Logo image
When spiritual values triumph over perceived commercial gains in tourism policy-making: The case of Bhutan’s Ura-Shinghkar golf course development
Conference paper   Open access

When spiritual values triumph over perceived commercial gains in tourism policy-making: The case of Bhutan’s Ura-Shinghkar golf course development

S. Teoh
5th Advances in Hospitality & Tourism Marketing and Management (AHTMM) Conference (Beppu, Japan, 18/06/2015–21/06/2015)
2015
pdf
spiritual values.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access
url
Conference WebsiteView

Abstract

This paper argues that good governance in Bhutan’s controlled tourism model occurred because of pressures on the government to preserve spiritual values, ahead of perceived commercial gains, in the Ura- Shinghkar Golf Course Development (USGCD) case. The USGCD project would impact livelihoods; derange water supply to a hydropower unit and pollute the water table and rivers downstream. More significantly, it would disturb the sanctity of hermits who meditate in this spiritual heartland. The study revealed that spiritual values triumphed and led to the rejection of the USGCD project, thereby protecting the villagers’ grazing livelihoods.

Details

Metrics

48 File views/ downloads
108 Record Views
Logo image