Analysis of the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of indigenous tourism: a multi-case study of indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Indigenous tourism does not yet figure on the agenda of public tourism policies in Brazil, neither is it regulated. There are, however, various tourism initiatives in indigenous areas throughout the country, mainly in the Amazon region, where most of Brazil's Indian population is concentrated. Considering tourism can lead to both positive and negative consequences the objective of this work is to analyze the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts of tourism on Indian communities in the Brazilian Amazon region. A survey was carried out that comprised forty questions that were answered by Indians from the communities. The study revealed that tourist activities have proved to be sustainable in their social, cultural and environmental dimensions, according to the opinion of the local inhabitants. However, the result for economic sustainability was not representative, perhaps because the communities receive a reduced number of visitors because of their incipient infrastructure.

Study of People’s Opinion about Tanjung Lesung Tourist Destination

“…The socio-cultural t result from the T-test is 0.365, and the significance value is 0.716, which is greater than the threshold significant of 0.050. Unlike prior studies, Kiper et al (2011), andBrandao et al (2014) concurred that socio-cultural factors had a major impact on people's opinions. However, Ernawati et al (2018) claim that there is no substantial impact on socio-cultural attitudes regarding people's opinions.…”

“…(2018) concurred that economic factors have a substantial impact on ecotourism. However, according to Brandao, Barbieri, and Junior (2014), economics has no substantial impact. As a result, the economy has an impact on ecotourism.…”

“…The environment t value from the T-test is 3.842, and the significance value is .000, which is less than the level significant of .050. According to earlier study, Kiper et al (2011), Brandao et al (2014), and Ernawati et al (2018 believed that ecotourism has a major impact on people's opinions. As a result, the public's perception of the environment has an impact on ecotourism.…”

“…From the T-test, environment t value is 3.842 and the significance value is .000, which is below the level significant of .050. From the previous research, Kiper et al (2011), Brandao et al (2014 and Ernawati et al (2018) considered that ecotourism environment have significant influences toward people's opinion. Thus concluded, the people's opinion has any influence of environment toward ecotourism.…”

Research in tourism sustainability: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 1990 to 2022

“…McCombes et al [ 96 ] emphasize the need to shift the discourse on the social impacts of tourism from descriptive critiques to practical solutions. Despite various tourism initiatives in indigenous areas, Brandão et al [ 97 ] discuss the lack of public tourism policies and regulations for indigenous tourism in Brazil. Madeira et al [ 98 ] argue that Airbnb houses should be considered micro-enterprises with features that can help achieve social sustainability, including the potential to involve poor local people in the tourism industry and expand the benefits of tourism through partnerships with other service providers.…”