Cultural conflict: tourists versus tourists in Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose

This paper has two main aims: to provide evidence of an often overlooked dimension of cultural conflict: tourist versus tourist conflict; to raise awareness of the dual benefits gained by educating tourists, reducing conflict with hosts as well as with fellow tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents data from a series of self‐administered questionnaires, conducted with tourists in the popular resort island of Bali, over a three‐year period (1999‐2001). Two additional questions asked if the tourists were offended by the behavior of other tourists and if they found behavior of Balinese to be offensive. Content analysis of these questions provides the base data for this study.

Findings

Tourists expressed the most concern for loud behavior, drunkenness, and lack of respect for the local Balinese. Many were aware of the modest nature of the Balinese and recognized the importance of appropriate dress, as well as the offensive nature of topless or nude bathing. Australians were targeted the most as demonstrating rude behavior, mostly associated with drinking.

Research limitations/implications

While some of the facilitators were faculty, most were undergraduate students. Students were not trained in ethnographic techniques, there was little dialog between respondent and facilitator. Visitors to Ubud are not representative of the Balinese visitor mix, so the results may not be generalized to that population.

Practical implications

Educating tourists regarding appropriate behavior has two effects. It improves relations between guests and hosts while also improving relations among tourists. Tour, transport and MICE planners might consider the positive and negative encounters within their tourism mix.

Originality/value

Since most studies focus on guest/host conflicts, the emphasis on tourist/tourist conflict may raise some awareness regarding this issue and stimulate interventions to minimize this stress.

Citation

Iverson, T.J. (2010), "Cultural conflict: tourists versus tourists in Bali, Indonesia", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 299-310. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506181011081488