However, there is an unequal distribution of tourism benefits in both villages and an increase in income inequality. Yujiale is primarily a family based activity initiated and operated by individual families. As observed, current Yujiale family hotels are generally substantial two-story buildings but considerable work and money are required to convert traditional wood or brick houses with small rooms into family hotels with extra rooms for tourists to stay. Thus, shortage of funds was mentioned by both tourism participants and non-participants as the major barrier to getting involved. Poor families have been largely excluded from tourism benefits due to financial constraints that prevent them from making the initial investments. Other than the above mentioned government subsidy, no other mechanism, such as funding programs or targeted bank loans, currently exists at either the village or the local government level to facilitate equal opportunities to participate and the wider distribution of benefits, particularly for the poor. As a result, the income gap in the village has been enlarged following Yujiale tourism development, which potentially threatens the traditional social relations within villages. As one non-participant at Digou village commented: