摘要
This paper provides a brief overview of three problematic aspects of the trend towards globalization in the tourist industry： sex tourism, exploitation of minors, and environmental degradation in both the physical and social environments. This paper draws on the experience of fast-expanding tourist centres in Central America, in addition to worldwide compilations of published data. It suggests that underlying the specific problems of each of these three major aspects of globalized tourism, there exists a deeper malaise： its potential contribution to a deeper rift between ＂haves＂ and ＂have-nots＂. Income inequality has clearly always existed; however, the awareness of such inequality may spread through the globalizing nature of intemational tourism. Such consciousness may lead to increasing resentment, despite the injection of tourist income into the local economy. One-way exploitation is thus distinguished from mutual exploitation, and in that context, ＂gringoitis＂ and social degradation are discussed. The possibility is explored that growth in global tourism is ultimately beneficial. However, the dark side of that growth needs further exposure. That is the aim of this paper.
