Southeast Asian Ethnic Tourism in a Changing World

This article reviews the principal developments in ethnic tourism in the Southeast Asian region in the last decade, consequent upon the processes of capitalistic penetration and the opening up of post- communist countries. Following an examination of the dynamics of the expansion of the tourist system at the regional level, several major institutional developments are discussed: ethnic village tours, tourist accommodations in ethnic areas, ethnic displays offered to tourists, ethnic museums and the changes in ethnic arts and crafts. The observed changes indicate that a “tourist sphere,” separate from the flow of life in ethnic communities, is emerging in the region, consisting of establishments which are often initiated and owned by outside entrepreneurs. The role of the ethnic people in the direction of tourism development in their areas is discussed, and the stark choices presently facing their traditional cultures are spelled out.