ABSTRACT
This chapter examines perceptions of an important stakeholder group the government and its role in tourism development and its attitude towards ethnic tourism. A policy of 'rule by custom' towards ethnic minorities was adopted by most central authorities of the feudal dynasties and, thus, the political unification of China was maintained while minorities were allowed to preserve their cultures and social systems. China's policies towards its ethnic minorities show a considerable concern with national security and ethnic unity because of the strategic location of many of its ethnic peoples; and these concerns dominate and influence other policies, such as those for tourism development. As ethnic regions possess abundant ethnic cultural resources, many western provinces have been proactively seeking new ways of utilizing these resources to accelerate their development. The development of the cultural industries often relies on the joint involvement of governments, enterprises and ethnic people.
