Symbiosis, integration and the backpacker tourist industry

Abstract

Backpackers take trouble to isolate themselves from the mainstream tourist population, identifying with the drifter of the 1960's whose travel style articulated a rejection of package tourism. The modern backpacker in New Zealand, however, whilst espousing cultural affinity and sensitivity, may ultimately have more impact on 'virgin' host communities than tourists from other market groups. Viewed in terms of the tourism development process the backpacker can be seen as the lone ant who, if honey is found, is inevitably followed by a continuous trail of ants heading directly to the source of the excitement. The tourist industry catering to the backpacker market is comprised of small scale, often rural, enterprises who are quick to respond to changes in the market place. With volume demand, however, the industry develops a momentum of its own. Efficiencies are achieved as sectors integrate their activities via 'symbiotic' relationships to produce hamburger like packages of New Zealand tourism products. Local communities, who are quick to adapt their social systems to the changes and demands of industry, are bypassed when capital, investment and major development is needed to sustain the demand. Land access issues become central in conflict over control of the development process In New Zealand, the backpacking phenomenon displays characteristics consistent with with theoretical explorations of tourist industry development. That which began with the backpacker has come to have more appeal to the holiday-maker or mainstream tourist. The backpacker, however, moves on to discover new and untouristed lands, and by doing so starts the process all over again. This thesis argues that integration is inherent in tourist industry development and that this process influences industry/community relationships, ultimately diminishing the status and role of the host community in the development process.