Tourism is a significant driver of economic and social development. It stimulates economic growth by generating income, employment, investment and exports. It also generates valuable spin-off benefits, including preservation of cultural heritage, improved infrastructure and local community facilities (World Travel and Tourism Council, 2013). But, tourism can have positive or negative impacts depending on planning, development and management.
The purpose of this research brief is to demonstrate the economic importance of tourism, its challenges and plans for tourism development in the EU-‐‑271 and ASEAN2 regions. It brings together data from several sources including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
This brief is divided into three parts:
Part One describes performance of tourism sector in the EU-27 and ASEAN regions in terms of international tourist arrivals and receipts, contribution of tourism to GDP, employment, exports and investment.
Part Two outlines the EU-27 and ASEAN plans for supporting tourism development while highlighting relevant initiatives.
Part three discusses some of the key challenges that accompany tourism development. It also outlines goals that policy makers should follow in making tourism more sustainable.
