Demonstration Effect

The demonstration effect has traditionally been understood as a negative influence from visiting tourists toward resident hosts and their local culture, who undergo changes in the process. More differentiated understandings allow for the reverse effect, from the host culture toward tourists. While the demonstration effect had been seen only as detrimental for the host culture and local residents, advantages are now conceded for the hosts as well as for the tourists. The demonstration effect had been considered as mostly tourist-induced, but now other influences on host cultures and residents, such as global mass media, are seen as equally valid. Future-oriented reflections on the demonstration effect range from demands for more detailed empirical research to plans for harnessing it so as to positively develop the relationships ...