Asia and the Pacific

Distance and cost have meant that tourism in Asia and the Pacific has been slow to develop. It is expected that, as the focus of the world economy increasingly turns to this area, tourism will become more important, both inbound and outbound. The four areas that have had a long history of tourism are Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Hong Kong. The British lease on Hong Kong runs out in 1997. After that time the territory reverts to China.

The major generator of tourists to Hong Kong is Japan followed by the United States. Approximately two-thirds of the visitors to Hong Kong are from Pacific-area countries. They come to experience the Chinese culture and the free-port shopping. However, on the nearby islands there are good beaches. Visits tend to be short-term, an average of less than three days. Tourists often stop en route to somewhere else. Despite this, tourism is a major export for the island.

Malaysia. As with Hong Kong, most tourists visiting Malaysia come from within the Pacific region, primarily Thailand. The influence of its membership in the British Commonwealth, however, is felt in the number of visitors from Australia and the United Kingdom. Tourists are attracted to picturesque towns (such as the thatched houses on stilts in the old part of Kuala Lumpur), the Buddhist temples, black sand beaches, jungles and culture of the locals.

Thailand. Thailand attracts visitors from the Pacific region and Europe. The United States accounts for about 10 per cent of tourists to the country. The months of April, May and June are the slowest months. Visitors come to see the temples, ancient cities, religious sites, jungles, and to enjoy the beach resorts. In addition, there are six hill tribes in the country, each with their own culture, who can be visited by tourists.

Singapore. Singapore benefits from its location at a crossroads for both ships and airplanes. It is on the air routes to the Far East and Australasia and has what is regarded as the finest airport in Southeast Asia. However, tourists are usually en route to somewhere else. About half of tourist expenditure is on shopping. Singapore does have beautiful natural attractions including beaches and coral reefs. Government attempts to improve tourism have focused on developing Singapore as the convention capital of Southeast Asia. Conventions bring a captive group and can attract visitors in the off-season. Many festivals have also been developed, focusing on a blend of culture, food, and music.

The Indian Ocean Islands. The white sand beaches, palm trees, high temperatures, clear skies, and warm seas give this area its "island paradise" image. The largest island by far is Madagascar. In fact, its size and limited means of communication pose problems. Tourism is concentrated in the capital of Tananarive, the volcanic "paradise" island of Nosy-Be and at Di égo-Suarez, a bay fringed by coral reef.

Tourism is fairly well established in Mauritius, which offers a variety of scenery in addition to coral reefs and beaches. Reunion, which is French, the Comoros, and the Seychelles, offer the tourist the opportunity to get away from it all. Facilities are lacking but the features of these islands will bring tourists and facilities to meet their needs. The problem will be to ensure that development does not harm the natural beauty of the islands.

India. The chief tourists to India come from the United Kingdom and the United States. The attractions are the wildlife, ancient monuments, and, perhaps more importantly, the culture. The country offers a blend of Hindu, Moslem and European influences. The dominant religions are Hinduism and Islam and many of the attractions relate to these. Temples and mosques, holy cities, and religious festivals abound. The most famous attraction is, of course, the Taj Mahal. A major problem for tourists is the large size of the country. The package circuit is recommended for many tourists: Bombay, Udaipur, Agra, Benares and Dehli.

Sri Lanka. Europe sends about two out of every three tourists to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). The country has beaches comparable to those in the Caribbean, all 1,600 kilometers of them. There are also a variety of ancient monuments and temples. The peak months for tourism are between December and April, while the monsoons discourage tourists in June and July.

Taiwan. Most visitors to Taiwan are from the Pacific region, notably Japan. North America accounts for a large number of tourists. The area has great natural beauty. The Taroko Gorge is reputed to be one of the wonders of the world while the vertical cliffs along the east coast are said to be the world's highest. Additionally, Taiwan offers a combination of old and modern China.

South Korea. As with Taiwan, Japan is the major source of tourists to South Korea. Approximately 80 per cent of visitors come from the Pacific region. The main attractions are Seoul, the capital, with its palaces and museums, and Kyongju, known for its temple and museums.

Japan. Because of the strength of its economy, Japan has a heavy tourism deficit on its tourism account. Japanese travel to Southeast Asia (largely Hong Kong and Taiwan), the United States and the United Kingdom. Travel abroad has been aided by the development of inclusive tours. Despite the distance separating the two, the United States is the major tourist-generating country for Japan.

There are many tourist regions in Japan. Hokkaido, the northernmost island, offers winter sports and mountain scenery. Tohoku, the northeastern section of the main island, is known for its national parks, hot springs and local festivals. Kanto includes Tokyo in addition to shrines and temples; in the center of the main island of Honshu is Chubu, which features seven national parks, outstanding natural resources, and ski resorts. Kansai, which contains the cities of Kyoto and Osaka, has beautiful scenery and seascapes as well as the ancient capitals of Japan. Hiroshima, site of the first atomic bomb dropped on Japan, is in Chugoku. Located on the western end of the main island, it has beaches, coastal plateaus, and the Inland Sea National Park. Finally, Kyushu is an island with a subtropical climate, six national parks and a variety of historic sites.

Australia. New Zealand is the principal tourist-generating country for Australia, followed by the countries of North America. Tourism peaks in December, February and August.

Tourists come for three reasons. About one in four visitors, mainly those from New Zealand and Great Britain, travel to visit relatives. Large numbers from neighboring islands visit for a change of physical environment and for recreation. Third, many travelers come for business reasons but stay for pleasure.

Australia does possess various natural attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, and superb beaches. There is a fairly well-developed domestic tourism business. The Australians greatly enjoy outdoor recreation.

New Zealand. The tourist season in New Zealand runs from November to March. Most visitors come from Australia. The attractions are both natural and cultural. The scenery is spectacular; the country offers opportunities for sport and recreation such as sailing, skiing, hunting and fishing; Maori settlements show the life and culture of the native people.

South Pacific. Tourism in the South Pacific islands varies from the well-developed Fiji Islands to the less important (from a tourism perspective) Solomon Islands and Cook Islands. Tourism to these islands accounts for a very small percentage of Pacific tourism. Australia, followed by the United States, sends most tourists to these places. Visitors come for the natural beauty (mountains, lagoons and vegetation) and the beaches. The various island cultures can also be experienced.

Oceania Islands. Tourism to the islands of Oceania is a little greater because of Guam, an American island that has an extensive infrastructure. Japan and the United States send most tourists to Guam and to the other islands of Oceania, namely American Samoa, Tahiti, Trust Territory and Western Samoa. The islands are known for their climate, spectacular sunsets, clean beaches and friendly people.

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