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This report, “Behind Glitter: The Impact of Tourism on Rural Women in the Southeast,” by Michal Smith, was prepared in August 1989 for The Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy Program and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, with funding from The Ford Foundation. The report investigates the economic impact of the tourism industry on rural women in the Southeast, arguing that tourism development, as practiced, is a “flawed economic development strategy.” While it generates revenue, it also strains infrastructure, increases the cost of living, degrades the environment, dilutes local cultures, and primarily creates marginal, seasonal jobs. The study focuses on 84 rural counties in 12 southeastern states where the hotel industry experienced significant growth between 1970 and 1984.Key findings include:
- Job Quality: Tourism jobs (food servers, maids, retail clerks) offer minimal wages, marginal benefits, and little advancement opportunities, primarily employing women.
- Economic Disparities: Despite industry growth, indigenous populations, especially women, experienced worsening economic circumstances. Unemployment rose, women faced higher unemployment rates, and poverty among female-headed households increased dramatically. Family median incomes, particularly for female-headed households, lagged significantly behind national averages.
- Population Shifts: High-growth tourism counties saw average population increases (29.5%) far exceeding national and regional rates, often leading to increased urbanization and a loss of rural character.
- Black Populations: There were declining black populations in a quarter of the study counties, and a slower rate of black population increase compared to the national average, suggesting an inhospitable climate for Black residents.
The report concludes that public investment in promoting private sector tourism businesses that offer limited returns to indigenous peoples is a disservice, and may have unintentionally worsened economic conditions for millions of women and their children.
