ABSTRACT
Differences of opinion exist in the literature about whether tourism development promotes centralisation or decentralisation of economic activity. In China, the regional distribution of tourism exaggerates regional inequality in economic activity and in income. Cross-sectional data examines the regional distribution of tourism in China, compared to the regional distribution of income and other socioeconomic variables. Then some time-series are examined to see if any trends are apparent in the regional skew of tourism in China. Inequalities in regional tourism development in India are not as well researched as those for China. Nevertheless, considerable regional economic inequality in India exists and substantial regional disparities in tourism development are evident. Few countries have completely clarified their plans for decentralising tourism development. But given that tourism is skewed in favour of cities and the main centres of economic development, there is an urgent need for governments to consider policies to promote decentralisation of tourism.
