Firewalking on Beqa: A case study which demonstrates touristic influence on social and cultural aspects of the South Pacific world.

Abstract

This paper explores the social and cultural influences on the villagers of Beqa Island, in the Fiji Group, of a tourist hotel. Discussion centres on various changes that have occurred on the island since the hotel commenced construction. Particular attention is paid to the influence of attitudes to traditional firewalking practices, by incorporating material on the commercialisation of firewalking together with documentation of the first performance held at the new hotel. Firewalking, and the new hotel on Beqa, provide valuable case studies for evaluating the influence of tourism on the beliefs and practices of people who are part of the South Pacific World.