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Here is my final project!

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In the twenty-first century, Bondi Beach has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Australia, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its international reputation as a sun-soaked paradise, iconic surf spot, and cultural landmark has made it a cornerstone of Sydney's tourism economy. Yet this immense popularity has also come at a cost. The very features that make Bondi attractive, its natural beauty, cultural history, and vibrant surf culture, are under increasing strain due to the pressures of mass tourism. As the number of visitors continues to grow, issues of environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and overcrowding have become increasingly difficult to ignore.

One of the most pressing consequences of excessive tourism at Bondi is environmental stress. The sheer volume of visitors places enormous pressure on the beach's fragile ecosystem. Littering, plastic waste, and pollution from nearby commercial activity often spill into the sand and ocean, disrupting marine life and undermining water quality. Heavy foot traffic erodes the dunes and vegetation that provide natural protection against coastal erosion, while the demand for infrastructure (cafés, car parks, and amenities) contributes to the overdevelopment of the surrounding area. Seasonal peaks, particularly during summer and major holidays, intensify these problems, leaving little time for the natural environment to recover.

Tourism has also contributed to the commercialization and commodification of Bondi's culture. Surfing and surf lifesaving, once symbols of community pride and innovation, are now frequently marketed as entertainment for outsiders. Lifesavers, for instance, are often perceived less as dedicated volunteers ensuring beach safety and more as icons of the "Bondi brand" used in advertising and television programs such as Bondi Rescue. Similarly, surfboard riding, which once flourished as a grassroots subculture, risks being reduced to a tourist spectacle, with lessons and experiences sold as packages rather than as genuine extensions of local identity. This commercialization has blurred the line between cultural practice and tourist attraction, leaving locals questioning whether the beach is losing sight of its original sporting and community values.

Perhaps most troubling is the way mass tourism has overshadowed Indigenous connections to Bondi. The Gadigal people's cultural and spiritual relationship to the area is rarely foregrounded in the narratives presented to visitors, who are far more likely to encounter Bondi through the lens of surf, leisure, and consumerism. While acknowledgment of Country has become more common, tourism marketing rarely engages deeply with Indigenous perspectives or prioritizes education about the beach's pre-colonial history. In this way, the influx of visitors risks further marginalizing Indigenous voices and erasing their continuing ties to Bondi.

Finally, overcrowding and social tension have become persistent challenges. On peak days, the beach and its surrounding infrastructure are overwhelmed, leading to safety concerns, strained public amenities, and reduced quality of experience for both locals and tourists. Rising property values and the commercialization of the Bondi lifestyle have also fueled gentrification, pushing out long-term residents and reshaping the community in ways that privilege tourism over local needs.

The negative effects of excessive tourism reveal a troubling paradox: the more popular Bondi becomes, the more its authenticity and sustainability are threatened. Without proactive measures, the environmental, cultural, and social costs will continue to undermine the very qualities that made Bondi iconic in the first place. Protecting Bondi requires a commitment to balancing tourism with heritage preservation, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of local communities, including the Gadigal people, whose connections to the beach predate its global fame.

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https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/9KwA3b2JDX7fg

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Lahaina's history

Long before Lahaina became a bustling town, it was an important political, cultural, and ecological center of Hawai'i. Before Western contact, Lahaina and surrounding areas such as Kihei and Wailea were wetlands. Maui had overall 90 perennial streams, which are streams that flow year-round, contributing to the Natives sustainable, abundant agriculture that fed entire communities. Native Hawaiians did not seek to dominate or take advantage of the streams, but instead cultivated and worked with nature in ways that sustained the people and the environment, like kalo fields and fish ponds.

Lahaina's location and climate also made it a natural gathering place, as it transformed into one of the Pacific's busiest whaling ports. The location and warm climate was ideal, as whales migrated to the Pacific during the winter season. This introduced an influx of sailors, merchants, and traders, bringing global influences to Lahaina. The warm weather, abundant food sources, and shoreline allowed for it to flourish as both a residential hub and a center for governance. According to Lahainatown.org, between 1802-1845, Lahaina became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This place served as the political and diplomatic heart of Hawai'i, as it was the place where island leaders would gather to make decisions, disputes, and engage with visitor dignitaries.

The arrival of Christian missionaries in the 1820s dramatically shifted Lahaina's cultural and economic landscape. Missionaries established Lahainanaluna high school, introducing European-American styles of governance and education, and promoting private land ownership over Hawaiian traditions of community. Over time these changes prioritized claiming Hawai'i's resources over the benefit of the people. By the late 19th century, sugar plantations dominated the island's economy. Plantation owners, supported by corporate and political power, diverted water from Lahaina's streams to irrigate the cane fields. The diversions dried out wetlands in Lahaina, Kihei, and Wailea, land that was once abundant with food and freshwater, turning into dry lands that are prone to natural disasters, especially wildfires. The political economy of tourism development emerged from this system, decisions about land and water were made by elites prioritizing profit over community well-being.

As the whaling industry began to decline, Lahaina was rebranded for a new global market, tourism. Lahaina was viewed as a "historic town". This image was carefully cultivated, appealing to the romanticized tourist gaze. Sociologists Urry and Larsen describe this gaze as something most tourists don't realize, "Yet most tourists are hardly aware of this gaze, mainly because they arrogantly dismiss its presence. They rarely feel they are being watched, and thus act in what they perceive as a totally 'free and permissive' environment" (Urry & Larsen, p. 12). This framing reduced Lahaina's rich culture into a staged backdrop for visitors, turning sacred spaces and historical landmarks into photo opportunities. Hawaiian traditions such as hula, lei making, and canoe paddling were commodified, presenting in ways that fit tourist expectations, not true cultural tradition.

By the mid 20th century, Lahaaina was marketed as a must-see stop on Maui. Visitors come for sunny beaches, boutiques, and to experience the "Old Lahaina" charm, but are rarely educated about the colonial history and ecological transformations that Lahaina and its people faced. Corporate hotel chains and real estate developers profited greatly from this image, while Native Hawaiians watched their land and water rights provoked right in front of their eyes,

Lahaina's story transformation from wetland abundance to a political capital, from a whaling port to now a tourist commodity, was shaped by global forces at the cost of Indigenous autonomy. These forces dried up Lahaina's streams, dried up their culture, reducing and rebranding it into how the town is marketed and managed today, Understanding the history is essential to making sense of the tensions, and environmental crises leading up to the 2023 fires.

By the 21st century, Lahaina's transformation from a wetland capital to a global tourism hotspot left deep marks on its environment and community. The political economy of tourism development rooted in colonial land grabs and corporate control, continued to prioritize the needs of visitors and investors over residents. While tourism brought jobs and revenue, from an island that was self-sustaining turned into a place that heavily relies on tourism as its source of economy, This influx of visitors produced overcrowding, environmental stress, and cultural erosion. These tensions have simmered long before the fires, shaping how the disaster would later unfold.

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GEO324 Final Project - Shayna-Mae Wakayama

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This is my final project.

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https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/GHafCKUp2ItTl

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Final project

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5. Globalization & Japan's Tourism Position

Japan in the Global Tourism Network

Tourism in Japan does not exist in isolation. It's part of a global web of travel trends, economic connections, and cultural exchanges. As international travel has become faster, cheaper, and more accessible, Japan has positioned itself as a must-visit destination in the Asia-Pacific region. The country benefits from strong transportation links, with direct flights connecting its major airports to cities across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.

Globalization has also made it easier for travelers to plan trips to Japan. Social media platforms, online booking systems, and digital translation tools have lowered barriers for non-Japanese speakers. This increased accessibility means that Japan competes directly with other world-class destinations not only with its neighbors like South Korea, Thailand, and China, but also with European and North American cities for long-haul travelers seeking a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.

Tourism as a Two-Way Exchange

While globalization has brought millions of visitors to Japan, it also means Japan's culture and image are shared worldwide. Japanese food, fashion, anime, and pop culture have a global audience, which in turn inspires people to travel to the country. Many visitors arrive already familiar with some aspects of Japan whether it's sushi, sumo, Studio Ghibli, or the bullet train, which creates a sense of anticipation before their trip even begins.

This global interest creates opportunities but also responsibilities. As Japan attracts more visitors, it must balance the desire to share its culture with the need to keep traditions authentic and meaningful, rather than shaping them solely for tourist consumption.

Economic Impacts of Global Tourism

From an economic perspective, globalization has diversified Japan's visitor base. The country is not dependent on any single market, which provides stability in times of regional economic shifts. For example, when visitor numbers from one country temporarily decline due to currency fluctuations or political tensions, arrivals from other regions often help balance the total.

Japan's tourism industry also benefits from international partnerships such as airline code-sharing agreements, collaborative marketing with foreign travel agencies, and participation in global travel expos. These connections ensure Japan maintains visibility in a competitive tourism market.

Globalization Theory Connection

In the context of globalization theory, Japan's tourism sector reflects the flow of people, ideas, and capital across borders. Globalization has expanded Japan's reach, allowing it to market its cultural and natural assets to a worldwide audience, while also exposing it to the risks of global economic downturns, pandemics, and environmental crises.

The challenge and opportunity lies in using globalization as a tool to strengthen sustainable tourism. By building strong cultural exchange programs, promoting responsible travel, and fostering partnerships with other countries, Japan can maintain its position as a top global destination while protecting its identity and environment.

Strain on Infrastructure and Local Services

Overcrowding doesn't just affect the atmosphere. It also puts real pressure on infrastructure. Public transportation systems have to handle more passengers than they were designed for, especially during holidays and festival seasons. Waste collection services are stretched thin in busy tourist zones, and in some rural areas that suddenly become popular, small roads and limited facilities can't keep up.

Another serious challenge is staffing. Japan's aging population means there are fewer young workers entering hospitality and tourism jobs. In busy periods, restaurants, hotels, and tour operators sometimes struggle to keep up with demand. This can affect service quality and put extra stress on the staff who remain.

Environmental Concerns

Natural attractions from the slopes of Mount Fuji to the bamboo forests of Arashiyama also face pressure. High foot traffic can wear down trails, increase litter, and disturb wildlife. In ski regions like Hokkaido and Nagano, the popularity of winter sports means more energy use, more waste, and growing concerns about the long-term impact of climate change on snow levels.

Once natural sites are damaged, recovery can be slow and costly. Without active protection measures, the landscapes and ecosystems that attract visitors could lose the very qualities that make them special.

Managing the Flow, Not Just the Numbers

Japan is responding with a mix of solutions. Some cities are experimenting with entry limits or reservation systems for popular spots, helping to control daily crowd sizes. Tourist taxes like the one in Kyoto are being used to fund preservation projects and improve visitor management. Campaigns promoting off-season travel and lesser-known destinations aim to spread visitors more evenly throughout the year and across the country.

Technology is also part of the approach. Real-time crowd data and travel apps allow tourists to see how busy certain locations are, encouraging them to adjust their plans. This not only improves the visitor experience but also reduces stress in the most crowded areas.

Keeping Tourism Sustainable

The overtourism issue directly ties into the principles of sustainability:

1. Environmental sustainability means protecting landscapes and cultural sites so they can be enjoyed for generations.

2. Cultural sustainability is about safeguarding traditions and community life from being overwhelmed by outside influences.

3. Economic sustainability requires balancing short-term gains with long-term stability, ensuring that growth doesn't damage the foundation of the industry.

By finding ways to control crowding, invest in infrastructure, and promote respectful travel behavior, Japan can turn overtourism from a threat into an opportunity. One that strengthens, rather than weakens, the places people come to see.

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Governance, Policy, and the Politics of Tourism Development

The way tourism is developing in El Nido isn't just shaped by market demand or natural beauty, it's heavily influenced by overlapping layers of governance and policy decisions made at the local, regional, and national levels. Different actors from local government officials to national tourism agencies and private investors all play important roles in determining how the town grows, how land is used, and how the environment is protected if it even is.

But the problem is that these different actors don't always have the same goals. Local politicians, for example, often feel pressure to deliver quick economic gains like more jobs or increased revenue from tourism. That can mean approving big development projects even if they pose risks to the environment or displace local communities. On the other hand, environmental agencies may be pushing for stronger regulations or slower, more sustainable growth, despite their efforts can be sidelined or ignored if they don't align with the interests of more powerful groups. Then there's the private sector which investors, developers, and resort owners who are usually focused on maximizing profits and expanding their share of the market.

All of this plays out in the context of broader neoliberal economic policies. In the Philippines, like in many developing countries, these policies encourage foreign investment, deregulation, and economic liberalization. To be honest, by the sounds of it, it sounds like a good way to boost economic growth, especially through tourism. But in reality, it often results in rapid development with very little oversight or accountability. Projects get approved quickly, environmental impact assessments may be rushed or bypassed, and the voices of local people are often excluded from the decision-making process.

Though at the end of it all, this is about power and how it's exercised, who gets to participate, and how those dynamics shape not just El Nido's economy, but its communities and ecosystems as well. Understanding this bigger picture is key to figuring out whether tourism in El Nido can truly be sustainable, or if it's just another case of development driven by profit and politics, with little regard for the long-term consequences.

Resistance and Change from the Community's Point of View

From what I read, El Nido's local communities aren't just standing by while tourism reshapes their town, they're actively responding to the changes around them. While it's true that many have been negatively affected, especially by land loss and environmental damage, it's also true that they're not just passive victims of this process. Indigenous groups and small-scale fisherfolk, in particular, have stepped up to defend their ancestral lands and fishing grounds, demanding recognition of their rights and protection of their territories.

At the same time, a number of community-based organizations and advocacy groups have started to organize. They've been pushing for more just and inclusive tourism policies, stronger environmental protections, and a seat at the table when decisions are made because their voices need to be heard. Some of the local residents have also found ways to adapt by becoming part of the tourism economy and began running homestays, working as island tour guides, or selling handmade crafts and local products to visitors.

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GEO324- Final Project - Cassie Simpliciano

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Selling Paradise - The Commodification of Culture and Place in Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Industry

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GEO 324 Final Project Social Media and South Korea

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Final project