Beyond tourist gazes and performances - US consumption of land and labor in Puerto Rican and Mexican destinations

Theoretical debates about the relationship between tourism and Latin American development are often based upon the distinction between tourism's performative and its visual aspects. Though gazes and performances are important, they occur in the context of a usurpation of land and labor that lead to the displacement and exploitation of the residents of tourist destinations. Examination of U.S. consumption of tourist destinations and hospitality labor in Puerto Rico and Mexico reveals that tourism exacerbates inequalities between tourists and service providers, calling into question its long-term sustainability.