The Business Environmental and Social Responsibility (BESR) is a concept designed for hotels to create healthy environmental policies and quality employment which promotes employee well-being and safety in their jobs (Kasim, 2003).
Host communities benefit from the economic growth from tourism; however, detrimental social effects on the host community such as increased crime, exploitation of female workers, and loss of culture can result. According to Gibson and Bentley (2006), “Social effects are broad ranging and refer to the ways in which tourism contributes to changes in value systems, family relationships, individual behaviour, safety levels, moral conduct, collective lifestyles, creative expressions, traditional ceremonies, and community organizations.” Klaus de …show more content…
For example, crafts become mass produced and are changed to meet the demands of the tourists, and the traditional food and clothing becomes more like the visitors. The social contact between tourists and the host community can have both positive and negative impacts. If the tourists are welcomed with a friendly smile and reliable, responsive, and quality service from hospitality personnel and local people, this first direct contact and the overall experience at the destination have direct implications for future repeat visits and recommendations to others to visit this destination. (Opperman, 2000). However, if the tourists are pestered by vendors on the streets, beach, or attractions, the quality of the vacation experience is lessened. Many tourists have been confronted by drug dealers or prostitutes or become victims of a crime. On the other hand, tourists can be be too demanding or rude to the hospitality staff and local residents and the residents may be jealous of the tourists leading to animosity between the locals and the visitors and a decreased social environment (Goeldner & Ritchie,