Tourism and cross cultural communication

Adaptive strategies that facilitate economic and socio-cultural interaction in a West Mexican resort community, Puerto Vallarta, are examined over time. The special role played by bilingual culture brokers and the presence of both seasonal and resident foreigners contribute to rapid culture change, the expansion of tourism, and strenghening ethnic identity. This paper focuses on the spatial, temporal, linguistic, and cultural factors that mediate between the various types of guests and the host country.