Core Insights - A recent study from the University of Manchester indicates that the development of luxury tourism in some African countries, aimed at attracting high-spending tourists and boosting economic growth, has had limited positive effects and has even caused negative impacts [1][2] Group 1: Economic Impact - International institutions, including the World Bank, have long recommended that African countries focus their development strategies on luxury tourism, believing it could achieve "high value, low impact" growth that protects the environment and benefits local communities [1] - The study reveals that luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels in Africa are often isolated from surrounding communities, leading to minimal local spending by tourists [1] - Employment opportunities for local residents in these luxury facilities are limited, with most profits flowing overseas, and many high-profit eco-resorts are foreign-owned [1] Group 2: Social Impact - The development of luxury tourism has not significantly improved the living standards of ordinary local residents in Africa [1] - In Mauritius, for example, many locals complain that high-quality beaches are increasingly monopolized by luxury resorts, resulting in a loss of access for the local population [1] Group 3: Environmental Concerns - The environmental issues associated with luxury tourism are significant, as many luxury tourists travel by private jets, contributing to a higher global carbon footprint [2] - The reliance on European and North American customers for this tourism model has led to criticisms of it being a form of "pseudo-carbon reduction" [2] - The study's lead researcher emphasizes the need for African countries to find a new balance between economic diversification and sustainable tourism development to ensure that the tourism industry genuinely benefits local societies [2]
英高校研究:高端游客涌入,非洲本土却“零存在感”
Huan Qiu Shi Bao·2025-08-20 22:45