Politics and tourism within South-East Asia.

Abstract This chapter examines the interactions between politics and international tourism which are shown to be inextricably linked in assorted ways. The focus of the discussion is on members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). After some general observations with regards to the tourism-politics relationship, the chapter looks back to the 1970s when political uncertainties and upheavals characterized parts of the region and impeded tourism. Such circumstances are then contrasted with those of the current era which tend to be more settled, reflecting the political shifts occurring in the intervening years, and which are more favourable for tourism.