Heritage tourism in Southeast Asia /

Hitchcock (IMI University Centre, Luzern, Switzerland), King, and Parnwell (both, Univ. of Leeds, UK) deliver a long-awaited sequel to their Tourism in South-East Asia (1993). It includes essays on heritage tourism in the region from a host of interdisciplinary perspectives. Given that tourism spans numerous disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, business, policy studies, geography, and planning, the collection provides great insight into the contested nature of heritage tourism and its meaning to the various stakeholders involved. Though the essays are not grouped in any particular order, each is well-written, encompassing concepts often not reported in similar volumes, such as politics surrounding heritage tourism, heritage attractions in transition, and management of heritage sites--especially in the context of Southeast Asia. Of particular interest to educators and students are the vivid case studies that place readers on-site with each unfolding story. In addition, visuals, including maps, figures, and tables (e.g., a list of UNESCO World Cultural and Natural sites in Southeast Asia), are well placed. The edited volume will be a wonderful addition to library collections devoted to heritage tourism focusing on policy making, planning, and decision making in tourism development. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Most levels/libraries. K. M. Woosnam Texas A&M University