Amish Perception of Tourism in an Illinois Amish Community

This study investigated the impacts of tourism on the Amish of Illinois. The Amish are primarily a rural community who maintain a very simplistic lifestyle refusing to assimilate themselves into society. This lifestyle has caused the Amish to become a tourist attraction. Through personal interviews it was found that the Amish community relies on the economic benefits that tourism brings to their own business, but they reject the outside influence of modern society. A paradox is taking place which will not be easily resolved or remedied without involvement by each party, the tourist promoters and the Amish community. Overall, the implications of this research show that more careful attention needs to be focused on respect for the private lifestyle of the Amish, interpretative programs to inform tourists about the community, a search for a balance between gains for the entire local community, and a desire to maintain the historically rural and basic way of life for the Amish. 1993 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Amish Perception of Tourism in an Illinois Amish Community Academic Article