Ethnic tourism has emerged as a means that is employed by many countries to facilitate economic and cultural development and to assist in the preservation of ethnic heritage. However, while ethnic tourism has the potential to bring economic and social benefits it can also significantly impact traditional cultures, ways of life and the sense of identity of ethnic groups. There is growing concern in many places about how to balance the use of ethnicity as a tourist attraction with the protection of minority cultures and the promotion of ethnic pride. Despite the fact that a substantial literature is devoted to the impacts of ethnic tourism, little research has been done on how to plan ethnic tourism attractions or to manage community impacts of tourism. This book addresses the need for more research on planning for ethnic tourism by exploring the status and enhancement of planning strategies for ethnic tourism development. The book develops the case of a well-known ethnic tourist destination in China -Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. It analyzes how ethnic tourism has been planned and developed at the study site and examines associated socio-cultural and planning issues. The authors evaluate the perspectives of four key stakeholder groups (the government, tourism entrepreneurs, ethnic minorities and tourists) on ethnic tourism through on-site observation, interviews with government officials, planners and tourism entrepreneurs, surveys of tourists and ethnic minority people, and evaluation of government policies, plans and statistics. This book is unique in its emphasis on planning and in its focus on China, rapidly emerging as a major player in tourism, with applications for tourism around the world.

About the Author
Li Yang is Associate Professor, Western Michigan University, USA and Geoffrey Wall is Professor, University of Waterloo, Canada.

Reviews
'Planning for Ethnic Tourism is among the best and most comprehensive studies of the development of minority ethnic tourism in China to date. Li Yang and Geoff Wall, drawing on their widespread experience, provide deep insights into tourism planning in China, offering lessons for developing regions around the world.' Alan A. Lew, Northern Arizona University, USA 'Ethnic tourism is part of the tourism strategy in many nations, especially in China. The benefits cited usually are economic, with lip service given to protecting minorities. Using the case of Xishuangbanna, China, Yang and Wall document the need for more informed planning and policies to provide more sensitive and equitable tourism development.' Stephen Smith, University of Waterloo, Canada 'This erudite work is long overdue in tourism studies! Yang and Wall's indispensable tome explains the multifarious dynamics of planning in a unique and sensitive heritage tourism setting of increasing global importance. Their cutting-edge and meticulous treatment of stakeholders, issues and resolutions in the realm of ethnic tourism is illuminating and propels our awareness and understanding to new heights.' Dallen J. Timothy, Arizona State University, USA 'The authors appeal to planners, investors, and government officers to pay greater attention to planning issues in ethnic destinations, using their research findings related to these dilemmas. ... Planning for Ethnic Tourism is the fruit of mixed geographic experiences and cultural backgrounds.' Annals of Tourism Research



Book Information
ISBN 9781138270572
Author Li Yang
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g