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Governments around the world have different reasons for developing tourism. These political objectives shape how countries manage their tourism sectors, what kinds of visitors they try to attract and how much money they invest in tourism infrastructure.
Key Definitions:
Governments don't just let tourism happen on its own. They actively shape it because:
Different political systems approach tourism in different ways:
Most governments see tourism as an economic opportunity. Here's why:
When tourists visit a country, they bring foreign currency with them. This is especially important for developing countries that need foreign exchange to buy imported goods and pay international debts.
Tourism creates many different types of jobs, from hotel staff and tour guides to restaurant workers and taxi drivers. For every direct job in tourism, about 1.5 indirect jobs are created in related industries.
Governments collect taxes from tourism businesses and sometimes directly from tourists through hotel taxes, airport fees and entry fees to attractions. This money can fund public services.
Tourism can bring economic activity to rural or underdeveloped regions, helping to reduce inequality between different parts of a country.
Spain has used tourism as a major economic development tool since the 1960s. Under the Franco dictatorship, the government promoted mass beach tourism to bring in foreign currency. This 'sun and sand' model transformed the Spanish economy but also led to environmental problems along the coast. Since becoming a democracy, Spain has worked to diversify its tourism offerings, promoting cultural tourism in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as rural tourism in inland regions. Today, tourism accounts for about 12% of Spain's GDP and helps balance its trade deficit.
Beyond economics, governments have other reasons for developing tourism:
Tourism can be a form of 'soft power' - the ability to influence others through attraction rather than force. When people visit a country and have a positive experience, they often develop a more favourable view of that country.
Many governments use tourism marketing to create a positive image of their country abroad. This can help attract not just tourists, but also foreign investment and political support. For example, New Zealand's "100% Pure" campaign not only boosted tourism but also helped position the country as environmentally conscious.
Tourism can be used to showcase a country's culture and values. Japan, for instance, promotes its traditional arts, cuisine and technology through tourism, helping to spread Japanese cultural influence globally.
Tourism policies can also serve internal political goals:
China's government has actively shaped tourism development to serve multiple political objectives. Domestically, it promotes 'red tourism' - visits to sites important in Communist Party history - to strengthen patriotism and party loyalty. Internationally, China has invested heavily in improving its tourism infrastructure and easing visa restrictions to enhance its global image. The Belt and Road Initiative includes tourism cooperation with many countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China strictly controlled international tourism as part of its 'zero-COVID' policy, showing how public health objectives can override economic tourism goals.
One of the most important factors affecting tourism development is political stability. Tourists generally avoid destinations they perceive as unsafe or unstable.
Political unrest, terrorism, or conflict can devastate a country's tourism industry overnight. Even when the actual risk is low, negative perceptions can keep tourists away for years.
Tourism often requires governments to work together on issues like:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has developed a regional tourism strategy to promote Southeast Asia as a single destination. Member countries collaborate on marketing, standardising tourism quality and improving connectivity between destinations. They've implemented initiatives like the ASEAN Tourism Standards and the ASEAN Common Visa, which aims to allow tourists to visit multiple countries in the region with a single visa. This cooperation helps smaller countries in the region compete with major destinations like China and India.
Governments often face difficult choices when their tourism objectives conflict with each other:
Successful tourism policies find ways to balance these competing objectives. Many governments now aim for sustainable tourism development that brings economic benefits while protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.