SOCIAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM IN THE INTEGRALLY PLANNED CENTER (CIP) BAHÍAS DE HUATULCO, MÉXICO

Abstract

The State-planned tourism destination of Bahías de Huatulco, Mexico, was developed to improve the economic and social conditions of the region. However, it has been argued that the destination cannot be considered totally successful due to the existing social problems that have emerged from the development. This study aimed to identify the perception of Huatulco’s local community towards the social benefits and costs related to tourism in the community. Based on a survey to 203 local residents, it was found that tourism has provided the community with employment and new economic opportunities. Further, it was observed that the increase in the number of constructions, the improvement of infrastructure and the increase in leisure opportunities are related to tourism development in the locality. On the other hand, although tourism is not perceived to be related to the increase in crime, prostitution and vandalism, there was a perception that the phenomenon is related to the increase in traffic, the increase in price of goods and services and the decrease in parking spaces for locals.