The Tourism Geography of East Asia

Learning Objectives 1.      Describe the major physical features and climates of the region and understand their importance for tourism; 2.      Recognise that the economies of the countries in the region show many contrasts, ranging from the advanced to the least developed; 3.      Appreciate that outbound and domestic tourism and recreation are of growing importance to the more prosperous countries of East Asia; 4.      Recognise the effect of crises such as SARS and terrorism on demand for tourism in the region; 5.      Show that inbound tourism is being encouraged by most countries in the region as a source of foreign exchange and employment; 6.      Recognise that the tourist appeal of East Asia is mainly cultural, although beach tourism and event attractions are growing in importance; 7.     Be aware of the extent of the cultural and environmental impacts on host communities; 8.      Recognise the importance of infrastructure on tourism development; 9.     Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourist regions, resorts, business centres and tourist attractions of East Asia.

East Asia: Introduction Rapid economic growth Rapid tourism growth Varied tourism products Colonial influences Traditional cultures

Singapore Stable and prosperous Singapore Airlines Strong tourism market Resources · A number of zoos and wildlife parks · The waterfront area of Clarke Quay, with its leisure theatre and shopping developments · The Suntec conference and exhibition centre · The beach resort of Sentosa Island, which includes a number of Asian-style theme parks and · The Esplanade Centre for the performing arts, epitomising Singapore’s drive to become a cultural destination

Malaysia Multicultural Cultural areas: Resources: Brunei ·        Peninsular or West Malaysia, known under British rule as Malaya, which is the southernmost peninsula of mainland Asia ·        East Malaysia, consisting of the states of Sabah and Sarawak, which form part of the island of Borneo Resources: ·        The beaches of West Malaysia ·        A variety of cultural attractions ·        Facilities for conferences and meetings including the Putra World Trade Centre and the Malaysian International Exhibition Centre The wildlife resources of the interior mountains and rainforests. Brunei

Indonesia Large Muslim nation Demand Supply Resources: Java Sumatra Bali Lombok Lesser Sunda Islands Sulawesi

Philippines Spanish and American influences Demand Supply Resources: South Luzon Manila Beach resorts The Visayas Palawan Mindanao

Thailand Demand Supply Resources: Bangkok Chiangmai Phuket Eastern Thailand

Indo-China Cambodia Laos Vietnam Burma Reconstruction after war Resources (Hanoi, Saigon, beaches) Burma Political issues

Japan Demand Industrial nation Four main islands Domestic Character It is remarkably homogenous, with one language, few social divisions and no large ethnic minorities It has enjoyed political stability since 1945; Respect for tradition co-exists with admiration for the new There is a readiness to adopt the latest technological innovations Society is bound by discipline and respect for authority, but leisure is seen as increasingly important. Demand Domestic Outbound Inbound

Japan: Supply Transport Accommodation organisation Resources: Tokyo Kyoto Nikko, Nara, Ise Inland Sea Kyushu Hokkaido Okinawa

China Large population Restructuring Outbound tourism will dominate world tourism Large landmass Demand Inbound Domestic outbound

China: Resources North Xian Great Wall of China Chengde Beijing East Central Shanghai Historic Cities Yangtze West Tibet South Guilin Kunming Gwangzhou Hainan

Hong Kong and Macau Hong Kong SAR of China Major destination Colonial influence: Free port status and a free-wheeling private enterprise economy Border controls with the rest of China, although visa controls are being relaxed The Hong Kong dollar as its official currency; English as an official language Its own tourist authority for promotion and development – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB.) Major destination Resources Shopping for consumer goods and Chinese items such as jade The sampans and floating restaurants of Aberdeen Themed attractions such as the Sung Dynasty Village and the Middle Kingdom (showcasing China’s history), Ocean Park, and the Space Museum The outlying islands with their temples and peaceful countryside, providing a relief from the hectic pace of urban Hong Kong Macau

Taiwan, Korea and Mongolia Resources Taipei. The Taroko Gorge, on the East West Highway crossing the island Sun Moon Lake, a favourite resort for Taiwanese holidaymakers The beaches of the east coast and offshore islands. Korea Political division South Korea Economic growth Demand Resources Seoul Pusan Cheju Island Mountains North Korea Mongolia