Being Discovered. A Blessing to Local Identities?

This article investigates under which conditions the development of a destination leads to the reinforcement of its identity. This is likely if the national social structure prevents members of a low-status community from switching to a higher status group, and if they perceive their low status to be unfair. The development of the local identity is investigated for Volendam in the Netherlands and the Otavalo Valley in Ecuador. The conditions for its reinforcement seem to apply in both cases. The evidence suggests that the rise of commercial activities triggered by the arrival of tourism represents an important intermediary step in fostering the local identity.

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