Asia’s Elusive Chase for So-Called Quality Tourism

The problem with destinations that profess wanting quality tourism is they don’t actually know what it is that they want. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Laos are among the countries that have at one time or another said they wanted quality tourism.  But what is quality tourism? To some, a low spender who appreciates and cares for the environment is worth his weight in gold compared to a rich traveler who cares less. Others really just want high spenders but dare not say so outright, as this may come across as crass and upset the lesser-spending lot — whom they also want. Ideally, quality tourism should be inclusive, welcoming both rich and poor guests who respect a country’s people, their culture and heritage, their tourism jewels. It should have healthy, responsible businesses that can grow and enrich the travel industry ecosystem and contr