Page 208 - sustainable tourism-- Dr.Aya

the local communities are aware of a poor

environmental performance of the new

construction materials and technology, but it is

a mistake that they all wish to make first and

reflect on later. Does the empowerment of the

community in this context mean conducting

research on the benefits of the traditional ways

and disseminating the same? Will this be a

justified approach of educating the local

community? Is the research community open

to their rejecting the ideas and continuing with

the transformation? Can a middle ground be

found? Will that be good enough for the

consumers of cultural heritage tourism? This

further highlights the issue of dynamism and

authenticity of cultural heritage resources.

The consciousness of the local community that

showcasing the traditional way can be a source

of livelihood for them in terms of managing

home stays and bed and breakfast operations

in itself leads to a kind of commoditization of

their life style that is critically looked upon in

social and tourism studies. Hence, only in very

remote areas can such traditional experiences

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