1. The Nature of Poverty Reduction and Tourism in Mainland Southeast Asia

There have been two primary approaches taken in attempts to reduce poverty, income redistribution, and creating new opportunities through economic growth. While it has generally been agreed the results of income redistribution have been disappointing, poverty reduction has been highly correlated with economic growth, and economic growth has consistently been associated with increased economic freedom and integration into the global economy through international trade. It is suggested using a wealth creation approach, as opposed to using the traditional framework of thinking in terms of poverty reduction, might produce fresh and practical insights. While the principles of economic freedom and integration into global value chains have proven effective in improving the lives of people around the world, the practices used to implement these principles will vary based on local political, cultural, historic, and economic conditions. Successful additional poverty reduction in Mainland Southeast Asia will take place within the unique environments found in the region. Despite criticisms of the industry, it is proposed tourism has and will continue to play a major role in creating new economic opportunities throughout the region which will help create the jobs, economic growth, and connections with global trade needed to substantially reduce the impact of poverty on the populations of the region.