribute to the reproduction of inequities. For example, tourism can create a demand for sexual services, which can lead to the exploitation of women and children. It can also contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.

To address these issues, Frohlick suggests that tourism should be more responsible and ethical. She argues that tourism should be designed to promote the well-being of both tourists and locals, and should take into account the potential risks associated with sexual activity. She also suggests that tourism should be more inclusive and should provide opportunities for women and children to participate in the tourism industry.

One of the ways that tourism can be more responsible and ethical is through the use of sustainable tourism practices. Sustainable tourism practices include reducing the impact of tourism on the environment, promoting the well-being of local communities, and providing opportunities for local people to participate in the tourism industry. For example, many hotels and resorts in Costa Rica are implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing their energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and providing training to local employees.

In addition to sustainable tourism practices, tourism can also be more inclusive and should provide opportunities for women and children to participate in the tourism industry. For example, many tour operators are offering tours that are specifically designed for women and children, and are providing training to local women to become tour guides.

However, it is important to note that implementing sustainable tourism practices and providing opportunities for women and children to participate in the tourism industry can be challenging. Many tourism companies are profit-driven and may not prioritize the well-being of their employees or the environment. Additionally, many local communities may not have the resources or infrastructure to support sustainable tourism practices.

To address these challenges, Frohlick suggests that governments and organizations should work together to promote sustainable tourism practices and provide opportunities for women and children to participate in the tourism industry. She also suggests that tourists should be more aware of the potential risks associated with sexual activity in tourist destinations and should take steps to protect themselves.

In conclusion, Bloom Spaces is a book that explores the complex nature of the relationships between people and places, particularly in the context of reproductive experiences. The book argues that the atmosphere of a destination can have a significant impact on reproductive behavior, particularly among women. To address these issues, tourism should be more responsible and ethical, and should be designed to promote the well-being of both tourists and locals. Sustainable tourism practices and providing opportunities for women and children to participate in the tourism industry are key to achieving this goal.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 231 x 155 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487549688