7. Conclusion
The importance of tourism development in this region is not overstated in this paper because of the facts
illustrated above. The issues and challenges presented in this literature reveals that tourism growth in the
region is exclusively demand-led and endowed with a comparative advantaged tourism sector in all
Southeast Asian countries. It is important to note that proper formulation and implementation of
favourable policy of tourism development is required to enjoy the benefits of tourism. This is especially
important for the countries where finished tourism products are yet at infant stage. The accessible
economic resources should lead the policies of tourism development since they provide proper recognition
of unique tourism products and operate their marketing. The available economic resources for tourism
development will determine the scale of its integration into the local economy while they also account for
the overall control of tourism sector. If any of the economic resources are insufficient, the success of
tourism policies is uncertain. The following elements should be taken into consideration when formulating
a unique Southeast Asian regional tourism policy:
• Integration and promotion of regional tourism cooperation.
• Considerations regarding regional tourism integration into national plans.
• Analysis of the objectives of the tourism development plan consistent with national policy.
• Well recognized and unambiguous but realistic tourism policy goals.
• Availability of proper and precise legal support for tourism.
• Tourism development by means of local and community participation.
• Enhancing the participation of women in the tourism sector.
• Prioritization and integration of intra-regional tourism developing firms within the region.
• Private-public sector partnerships in developing tourism.
• Expanding the investment opportunities and entrepreneurial initiatives of tourism sector.
• Formation of a destination image by means of promotional and marketing campaign.
In addition, it should be noted that the nurturing of tourism industry is critical for sustainable tourism
development in this region as tourism industry is sensitive to external shocks, thus, requires quick
response from all tourism stakeholders. Therefore, it needs intense attention due to changing realities
occurring in the competitive international tourism market outlook. The pre-requisites for nurturing this
industry are not only limited to cooperation required from all concerned bodies of the tourism industry, the
industry is also in need of much integration among national governments, regional and international
community through providing authentic support and political will.
Regional Tourism Development in Southeast