The rhythm-making of an island destination community

Taking Baisha as a typical island tourism destination, the study explored how island tourism development affected islanders' lives and livelihood rhythms. The study also examined how islanders coped with the rhythmic changes. Findings showed the interrelations of rhythms on the island (tourism rhythm, islanders' life rhythms, traditional livelihood rhythms, and tourism livelihood rhythms). Findings confirm that tourism is embedded in the “old” rhythms of the island community. Further, islanders pursue the resonance of rhythms through rhythmic negotiations influenced by natural rhythm, top-down power discipline, and livelihood capacity. Study findings point to the influence of tourism seasonality on islanders' rhythmic sensations. Thus, the study suggests that island managers can enhance islanders' tourism participation by managing island rhythms.