ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the study of the impacts of tourism on people in groups, and this includes both residents of tourism areas and tourists themselves. It deals with the impacts on the culture of the host population. Any discussion of socio-cultural impacts of tourism will require reference to and discussion of meanings of the terms society and culture. A number of theories have been put forward regarding socio-cultural impacts of tourism. Several pieces of research have been conducted to apply theoretical perspectives on socio-cultural impacts of tourism. An important study was conducted, by D. Getz, in the Scottish Highlands, who attempted to apply Doxey's theory. In terms of socio-demographic factors and attitudes, age was important; the young were generally more in favour of tourism. In the mid-1990s, research was conducted into resident attitudes to tourism growth on the Greek island of Samos.
