Transforming communities: Analyzing the effects of infrastructure and tourism development on social capital, livelihoods, and resilience

Published in: Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management (2024)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2024.04.017

Overview

The rapid development of infrastructure and tourism in remote areas often brings significant opportunities—and challenges—for local communities. My latest co-authored research examines how these changes are transforming social capital, livelihoods, and resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Focusing on iconic infrastructure projects like the Karakoram Highway and the Belt and Road Initiative, this study highlights the interplay between tourism development and community dynamics, offering insights into sustainable growth strategies in isolated destinations.

Key Findings

  1. Transformative Impacts:
    • Infrastructure and tourism development have dramatically reshaped community livelihoods and social capital.
    • International and domestic tourism growth has heightened pressures on local infrastructure, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Opportunities vs. Challenges:
    • Opportunities: Economic growth, improved connectivity, and enhanced livelihoods.
    • Challenges:
      • Cultural commodification and authenticity loss.
      • Strain on resources and unregulated tourism growth, exacerbating sustainability issues.
  3. Community Resilience:
    • Adaptive strategies are crucial for maintaining resilience in the face of rapid change.
    • Cultural perspectives play a vital role in shaping indigenous social capital and community adaptations.

Why This Matters

Gilgit-Baltistan serves as a case study for understanding the delicate balance between development and preservation in isolated communities. This research provides:

  • Insights for Policymakers: Guidelines for managing tourism and infrastructure development to ensure cultural and environmental sustainability.
  • Tools for Communities: Strategies to strengthen social capital and resilience amidst rapid transformation.
  • Future Research Directions: A framework for investigating vulnerabilities and resilience strategies in remote tourism areas.

Practical Implications

This research offers actionable recommendations for balancing growth and sustainability:

  • Regulated Tourism Development: Implement policies to prevent over-tourism and preserve cultural authenticity.
  • Community-Led Initiatives: Empower local stakeholders to lead adaptive strategies and shape development trajectories.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure Planning: Align large-scale projects like the Belt and Road Initiative with community resilience and environmental goals.

Keywords

Isolated communities, livelihood, community well-being, social capital, sustainable tourism development, transport infrastructure.

How to Cite This Research

If you reference this work, please use the following citation:

Hussain, A., Mandić, A., & Fusté-Forné, F. (2024). Transforming communities: Analyzing the effects of infrastructure and tourism development on social capital, livelihoods, and resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 59, 276-295.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2024.04.017

Read the Full Paper

Access the complete study here: ScienceDirect.

Join the Conversation

How can remote communities like Gilgit-Baltistan balance economic growth with cultural and environmental preservation? Share your thoughts and experiences to contribute to the dialogue on sustainable tourism development.