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:

· 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.

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
Reconstruction after war
Resources (Hanoi, Saigon, beaches)
Burma
Political issues

Japan

Industrial nation

Four main islands

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
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

Taiwan
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