Indigenous tourism governance in Taiwan viewed through network perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tourism governance involves the reconstruction of various relationships and is related to the distribution of resources, authoritative regulations, and community networks. Based on large-scale construction projects and instances of conflict, this study selected a case study area in Taiwan, namely Nanao Township in Yilan County as an example to understand public tourism policies through analysis of tourism governance studies and theories. In-depth interviews were conducted to generalize local opinions, and key local events were investigated to ensure a detailed examination. A relationship between vertical and horizontal cooperative networks was then established. Results revealed that financial resources received from the national government were abundant compared with those received from nonindigenous counties; however, resource distribution requires suitable arrangements to be agreed on through a platform for meetings and discussion among tribes. Nowadays, increasingly more indigenous young people are returning to their home towns from cities to offer possibilities for transformation. The analysis revealed that sustainable tourism among indigenous groups requires respect for their traditional wisdom and greater consensus among stakeholders to encourage more practical contributions to participatory comanagement.