1. The Tourism Geography of East Asia

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. Thailand Demand Supply Resources: Bangkok Chiangmai Phuket
Eastern Thailand

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

10. 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

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

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

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

14. 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

15. 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