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About
In recent decades, several Latin American nations have experienced political transitions that have caused a decline in tourism. In spite of-or even because of-that history, these areas are again becoming popular destinations. This work reveals that in post-conflict nations, tourism often takes up where social transformation leaves off and sometimes benefits from formerly off-limits status. Comparing cases in Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru, Babb shows how tourism is a major force in remaking transitional nations. While tourism touts scenic beauty and colonial charm, it also capitalizes on the desire for a brush with recent revolutionary history. In the process, selective histories are promoted and nations remade. This work presents the diverse stories of those linked to the trade and reveals how interpretations of the past and desires for the future coincide and collide in the global marketplace of tourism.
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Reviews
"This is one of the most important insights the author shares with us: how tourism functions not solely as an economic strategy but rather as a central tool through which [Latin American] countries are coming to terms with and actively negotiating revolutionary pasts . . . Overall, the book does a great job."
Arlene Davila, The Americas
"Babb presents the case for studying tourism in four Latin American countries that have recently undergone political and social transitions that caused an initial decline in tourism, but that are once again becoming popular destinations... In a tourism landscape that is increasingly segmented, Babb carefully examines and documents the role of 'revolutionary nostalgia' tourism... Recommended."
O. Pi-Sunyer, Choice
"Babb's book is highly recommended for tourism scholars who want to know more about the four countries under study and about the intersection of tourism and revolution. The writing style also makes it a good read for those tourists who want to know more about the places they visit than what the superficial accounts in travel guides tell them."
Annelou Ypeij, Journal of Latin American Studies