Tourism in South-East Asia

South-East Asia has developed rapidly as a tourist destination, but what are the effects of this growth upon the peoples of the region? How far is it possible to control the impact of tourism whilst also supporting the industry's role in the region's development? This book, first published in 1993, attempts to answer these questions by providing a critical analysis of the nature of tourism as it has developed in the area. It questions commonly held assumptions about tourism both from a western perspective and from the point of view of policy makers in the region. It explores central issues such as the impact of tourism on the environment, culture and the economy, placing it within an historical and political context in order to assess the implications of current developments. The contributors use case studies from a variety of countries on such aspects as the sex industry, dream holidays and rural handicrafts, assessing tourist perceptions, both domestic and international, and policy decisions. By taking a long-term perspective it should provoke thought on the ways to develop sustainable tourism for the future.

Michael Hitchcock