Evaluation of Community Development through Indigenous Cultural Tourism: A Case of Su-Paiwan in Southern Taiwan

• Main Authors: Anita F. Tzec, 安妮塔
• Other Authors: April Hueimin Lu
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2003
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/94553442699284350812

碩士 === 國立屏東科技大學 === 熱帶農業暨國際合作研究所 === 91 === Currently, in the indigenous development arena, Indigenous Cultural Tourism (ICT) is viewed by many as a sustainable alternative to mass tourism and a means of providing benefits to local communities, who normally bear the highest opportunity cost in tourism. Thus, presently ICT is commonly seen as an option for indigenous community development. Nevertheless, there are those who believe this is fallacious or at best naïve. This research evaluated the potential of the Su-Paiwan Aboriginal village, located in the Southern Pingtung County of Taiwan, to take up indigenous cultural tourism as a community development option. During the period of 2002/2003, a total of 30 community members were surveyed with semi-structured and structured interviews. Also, in-depth organized discussions were held with a focus group, which consisted of a total of 10 community members, tribal and village leaders. The main results obtained showed that the Su-Paiwan community has a strong community structure, but lacks self-reliance. Moreover, its major weaknesses were found to be lack of entrepreneurship, knowledge of and experience in the tourism industry. Thus, these major weaknesses pose a serious challenge for ICT development in the Su-Paiwan village. In evaluating the community’s perceptions, attitudes and reactions to ICT development, it was observed that the “active” members of the community were very positive and supportive of this type of development initiative. Their level of involvement in the reconstruction of their traditional stone slab houses indicated their high level of interest in cultural oriented development projects. In was concluded that “active” members of the community have the potential to act as catalysts in awakening and changing the attitudes of the wider community. On the other hand, it was concluded that development options considered by this community should focus on indigenous education of the young Su-Paiwan generations; and on building indigenous knowledge and industry.