What Is Commodified Tourism?

By Robert Palmer

Commodified tourism is a term that refers to the transformation of cultural, historical, and natural attractions into marketable commodities for tourism. It is a type of tourism that aims to create profits by selling experiences that are packaged and marketed to tourists.

What Is Commodified Tourism?

Commodified tourism is a growing trend in the travel industry where destinations are packaged and marketed as products. The aim of commodified tourism is to create profit by selling experiences that are pre-packaged and marketed to tourists. This type of tourism can be seen in many popular destinations around the world, including theme parks, historic sites, and natural attractions.

How Does Commodified Tourism Work?

Commodified tourism works by taking cultural or natural attractions and turning them into marketable products. This can involve creating theme parks or other attractions based on popular films or TV shows. It can also involve packaging historic sites or national parks as “experiences” that can be purchased by tourists.

One way commodified tourism works is through the creation of themed attractions like Disney World or Universal Studios. These destinations offer visitors a chance to experience their favorite movies in real life. They are designed to be immersive experiences where visitors feel like they are part of the film or TV show they love.

Another way commodified tourism works is through the packaging of historic sites and national parks as “experiences” that can be purchased by tourists. For example, some tours package visits to ancient ruins with accommodations at luxury hotels and guided tours. This turns an otherwise educational experience into one that is packaged for sale.

  • Examples of Commodified Tourism
  • Impact on Local Communities
  • The Ethics of Commodified Tourism

Examples of Commodified Tourism

There are many examples of commodified tourism around the world. Some popular examples include:

  • Disney World and Universal Studios
  • The Harry Potter Studio Tour in London
  • The Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand
  • The Louvre Museum in Paris
  • Machu Picchu in Peru

These destinations have been packaged and marketed as experiences that can be purchased by tourists. They are designed to offer visitors a chance to experience something unique and memorable.

Impact on Local Communities

While commodified tourism can bring economic benefits to local communities, it can also have negative impacts. In some cases, the focus on profits can lead to environmental degradation, loss of cultural heritage, and exploitation of local communities.

For example, the construction of large-scale theme parks or resorts can lead to the destruction of natural habitats. The influx of tourists can also put a strain on local resources, such as water and energy.

In addition, commodified tourism can lead to the homogenization of cultures. When attractions are packaged for sale, they must be made appealing to a wide audience. This often means that cultural elements are simplified or removed entirely.

The Ethics of Commodified Tourism

The ethics of commodified tourism are complex and depend on many factors. While commodified tourism can bring economic benefits to local communities and offer visitors unique experiences, it can also have negative impacts on the environment and local cultures.

To ensure that commodified tourism is ethical, it is important for destinations to prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. This might involve limiting visitor numbers or implementing environmentally-friendly practices.

In conclusion, commodified tourism is a growing trend in the travel industry that involves packaging cultural or natural attractions as marketable products for sale to tourists. While this type of tourism has its benefits, it is important for destinations to consider its impact on local communities and the environment when implementing these practices.