Has Tourism been a Culprit in Commodifying Cultures and Traditions?

Having studied about the changes brought about by tourism and related developments in Bali, I feel that the Balinese cultures and traditions have been commodified to meet the demands of tourists. Bali has been constantly promoted for its elaborate culture, with its scenery usually taking the backseat as a backdrop to most tourists (other than eco-tourists). With culture of the host community as a tourism product, it is inevitable that traditions and cultural aspects will be compromised as tourists, regardless of their motivations, prefer their experiences and interactions with cultures in a mediated setting.

Souvenirs as the culture
Cultures and traditions are made up of tangible (performing arts, monuments, handicraft etc) and intangible (values, believes, social system etc) aspects. It is often the intangible aspects which shapes the culture. These aspects can only be appreciated and understood with close interaction and observations.

"In fact, if tourists have any interest at all in Balinese culture, it is usually limited to buying mass-market folk art or attending a dance show, often at their hotel."- The Paradise Paradox, Keith Loveard

Local souvenir shop

The tourism industry in Bali is driven mostly by mass tourists who mainly seek to relax and enjoy their holiday instead of visiting Bali to learn of its culture. These tourists indulge in sightseeing and cultural activities such as visiting temples and watching various cultural performances as these are trademarks of Bali and deemed as part of the holiday experience. With such mindsets, in buying local products as souvenirs, the tourists are actually purchasing what they feel is close to their experiences and believe aptly represent the culture. When this happens, the Balinese culture is actually summarized, misrepresented and rembered by mere objects.

"Selling" of Arts to Meet Tourists Demands

Traditional dance- A tourist's entertainment

The Balinese culture and traditions have been the selling point of Bali due to their elaborateness and uniqueness especially in terms of dance performances and festive celebrations. As these are what Bali is famous for, tourists generally expect to enjoy them in Bali. As a result, traditional dances for the purpose of rituals are performed at regular basis in dining facilities and resorts. What used to be sacred to the Balinese is marketed and sold for tourist revenue, resulting in the loss of authenticity and cultural value. As a result of tourism, a priceless culture is reduced to a mere attraction to be mass-marketed for revenue.