An example of an art form that has been encouraged and supported by tourism is miniature painting in Bundi, Rajasthan (India). The Bundi style of painting, characterised by rich colours and intrinsic detail, became an established art form between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Most miniatures depict hunting or palace scenes. The Bundi school of painting used traditional hand brushes and hand-made colour, and even today no modern instruments are used. This means that one picture can take one month to one year to make. Tourist guides for the area usually recommend the miniatures as souvenirs and gifts. The Frommer’s India guide for example advises: ‘If you want to take home a few miniature paintings (and you do – the style is exquisite and the prices are laughably cheap), Bundi is one of the best places to do so’ (De Bruyn et al., 2008: 431). Because of increased interest from tourists, making miniatures in Bundi has once again become a profitable profession. This is important as government support for the artists is low, although the Rajasthani government explicitly considers the commercialisation of tourism as a way to promote culture (www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/).

Albania is an example of a country that may benefit from tourism development. At present the country is one of the least developed in Europe; but with its mountains, lakes and Mediterranean coast line, it has great potential for tourism. Albania also has a relatively mild climate and a strong cultural heritage, influenced by the Greeks, the Romans, the Italians and the Turks. At present the infrastructural limitations of the country (for example electricity shortages) hinder its development, but investment has now increased with tourism in mind. For example, Tirana International airport is being modernised and international arrivals are increasing. The development of the airport has led not only to improvements for tourist arrivals, but also for facilities for cargo flights – from this perspective, it can be seen as a boost to the Albanian economy as a whole, as it allows an increase in the export of goods. This modernisation has gone hand in hand with the construction of new road infrastructure (including a new access road that substantially shortens the travel time between Tirana and the airport), a new bridge, and a new water supply and sewage plant – thus simultaneously improving the infrastructure for the local community (Euromonitor, 2006).

The 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire shocked its viewers with images of children being deliberately blinded by a criminal gang, because they would receive more money begging. Unfortunately, these scenes are not rooted in fantasy: in big Indian cities like Mumbai, criminal gangs are said to be operating, abducting, maiming and blinding children, in some cases even amputating healthy limbs (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1127056/The-real-Slumd...). Tourists often give money, food or small gifts to the children, and so help to sustain this practice. Slum tours are now being offered in an increasing number of destinations: the favela in Rio de Janeiro and the shantytowns in Cape Town are examples. The slum tour organisers usually donate a share of their profits (if they make any) to local charities or initiatives that will help the slum community. The slum community gets the opportunity to show their way of life to the tourists and sell handicrafts. These different income streams can help to improve the quality of life for the residents of the slum. Proponents of slum tourism highlight that a first-hand experience of poverty can be an educational experience. However, opponents say that slum tours can sensationalise the horrors of living in a slum.

Malia is a resort on the north-eastern coast of the Greek island of Crete. Because of its many nightlife facilities and its young visitor profile, it is often referred to as ‘the Ibiza of Greece’. In July 2007, hundreds of local residents took to the streets to protest against the lewd and violent behaviour of young British tourists. They closed off the main highway and handed out leaflets. These explained that many young tourists, often under the influence of alcohol, would engage in public sexual acts, vandalism and violence. This had made the local residents feel unsafe, because the local police force was overstretched and was struggling to maintain order. The behaviours of the tourists had direct impacts on the everyday family life of the locals, many of whom would not venture out in the evening to go to a café or for a walk with their children. The protest aimed to put pressure on the government to stop travel agencies promoting Malia as a destination for sex and fun (http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/07/25/uk-greece-britain-tourists-idUK...).