Changes brought about by growth of tourism

The changes brought about by growth of tourism meant that the changes in the country after tourism have taken place in the country. Due to the growth of tourism in the country, standard of living in Taiwan has increased significantly. However, Taiwan has not done away with the old. Instead, they continue to keep their tradition and infuse it with the modern day influences, resulting in a special culture of the country.

The growth of tourism has also spurred the people in the country to push their limits, resulting in the birth and design of the Taipei 101. An idea to build the world's tallest skyscraper, however, the basic design comes from the humble bamboo. With tourism, students in Taiwan have started to pick up English as a second language so as to keep in touch with Western and European countries.

Taiwan has also become more globalised in a way that more internationally known global brands are willing to pump in money into the business in Taiwan market. Global brands such as Starbucks, McDonalds’, Gucci, Prada and etc, have been seen around in the Taiwan market, especially more in the recent years. The growth of tourism has helps the country to boost its economy, which helps to raises the standard of living for Taiwanese. This is also why international chains are penetrating the Taiwan market as Taiwan has become a potential market to set up businesses.

Has tourism been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions?

Tourism has been a culprit in commodifying cultures and traditions as it has make the indigenous group an “attraction” for tourists. Tourists such as students or cultural tourists would be interested in the way of life of these indigenous groups of people and would probably visit Taiwan just to take a look at these tribes. In this way, the indigenous groups are being used unknowingly as an advertisement for Taiwan tourism. Also, the people of the tribes would switch their attention from daily lives and practices to booming the tourism market by “selling” their culture to these tourists. As income can be gain from indirect tourism jobs such as selling handicrafts, performing traditional dances and songs to these tourisms, there is a chance that these indigenous groups do it for the same of monetary gains, instead of preserving their culture.

On the other hand, it can be seen that Taiwan government have the will to preserve the old traditions and ethnic cultures of the indigenous groups. This will then be able to preserve the traditional practices, way of life and the culture of the indigenous groups.

This can be proven from the language education of Taiwan as it makes it a requirement for students to take one of the language Holo, Hakka and indigenous language. This would then helps in preserving the culture and traditions as the youths are being exposed to the usual traditions and languages.