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English, French, German and Portuguese; the
editorial office arranges the translation of those
eventually accepted for publication. All full-length
articles are reviewed anonymously �double blind).
In addition, the journal publishes conference
reports, book reviews and commentaries. First
appearing in 1992, the journal is published
quarterly by Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios
Turisticos �ISSN 0327±4841).
Estudios Turisticos
RENE BARETJE, FRANCE
Estudios Turisticos, an interdisciplinary journal, is
devoted to original investigations on the Spanish
tourism industry, including specific studies dealing
with theoretical and methodological articles and
empirical reports concerning planning, lodging,
food service, quality management, finance, teaching
and research, statistics, management,
marketing and special interest markets. One
of the key objectives of Estudios Turisticos is to
provide a high level forum for communication
between academics and practitioners concerned
with Spain's attractiveness and competitiveness in
the Mediterranean basin. Submissions, in Spanish
only, are subject to a double-blind review process.
Abstracts of articles appear in English and Spanish.
First published in 1964, the journal appears
quarterly. It is published by the Instituto de
Estudios Turisticos �ISSN 0423±5-37).
ethnic group
RENE BARETJE, FRANCE
The concept ethnic group often refers to the
biological features of a particular group. However,
one may also speak of ethnic groups as having
cultural, linguistic, religious, national or physical
differences that are in contrast with others. An
ethnic group may be the majority or a minority of
people in a region �see also minorities). Although
Frauke Kraas-Schneider �1992) suggests that it is
difficult to offer an exact definition of this entity, it
is still important for people in a particular group to
realise that they do indeed belong to one. This
ethnic group 203
concept is in harmony with the United Nations
definition of minorities dating back to the year
1950.
How are ethnic groups formed? Migratory
movements are seen as the most common basis
for such new formations. Migrations may be legal
or illegal in nature. In recent times, forced
migrations and refugee movements have been the
basis for the ethnic group formation. Even the
amalgamation of races in a particular region can
be seen as the source for a new minority. Political
relations may define the actual status of a `mixed
people'.
Schism has been considered particularly important
in connection with religious formation
leading to the increased coherence of a group.
Hostile attitudes from other groups may enhance
internal coherence. Change in the status of a
spoken language may also enhance internal
coherence. An ethnic group may be consolidated
by the activities of other stronger groups. Thus,
individual native American tribes have been
lumped by the white majority into a single group
known as `Indians'. In some cases, political
developments have affected the status of many
ethnic and minority groups, and so do border
changes or domestic and international disputes �for
example, German minority groups, Soviet Nationalities
Policy and recent problems in former
Yugoslavia).
An analysis of the self-consciousness of a
minority group may explain its history from
`category' to `group' to `community'. As a group
within a larger population, the minority may be
designated as only a `category' or a part of that
larger entity, such as the Swedish Finns. The
category may develop into a real `group' ± usually
after pressure from the majority group ± or evolve
into a `community'. After successfully promoting
the interests of the minority, it becomes institutionalised
within a larger group.
An ethnic or minority group can become the
target of the tourism industry, luring especially
those who are interested in cultural tourism.
Reducing an ethnic group to a touristic attraction
has been criticised in the literature. On the other
hand, members of a minority group may take
initiatives to turn their community into a tourism
destination. Whether this is done through