TOURISM AND SOCIOCULTURAL CHANGE IN LOCAL COMMUNITY: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC APPROACH IN THE RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO

Abstract

This paper presents results derived from a research project on sociocultural impacts of Integrally Planned Centers (CIPs) in receiving communities in Mexico. Particularly, we analyze meanings about tourism in general and about a recent tourist complex assisted by the National Fund for Tourism Promotion (FONATUR) in particular. Through a qualitative methodological design, which included interviews and ethnographic observation in the community of Higuera Blanca, state of Nayarit, it was observed that the inhabitants, depending on the modalities of tourism, perceive the influence of it in a heterogeneous and relative way. Findings suggest that, because they do not have yet a direct or intense participation in tourist activity of this region in general, or in neighboring complex in particular, inhabitants of Higuera Blanca construct particular meanings about their effects; associated with relative economic benefits but also with experiences of segregation and social exclusion.