The other side of tourism. Contradictions of tourism and socio-territorial conflicts in the tourist destination of the Yucatán peninsula

Today, tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors globally and plays a decisive role in the economic development of countries. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, Tourism is one of the world's largest economic sectors, supporting one in 10 jobs (319 million) worldwide and generating 10.4% of world GDP. In 2018, the Travel & Tourism industry experienced 3.9% growth, compared to the global economy (3.2%). One in five new jobs were created by the industry over the last five years (WTTC 2018). On the other hand, in the era of the so-called Anthropocene, Tourism as well faces unprecedented challenges. As an example, those linked to climate change and its impact on tourist destinations, or to the pressure of the tourism industry and tourists on the environment, landscapes, local cultures and resident populations. According to Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (2001): «Tourism activities should be conducted in harmony with the attributes and traditions of the host regions and countries and in respect for their laws, practices and customs» (art. 1.2), but above all, «Tourism activity should be planned in such a way as to allow traditional cultural products, crafts and folklore to survive and flourish, rather than causing them to degenerate and become standardized» (art. 4.4). In recent decades the Yucatán peninsula has undergone great transformations connected to an uncontrolled and unrestrained tourism development. Multinationals and financial capital more and more interfere with national organizations and policies, under the banner of increasingly globalized tourism generating cultural models and life styles that risk emptying these contexts of functions and typical activities, distorting traditions, culture and local identities. In this scenario, the study investigates the other side of tourism, in an attempt to highlight the aspects closely related to the intensification of the tourism phenomenon and the lack of attention to the management of resources. The goal is to draw attention to the importance of "journey" not simply as a "recreational and leisure activity", but as a sustainable and responsible practice that considers tourist destinations respecting resources, culture and well-being of local populations, in a critical and not passive way.