5 research outputs found
An Indigenous Wisdom Framework to Sustainable Collaborative Indigenous Tourism Development: The Case of Nepal's Newars
No full textAlthough the structural and functional aspects of collaborative co-creation have been extensively studied, the socio-cognitive processes of multi-stakeholder collaboration within the Indigenous tourism development domain have barely been considered. Socio-cognitive processes that involve values, beliefs and attitudes contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the ontological, epistemological and methodological challenges that are associated with multi-stakeholder collaboration in Indigenous tourism development. Indigenous ontologies are characterised by interconnectedness, spirituality and connection between humans and nature. They differ from Western neoliberal principles, which prioritise rational and capitalist values and view nature as a resource to development rather than a living entity closely intertwined with our existence. This study seeks to circumscribe Indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge and sociocultural values to develop a framework that can assist in the development of sustainable and collaborative Indigenous tourism.
As the researcher is an Indigenous Newar who conducted the study in an Indigenous Newari context, adopting a decolonial Indigenous methodology was natural. Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory further allows for an Indigenous standpoint, which encourages providing people with voice and agency. Using ethnographic methods of data collection, this thesis presents data and insights using traditional ontologies that underpin the collaborative practices that are inherent in Nepal's Indigenous Newars' cultural crucible called Guthi. The study first locates Indigenous Newars' ontology of relationality and its underlying value structures that shape Indigenous Newars' identity. Thereafter the study shows that Indigenous Newars' sociocultural values underpin the strong sense of community cohesion made possible within and through Guthi. This is a necessary precondition for the formation of collective consciousness and social capital for collaborative and sustainable Indigenous tourism development. This combined state amplifies the potential for co-creative engagement through collective sense-making that departs from logocentrism and anthropocentrism. Negotiation with internal and external stakeholders within society's superstructures follows the Indigenous community's collective sense-making process, including the negotiation of assumptions and biases, authenticity perception and role congruence within the superstructures of Nepal's tourism economy. Superstructure negotiation is fundamental for value co-creation that centres around Indigenous self-determination.
The findings allow for the proposal of an Indigenous wisdom framework that articulates the mechanisms by which collaboration within and outside the communities takes place. This study makes a noteworthy contribution to existing theory by showcasing various factors that shape unilateral acts of reciprocity that are inherent in Indigenous Newars' community synergy. Methodologically, it articulates the decolonising Indigenous methodological approach to focus group discussion, which is identified in this study as the Newari Kha La Ba La, that is made possible through the incorporation of Newari sociocultural norms and ontology of relationality. Practical implications relate to the adoption of the Indigenous wisdom framework for grassroots Indigenous tourism development, honouring the norms of respect and reciprocity. The neoliberal extractive parachute approach is rejected in favour of reciprocity-centred, Indigenous-driven tourism development
#Dolphins: communication and engagement in marine mammal tourism attractions
No full textThis paper delves into the ethical dimensions and public perceptions surrounding dolphin tourism, both seeing them in the wild and in the marine park. Using a comprehensive analysis of social media data over seven years, we focus on dolphins as a central element of marine mammal tourism, investigating how digital narratives shape tourist attitudes and behaviours towards these intelligent creatures. Informed by a multi-method data analysis approach, this study reveals an “echo chamber” effect in social media, perpetuating selective exposure to information that aligns with visitor motivations: hedonism, relevance and reverence. The theoretical contributions of this research extend the existing literature on wildlife tourism by offering a deeper understanding of how public sentiments towards animals in tourism settings evolve and influence tourism practices. The finding underscores the need for informed, ethical communication strategies that consider the complex interplay of entertainment, education, and conservation in wildlife tourism.No Full Tex
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Decolonial Grounded Theory for Indigenous Research
No full textA decolonial approach to research stands as imperative in an endeavour to dismantle entrenched power structures and epistemological biases that have historically marginalised Indigenous perspectives to research. By intertwining Indigenous methodologies with grounded theory, this study shows a novel approach to decolonising research while simultaneously conducting grounded theory research that not only expands current knowledge involving the Indigenous researcher, but also empowers Indigenous peoples during the knowledge creation process.The method of collecting data is ethnography conducted in the Indigenous Newar community of Patan, in central Nepal. The Indigenous Newar Khā Lā Bā Lā approach used in the study that underpins this paper, involves community elders and validates interpretations and findings, thus affirming the adherence of the study to a decolonial approach within grounded theory in an Indigenous context.This paper contributes to a more inclusive, equitable, and socially just research environment, amplifying diverse ways of knowing within academia and beyond
Creating authentic indigenous tourism experiences
No full textAs Indigenous tourism gains momentum worldwide, tourists are increasingly seeking authentic Indigenous experiences. Authenticity in Indigenous tourism stems from Indigenous people's unique worldview of the connection between humans and nature. However, little is known about what prompts Indigenous peoples to develop authentic and meaningful tourism experiences. This conceptual study explores the role played by the autonomous motivation of Indigenous tourism business owners in the creation, negotiation, and delivery of authentic experiences. Informed by self-determination theory, this paper discusses a continuum of motivation within an Indigenous tourism context and shows how various forms of motivation contribute to the creation of authentic tourism experiences. Place relatedness is identified as a pivotal determinant in Indigenous people's autonomous motivation to engage in tourism activities.Peer-reviewe
Precarity and indigenous tourism work in Nepal
No full textThis study explores how Indigenous tourism workers navigate precarious tourism work during a polycrisis by constructing meaning through identity work shaped by existential anxiety and spiritual resilience. Drawing on Butler's view of precarity, it employs a multi-modal qualitative approach across four mountainous regions in Nepal. Underpinned by interpretive phenomenological approach, insights from field visits conducted between February 2022 and December 2024 reveal a three-stage process, involving the pursuit of selfhood while navigating the burdens of freedom and responsibility. The findings demonstrate the salience of Indigenous spiritual resilience, enabling culturally empowered approaches to alternative organising during polycrisis and precarity. Practically, the findings underscore the need for tourism stakeholders to acknowledge the affective and psychological dimensions of precarity in Indigenous tourism work
