DOCSLIB.ORG

Impacts of Tourism Development on Livelihoods in Placencia Village, Belize Crystal Ann Vitous University of South Florida, [email protected]

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Impacts of Tourism Development on Livelihoods in Placencia Village, Belize Crystal Ann Vitous University of South Florida, Ann26@Mail.Usf.Edu University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 3-24-2017 Impacts of Tourism Development on Livelihoods in Placencia Village, Belize Crystal Ann Vitous University of South Florida, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons Scholar Commons Citation Vitous, Crystal Ann, "Impacts of Tourism Development on Livelihoods in Placencia Village, Belize" (2017). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6773 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Impacts of Tourism Development on Livelihoods in Placencia Village, Belize by Crystal Ann Vitous A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts with a concentration in Biocultural Medical Anthropology Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida Co-Major Professor: Rebecca Zarger, Ph.D. Co-Major Professor: Ismael Hoare, Ph.D. Heide Castañeda, Ph.D. Date of Approval: March 23, 2017 Keywords: anthropology of tourism, political ecology, environmental change, applied anthropology Copyright © 2017, Crystal Ann Vitous ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Anneliese Hagan, a long-term resident in Placencia Village. I am equally grateful for the everlasting encouragement and support provided by my committee members, Rebecca Zarger, Ismael Hoare, and Heide Castañeda. I am grateful for the women and men who participated in this study. I want to acknowledge the additional research staff of the larger NSF project who helped in implementing this research study, namely Linda Whiteford, Christian Wells, and Christy Prouty. Finally I want to give thanks to my family and close friends who provided support and encouragement throughout this process. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... iv ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... vi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................1 Research Setting...................................................................................................................3 Study Overview ...................................................................................................................5 Research Aims .....................................................................................................................7 Thesis Outline ..................................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER TWO: BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE ......................................................10 Brief Historical Overview ..................................................................................................11 Development Policies ........................................................................................................14 Tourism in Belize and the Placencia Peninsula .....................................................16 Ecotourism .............................................................................................................18 Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program........................................................20 Tourism Strategies .............................................................................................................21 The Draft Tourism Policy for Belize .....................................................................21 National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan of Belize 2030 ...................................23 Cruise Tourism.......................................................................................................24 Changing Political Ecologies .............................................................................................26 Anthropology of Tourism ..................................................................................................28 Political Ecology ................................................................................................................30 Placencia Today .................................................................................................................33 CHAPTER THREE: METHODS ..................................................................................................36 Data Collection ..................................................................................................................36 Preliminary Study ..................................................................................................37 Participant Observation ..........................................................................................38 Semi-Structured Interviews ...................................................................................39 Photovoice..............................................................................................................40 Participants .........................................................................................................................42 Recruitment ........................................................................................................................42 Data Analysis .....................................................................................................................43 Positionality .......................................................................................................................44 Ethics..................................................................................................................................45 i CHAPTER FOUR: PERCEPTIONS OF ENVIRONMENT AND LIVELIHOODS ...................47 Tourist Narratives of Placencia ..........................................................................................47 Beginnings of a ‘new Placencia’........................................................................................54 Coastal and Marine Health.................................................................................................59 Norwegian Cruiseline in Placencia Village .......................................................................62 Impacts of Rapid Growth in Larger Scale Tourism ...........................................................65 Tourism and Livelihoods ...................................................................................................67 Policy Enforcement ............................................................................................................69 Summing Up ......................................................................................................................71 CHAPTER FIVE: ADJUSTING TO CHANGE ...........................................................................72 Resentment and Inequality .................................................................................................72 Responding to a Continually Changing Landscape ...........................................................76 Future of Placencia Village ................................................................................................83 Social Impacts of Rapid Large-Scale Tourism ......................................................85 Summing Up ......................................................................................................................86 CHAPTER SIX: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION ................................................................88 Introduction ........................................................................................................................88 Conflicting Ideas ................................................................................................................89 Power Relations and Control Over Resources ...................................................................95 Limitations .........................................................................................................................98 Recommendations and Future Research ..........................................................................100 Contributions to Anthropology ........................................................................................103 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................105 APPENDIX A: IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW INSTRUMENT .......................................................109 APPENDIX B: PHOTOVOICE INSTRUMENT ........................................................................111 APPENDIX C: USF IRB APPROVAL LETTERS .....................................................................112 APPENDIX D: NICH APPROVAL LETTERS ..........................................................................114 ii LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Research Methodology ..........................................................................................37
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Support for the Implementation of the National Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (NSTMP) BL-T1054
    Destination Development Plan & Small Scale Investment Project Plan Specific Focus on the Toledo District, Belize 2016 - 2020 Prepared for: Table of Contents Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Table of Tables.............................................................................................................................................. 5 Table of Annexes .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Glossary: ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Executive Summary: ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Introduction: ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Background: ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Community Engagement: ..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Belize Factsheet IV – Maritime and Coastal Tourism
    Evidence-based and policy coherent Oceans Economy and Trade Strategies1. Sector data factsheet2: Belize Maritime and coastal tourism 1. INTRODUCTION The project “Evidence-based and policy coherent Oceans Economy and Trade Strategies” aims to support developing countries such as Barbados, Belize and Costa Rica, in realizing trade and economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources within the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This data factsheet presents detailed sectorial information of one (of the four) ocean sectors selected in Belize to facilitate the identification and informed selection of key sectors to be considered for the next phase of the project: Sector 1 Sector 2 Sector 3 Sector 4 Marine fisheries Aquaculture Seafood manufacturing Tourism 1.1. THE MARITIME TOURISM SECTOR Tourism is the largest of all ocean economic sectors, generating more than a USD 1.6 trillion globally in 2017. International tourist arrivals grew by 7% reaching a record of 1,323 million arrivals in 2017. It is expected that international arrivals will reach to 1.8 trillion by 2030 (UNWTO, 2018), outperforming all other services sectors with perhaps the exception of financial services. Tourism is also the sector that contributes the most to the GDP of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), but also of coastal developing countries. These countries enjoy a special geographical situation, outstanding natural endowments and cultural heritage richness that make them unique for visitors. At the same time, they confront several challenges and vulnerabilities including remoteness, low connectivity, limited economic diversification, small internal markets, as well as adverse, perhaps recurrent climate events.
    [Show full text]
  • Mangrove Conserva and Preserves Change Adaptation Belize, Central Ame Mangrove Conservation and Preserves As Climate Change Adap
    Brooksmith Consulting Mangrove Conservation and Preserves as Climate Change Adaptation in Belize, Central America A case study 6/30/2011 Mangrove Conservation as Climate Change Adaptation in Belize Central America: A Case Study Table of Contents Execut ive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Mangrove conservation and climate change 4 Status of mangrove habitat 5 Climate change in Belize 6 Placencia Village 6 Threats to mangrove habitat 10 Coastal residential development 10 Agriculture and aquaculture 11 A programmatic response to climate change 12 The progression of mangrove conservation activities 13 Mangrove Challenge Contest 16 Mangrove Reserves 21 Bibliography 31 2 Mangrove Conservation as Climate Change Adaptation in Placencia, Belize: A case study Executive Summary The effects of climate change present growing challenges to low-lying developing nations in the Caribbean Basin. Sea level rise, increasing frequency of large tropical cyclones, loss of reef-building corals and other effects are projected to result in direct economic losses consuming over one-fifth of the gross domestic product of nations in the region by 2100. Resilient mangroves shorelines provide multiple buffers against climate change effects. In addition to serving as habitat for marine species and wildlife, mangroves also provide storm protection for coastal communities, a buffer against coastal erosion, carbon sinks, and additional resiliency for economically important habitat such as coral reef. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Belize has initiated community-based adaptation projects to educate local populations and stakeholders about these emerging problems and to implement “no regrets” adaptation to climate change effects. Understanding of climate change science varies among demographics and opinion leaders within Belize but the value of mangrove habitat for storm protection and fish habitat is generally accepted.
    [Show full text]
  • 302232 Travelguide
    302232 TRAVELGUIDE <P.1> (118*205) G5-15 DANIEL V2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 INTRODUCTION 5 WELCOME 6 GENERAL VISITOR INFORMATION 8 GETTING TO BELIZE 9 TRAVELING WITHIN BELIZE 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14 CRUISE PASSENGER ADVENTURES Half Day Cultural and Historical Tours Full Day Adventure Tours 16 SUGGESTED OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES Four-Day Itinerary Five-Day Itinerary Six-Day Itinerary Seven-Day Itinerary 25 ISLANDS, BEACHES AND REEF 32 MAYA CITIES AND MYSTIC CAVES 42 PEOPLE AND CULTURE 50 SPECIAL INTERESTS 57 NORTHERN BELIZE 65 NORTH ISLANDS 71 CENTRAL COAST 77 WESTERN BELIZE 87 SOUTHEAST COAST 93 SOUTHERN BELIZE 99 BELIZE REEF 104 HOTEL DIRECTORY 120 TOUR GUIDE DIRECTORY 302232 TRAVELGUIDE <P.2> (118*205) G5-15 DANIEL V2 302232 TRAVELGUIDE <P.3> (118*205) G5-15 DANIEL V2 The variety of activities is matched by the variety of our people. You will meet Belizeans from many cultural traditions: Mestizo, Creole, Maya and Garifuna. You can sample their varied cuisines and enjoy their music and Belize is one of the few unspoiled places left on Earth, their company. and has something to appeal to everyone. It offers rainforests, ancient Maya cities, tropical islands and the Since we are a small country you will be able to travel longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. from East to West in just two hours. Or from North to South in only a little over that time. Imagine... your Visit our rainforest to see exotic plants, animals and birds, possible destinations are so accessible that you will get climb to the top of temples where the Maya celebrated the most out of your valuable vacation time.
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in Belize
    2013 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FLATS FISHING IN BELIZE Prepared for: Bonefish and Tarpon Trust P.O. Box 644257 Vero Beach, FL 32964 Prepared by: Anthony J. Fedler, Ph.D. Human Dimensions Consulting 9707 SW 55th Road Gainesville Florida July 2014 2013 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FLATS FISHING IN BELIZE Executive Summary Belize is a world‐class flats fishing destination that has grown in popularity over the past decade. The protection of bonefish, permit and tarpon from commercial harvest was a cornerstone in this advancement and has been a key message in marketing the country’s fishing experiences throughout North America and Europe. However, fishing lodge owners, fishing guides and conservationists are concerned about persistent and spreading threats to the quality of flats fishing in Belize. These concerns have focused on inadequate fisheries management and enforcement, deterioration of water quality, and habitat destruction. The sport fishery supports an extensive array of independent fishing guides, fishing lodges and hotels, and other support services in Belize. A 2007 study of flats fishing in Belize showed that the economic impact totaled $56 million (BZD) and comprised about 6.3% of all tourist expenditures (Fedler 2008). Because of changes in both the economy and enhanced perception of flats fishing in Belize since the 2007 study and growing concerns over fisheries sustainability and habitat protection, a new economic study was undertaken to update the understanding and value of flats fishing to the tourism economy of Belize. This study of 2013 flats fishing in Belize used interviews with independent fishing guides, tour operators, and fishing lodge owners and managers to identify the number of anglers and their days fishing in Belize.
    [Show full text]
  • Caribbean Delight: Moving Beyond the Sustainability Discourse in Tourism
    Caribbean Delight: Moving Beyond the Sustainability Discourse in Tourism Carel Roessingh, Hanneke Duijnhoven, Myrte Berendse Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Culture, Organization and Management, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands Abstract Resumen I In the tourism literature a lot of attention is paid to I En la literatura del turismo se presta mucha atención different approaches towards tourism development, a los diferentes acercamientos al desarrollo del turismo, especially when it comes to developing countries. especialmente cuando nos referimos a países en vías de Often it is argued that it is necessary to come to a sus- desarrollo. Se sostiene a menudo que es necesario un tainable approach, whereby it is stressed that attention enfoque basado en la sostenibilidad, por lo cual se should be paid to the way tourism organizations remarca que se preste especial atención a cómo influyen influence (and are influenced by) the natural environ- las organizaciones de turismo (y cómo son influencia- ment as well as the cultural, and economical context in das) tanto por el entorno natural como el cultural y el which they are situated. Although the debates on sus- económico en el que se sitúan. Aunque los debates tainable forms of tourism development are a positive sobre las formas sostenibles de desarrollo turístico son direction for the tourism field, we will argue in this un camino positivo para el sector turístico, en este artí- paper that these debates will not really contribute to culo analizaremos porqué estos debates no contribuirán the progress of the field as long as there is a lack of local realmente al progreso del sector mientras haya una accounts of actors in such tourism destinations.
    [Show full text]
  • Belize 2019 Crime & Safety Report
    Belize 2019 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Belize at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s Belize-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, consular messages, and contact information. Crime Threats There is considerable risk from crime in Belmopan. There is no indication that criminals actively target U.S. citizens in Belize. Tourists and expatriates residing in Belize are more susceptible to incidents of crime due to perceived wealth, particularly when not exhibiting robust personal security practices and situational awareness. Major crimes continue to shift from being concentrated in the high-population area of Belize City to districts in the north, west, and south of Belize, as reported in 2018. A number of violent crimes, including multiple murders, thefts, and home invasions affected long-time expatriates residing in rural communities in 2018. Confrontational crimes, such as armed robbery and theft, have increased in tourist areas and remote areas alike. Murder, sexual assault, and armed robberies occurred in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates in 2018.
    [Show full text]
  • Placencia Lagoon Management Plan Management Plan
    Placencia Lagoon – Management Plan, 2015-2020 Placencia Lagoon Management Plan Management Plan 2015 – 2020 Wildtracks, 2015 1 Placencia Lagoon – Management Plan, 2015-2020 Acknowledgments We would like to thank Financial support towards this management planning process was provided by the World Wildlife Fund Southern Environmental Association Placencia Village Stann Creek District Belize, Central America Phone: (501) 523-3377 Fax: (501) 523-3395 Email: [email protected] Prepared By: Wildtracks, Belize [email protected] Wildtracks, 2015 2 Placencia Lagoon – Management Plan, 2015-2020 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................... 5 Background and Context ......................................................................................................... 5 Purpose and Scope of Plan ....................................................................................................... 7 1. Current Status ......................................................................................................... 8 1.1 Location ............................................................................................................................. 8 1.2 Regional Context .............................................................................................................. 13 1.3 National Context .............................................................................................................. 15 1.3.1 Legal and Policy
    [Show full text]
  • BELIZE Tourism Sector Diagnostic 1998- 2004
    BELIZE Tourism Sector Diagnostic 1998- 2004 PREPARED FOR: Belize Tourism Board Belize City, Belize Prepared by: Launchpad Consulting Belize City, Belize In Collaboration with: David M. Russell Canada January, 2004 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ______________________________________________________ 8 1.1 The Benefits of a National Tourism Policy 9 1.2 The Role of Tourism Policy in Belize 9 2. TOURISM POLICY CONTEXT ____________________________________________ 10 2.1 Tourism Policy and Planning History 10 2.2 Projects Shaping Policy – since 1998 11 2.3 Legislative Context 11 2.3.1 Structure for Tourism Policy Making 11 2.3.2 Laws providing Guidance/Standards for Activities within the Sector 13 2.3.3 Investment 14 2.3.4 Planned/ Pending Legislation 16 2.4 2004/05 Budget 17 3. TOURISM PRODUCT __________________________________________________ 19 3.1.1 The Issue of Market Driven Standards 20 3.1.2 Tourism Attractions 23 3.1.3 The Environmental Sustainability of Eco-Attractions 24 3.1.4 The Role of Culture and Communities in Tourism 25 3.2 Tourism and the Country’s Infrastructure 27 3.2.1 Highway & Road System 28 3.2.2 Tourism Information 30 3.2.3 Human Resources Development 32 3.2.4 The Question of Priorities 33 3.3 Tourism Sector Performance 34 3.3.1 The Cruise Sector in Belize 34 3.3.2 Belize Stay-over Segment 36 3.3.3 Tourism Expenditures 36 3.4 Destination Management - Issues and Challenges 37 3.4.1 Structure and Key Players 37 3.4.2 Land Management 38 3.4.3 Challenges 38 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Belize 2020 Human Rights Report
    BELIZE 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Belize is a constitutional parliamentary democracy. In the most recent national election, held on November 11, the People’s United Party won 26 of 31 seats in the National Assembly. Party leader John Briceno was sworn in as prime minister on November 12. The Ministry of National Security is responsible for oversight of police, prisons, the coast guard, and the military. The Belize Police Department is primarily responsible for internal security. The small military force primarily focuses on external security but also provides limited domestic security support to civilian authorities and has limited powers of arrest that are executed by the Belize Defence Force for land and shoreline areas and by the Coast Guard for coastal and maritime areas. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. Members of security forces committed few abuses. Significant human rights issues included: allegations of the use of excessive force and inhuman treatment by security officers, allegations of widespread corruption and impunity by government officials, trafficking in persons, and child labor. In some cases the government took steps to prosecute public officials who committed abuses, both administratively and through the courts, but there were few successful prosecutions. Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: a. Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings There was a report that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. A team from the branch of the security force responsible for a killing or other abuse investigates the allegation and then presents the findings, recommendations, and penalties to authorities.
    [Show full text]
  • LIST of REMITTANCE SERVICE PROVIDERS Belize Chamber Of
    LIST OF REMITTANCE SERVICE PROVIDERS Name of Remittance Service Providers Addresses Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City Agents Amrapurs Belize Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town BJET's Financial Services Limited 94 Commerce Street, Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, Belize Business Box Ecumenical Drive, Dangriga Town Caribbean Spa Services Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, Belize Casa Café 46 Forest Drive, Belmopan City, Cayo District Charlton's Cable 9 George Price Street, Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District Charlton's Cable Bella Vista, Toledo District Diversified Life Solutions 39 Albert Street West, Belize City Doony’s 57 Albert Street, Belize City Doony's Instant Loan Ltd. 8 Park Street South, Corozal District Ecabucks 15 Corner George and Orange Street, Belize City Ecabucks (X-treme Geeks, San Pedro) Corner Pescador Drive and Caribena Street, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye EMJ's Jewelry Placencia Village, Stann Creek District, Belize Escalante's Service Station Co. Ltd. Savannah Road, Independence Village Havana Pharmacy 22 Havana Street, Dangriga Town Hotel Coastal Bay Pescador Drive, San Pedro Town i Signature Designs 42 George Price Highway, Santa Elena Town, Cayo District Joyful Inn 49 Main Middle Street, Punta Gorda Town Landy's And Sons 141 Belize Corozal Road, Orange Walk Town Low's Supermarket Mile 8 ½ Philip Goldson Highway, Ladyville Village, Belize District Mahung’s Corner North/Main Streets, Punta Gorda Town Medical Health Supplies Pharmacy 1 Street South, Corozal Town Misericordia De Dios 27 Guadalupe Street, Orange Walk Town Paz Villas Pescador Drive, San Pedro Town Pomona Service Center Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism and Biodiversity (Ecotourism - a Sustainable Development Tool, a Case for Belize)
    CASE STUDY: TOURISM AND BIODIVERSITY (ECOTOURISM - A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOOL, A CASE FOR BELIZE) Prepared by Wiezsman Pat c/o Ministry of Tourism and youth Constitution Drive Belmopan Belize Tel.# 501 8 23393/4 Fax # 501 8 23815 e-mail: [email protected] January, 2001 1 Introduction: The following is a Case Study: Tourism and Biodiversity. In this instance, Ecotourism as a developmental tool and a tool for biodiversity planning and conservation for Belize is emphasized. This document highlights the potential of ecotourism as an economic activity that will: contribute to the sustainable economic and social development of the country and contribute to environmental and cultural heritage preservation, while ensuring the participation of the local communities and other stakeholders in the process. Overview of present state of Tourism Development in Belize: 1.1 Relative importance in the national economy Tourism is currently the most important contributor to Belize’s economy. According to the figures presented by the Belize Tourism Board for the year 1999, tourism contributes to approximately 18 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 23 percent of the GDP with indirect economic benefits complied, 25 percent of total foreign exchange earnings and 1 in 4 jobs. The trend for the past ten years (1990 - to present) shows a steady increase (reflected in the Annex). Renewed investor confidence, an integrated tourism strategy and clear policy direction will set the platform for further economic growth while protecting Belize’s rich natural and cultural resources. Given the increasing economic importance of tourism to Belize’s economy, the Ministry of Tourism and Youth has embarked on the development of a new strategic platform for tourism.
    [Show full text]