Stuck with Tourism: Space, Power, and Labor in Contemporary Yucatan

Tourism has the potential to create jobs, encourage infrastructure development, and provide hope and well-being, but it also creates exploitative and dependent futures, extracting resources and labor and overshadowing other ways of doing, living, and imagining life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2020
Publisher: University of California Press

Tourism has emerged as a formidable force shaping the predatory geographies of late capitalism, exerting a profound influence on the future of societies. It engenders intricate webs of exploitation and dependence, extracting resources and labor while overshadowing alternative modes of living, imagining, and experiencing life. Despite these negative consequences, tourism also generates employment opportunities, fosters infrastructure development, and offers a glimmer of hope and well-being in many regions.

Stuck with Tourism delves into the complex dynamics of tourism by examining ethnographic evidence from the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula, a region that has undergone a rapid transformation due to the proliferation of tourism development over the past forty years. Through a comparative analysis of labor and lived experiences at beach resorts, protected natural enclaves, historical buildings, and maquilas for souvenir production, the book uncovers the moral, political, ecological, and everyday dilemmas that arise when individuals become ensnared in the grip of tourism.

In the coastal resorts of Cancún, the allure of tourism has brought about a surge in employment opportunities, attracting workers from various parts of Mexico and beyond. However, this growth has also led to concerns about labor exploitation, with reports of low wages, long hours, and inadequate health and safety standards. The workers, many of whom are immigrants, face a constant struggle to maintain their livelihoods and provide for their families, often at the expense of their well-being.

The contrast between the labor and lived experiences at the beach resorts and the protected natural enclaves along the Gulf coast is stark. While the resorts offer a luxurious escape for tourists, they also contribute to environmental degradation, with waste disposal, pollution, and overdevelopment posing significant threats to the local ecosystems. The natural beauty and biodiversity of the Gulf coast are being eroded, as coastal development encroaches on sensitive habitats and disrupts the delicate balance of marine life.

The historical buildings of the colonial past, such as the ancient Mayan ruins, also play a role in the tourism landscape. These sites attract millions of visitors each year, generating significant revenue for local communities and the national economy. However, the commercialization of these historical landmarks has led to concerns about cultural appropriation, as tourists often fail to appreciate the deep cultural significance and historical context of these sites.

In the Maya heartland, the maquilas for souvenir production represent another facet of tourism's impact. These factories employ thousands of workers, many of whom are women and marginalized communities. While the jobs provided by these factories offer a source of income and economic empowerment, they also contribute to environmental degradation and social inequality. The production of souvenirs often involves the use of cheap labor and environmentally harmful materials, leading to pollution and the depletion of natural resources.

The moral, political, ecological, and everyday dilemmas that emerge from tourism development in the Yucatán Peninsula highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of this phenomenon. While tourism can bring economic benefits and opportunities for growth, it also perpetuates exploitation, environmental degradation, and social inequality. It is essential to address these challenges and find sustainable solutions that balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage, the protection of natural resources, and the well-being of local communities.

One approach to addressing these dilemmas is through the promotion of responsible tourism practices. This includes educating tourists about the cultural and environmental significance of the places they visit, promoting sustainable tourism development, and supporting local communities and businesses. It also involves working with local governments and organizations to develop policies and regulations that protect the environment and promote fair labor practices.

Another approach is to promote alternative forms of tourism that prioritize cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. This could include ecotourism, community-based tourism, and heritage tourism, which focus on preserving cultural heritage, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable practices.

In conclusion, tourism has become one of the most powerful forces organizing the predatory geographies of late capitalism, exerting a profound influence on the future of societies. While it can bring economic benefits and opportunities for growth, it also perpetuates exploitation, environmental degradation, and social inequality. It is essential to address these challenges and find sustainable solutions that balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of cultural heritage, the protection of natural resources, and the well-being of local communities. By promoting responsible tourism practices, promoting alternative forms of tourism, and working together to address these dilemmas, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for tourism and the societies it impacts.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520344495