This text explores the role of tourism as a potential contibutor to socio-economic development in destination areas. Establishing a link between tourism studies and development studies, it considers what is meant by development, the processes through which development may be achieved and, in particular, a number of fundamental issues related to the use of tourism as a development agent. In so doing, it challenges conventional thinking about the relationship between tourism and development.

Tourism has increasingly become a vital element in the economic development of the Indian Ocean region. This volume brings together leading tourism and economics experts from the region to discuss the wide range of problems and issues raised by the increasing significance of tourism such as: tourism and development; dimensions of and assault on rural and urban poverty; empowerment of women; women’s property rights; access of the rural poor to services and resources; political and economic impediments to human resources development; management of energy and environmental resources; and electronic commerce and development. These issues and proposed policies are examined theoretically in the first section of this book, with comparative empirical case studies from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Botswana, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, the Maldives, Mauritius, the Seychelles, China and South Africa illustrating these arguments in the second section. A conclusion sums up the problems found in current policy and practice and puts forward innovative proposals and prospects for tourism and development in the region.

The growing market of tourism in Asian countries has caused significant changes to the economy, transportation, and safety for citizens. With the ubiquity of tourism, there is now an increasing need for resources to assist in the challenges that arise. Tourism and Opportunities for Economic Development in Asia is a key resource on the priorities, challenges, and strategies in the globalized economy of the Asian tourism market. Highlighting multidisciplinary studies on cultural tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality management, this publication is an ideal reference source for academicians, researchers, politicians, policy makers, and information technology directors actively involved in the tourism industry.