The Belizean conundrum : globalization, tourism and livelihoods in Placencia, Belize

Abstract

During the last decades, around the world, globalization has been the driving force behind the development of tourism. Pushed by a few international organizations, tourism rapidly became a way for Third World countries to reach development. Yet, the perceptions locals have of tourism, and the impacts it has on them, are not always positive.

Placencia, Belize, was a small fishing village until tourism became the main source of income for most of its villagers. It is important to understand how tourism impacts the livelihood of Placencians to see if tourism is helping, or hindering, the development of Placencia. Using a livelihood approach, this report describes how the natural, social, physical, human and financial assets of Placencians are impacted by tourism.