Can ICT Support the Development of Ecological Tourism in Aboriginal Tribes? A Case Study in Taiwan
I-Chun Lin · 2009
Information communication technology (ICT) has beco me a tool for achieving development goals for devel oping countries and disadvantaged groups. An ICT tourism project was launched for Taiwanese aborigines, suf fering from low social and economic status, to support local ec ological tourism and stimulate economic activities in the area. This study attempts to ascertain the impact of the proje ct on the aboriginal tribes. On the basis of our icase study and intensive interview approach, the finding s highlight a number of negative impacts occurring before the actual benefits of the project could be felt. As a result of our observations of confusion and conflict with in the tribes arising from the ICT projects, we propose that such a proje ct in aboriginal tribes can be somewhat of a two-ed ged sword; on the one hand, the project creates confusion about a boriginal identity and deepens the conflicts within the community, while on the other hand, it helps reduce the digita l divide and stimulates local commercial activities for the communities. Such ambivalence to the ICT project ultimately unde rmined its potential for success.