Encounters Across Difference

Tourism encounters in the informal sector of the Global South can serve as a catalyst for political engagement and empowerment, challenging traditional critiques of such tourism. Natalia Bloch's study at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hampi reveals that subaltern communities, particularly workers and small entrepreneurs, view tourists not merely as economic beneficiaries but as allies in their political struggles. Through ethnographic research, Bloch demonstrates how these interactions foster local entrepreneurship, volunteering, sponsorship, and women’s empowerment, offering a nuanced perspective on the transformative potential of tourism beyond its colonial legacy.

Bloch, N. (2021). Encounters Across Difference. https://doi.org/10.5771/9781793624727