Unlike many edited books that have a cursory introduction and conclusion, the editors have made substantial contributions to this book, not only in some cases by writing individual chapters but, particularly, by providing chapters that introduce concepts, synthesise the literature, and provide a context in which country‐wide and more local case studies can be placed. Indeed, several of these chapters are worthy of attention by readers whose interests lie primarily in tourism in other regions. The references for each chapter are gathered into one bibliography at the end of the book and this is a helpful resource for, as I read the book, I came across seemingly valuable sources that I had overlooked or had not even been aware of previously. There is also an index that combines both places and concepts. The book is nicely produced, well edited and reasonably priced, at least in the paper version. The content is sound and the presentations are generally free of unnecessary jargon. While the focus is on Southeast Asia, tourism is global phenomenon with far‐reaching implications for this region as well as for the world as a whole. As such, the work merits the attention of regional specialists, tourism scholars, and all those interested in cultural change and community well‐being, regardless of discipline.

This interesting book reveals both the light and dark sides of the development of South-East Asia's tourism industry, written by some of the world's leading experts on the topic.

The authors' insights make for fascinating reading, both for a student of tourism, but also for any potential investor new to the region.

...the book provides an ample overview of emerging trends and challenges in tourism, along with fascinating case studies not encountered elsewhere.  It is a book that undergraduates, tourism teachers and policy makers will find much to consider and discuss.

"What has been missing is a work tying political, historical, and economic perspectives on tourism and travel, and work focused on a single region of the world.  This book supplies both, and is a welcome addition to the field of travel studies.

...the volume offers sober renderings of gender in travel, and most importantly, multiple lenses through which to view the experiences one might have away from home."