Journal of Greater Mekong Subregion Development Studies, Vol. 3, (July 2006)

Abstract

The Journal of GMS Development Studies continues to make strides. This third issue focuses on a central issue confronting policy makers in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS): tourism and its impact on income distribution. With the subregion fast becoming a major tourism hub, the challenge is to ensure that tourism results in positive economic and social outcomes. The GMS is culturally diverse, has a rich heritage, and is endowed with stunning natural resources. These combine to make it one of the most promising tourism destinations in the world today. Tourist arrivals are projected to increase fourfold from current levels of 16 million to about 46–52 million in 2015. The subregion is cleverly marketed as a single tourism destination. New products are being developed, and new market segments are being addressed. This strategy is projected to accelerate tourism development even further in the next ten years.