Marine-tourism development on a small island in Indonesia: blessing or curse?

ABSTRACTIndonesia is a popular tourist destination. Tourism creates jobs and generates revenue but can have negative impacts on culture, society and human rights. This study of one island community in Indonesia explores the relationship between the growth of tourism and the impacts on a local community. A quantitative survey, combined with in-depth interviews, examined perceptions of residents to tourism development. Residents perceived that tourism created jobs and improved access to goods and services. However, tourism has reduced social cohesion and decreased adherence to traditional customs. Conflict between the private sector and residents over ownership and access have also caused violence.