Richardson, Emi (2026) Culture and Tourism: An Investigation into the Commodification and Alteration of Culture within St. Maarten’s Tourism Industry. Master thesis, Cultural Geography - Sustainable Tourism and Society (STS).
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Abstract
In this research paper, it explores the topics of tourism, cultural heritage and cultural identity within a geographical focus on the country of St. Maarten. The research question posed, seeks to determine “To what extent has St. Maarten’s Cultural Heritage and Identity been commodified and altered by tourism?”. Interviews are conducted to investigate the research topic with participants working within and outside the tourism industry of the country. These participants are included to reflect those apart of the local community who are culturally impacted by tourism. Additionally, they are included to reflect the respective knowledge and positionality of those who hold and do not extensive experience in the tourism industry of St. Maarten. The research finds that reliance, neo-colonial dynamics and the relationship of cultural subservience and dominance act as indicators for the alteration of St. Maarten’s cultural heritage and identity based on tourism. In addition, multiculturalism brought forward by immigration but influenced by tourism in the country played a significant role in the alteration of St. Maarten’s culture. The cultural heritage and identity of St. Maarten can be promoted through effective branding, local community inclusion and sector diversification which can help to protect and preserve the culture for the country and people of St. Maarten and its visitors to come.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Name supervisor: | Muldoon, M.L. |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2026 08:58 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jul 2026 08:58 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/883 |
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