Political Stability/Breakdown of Political Barriers In recent years, the Asia Pacific region has become politically more stable

than it has ever been, especially in the Philippines, where tourism was adversely affected by terrorism, civil strife, and natural disasters in the last decade. However, the political, social and economic reforms of the current government have reversed the fortunes of the tourism industry. Tourism investments in the Philippines over the last 3 years were estimated at U5$6.27 billion, with a large portion of the funds allocated towards resort development. To encourage more investment, the Philippines Department of Tourism is urging financial institutions to provide funding to investors involved in tourism-related projects (Shaw 1997). Investors are showing confidence not only in the Philippines but also in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. These nations, which were off-limits to foreigners at one time, are witnessing rapid hotel and resort developments. Even areas which were closed or long considered inaccessible in parts of China and Indonesia are now open to tourism. The opening of borders to both inbound and outbound travel, and the breakdown of political barriers, will provide tourists with opportunities to pursue their leisure interests. For example, South Korea's normalization of relations with China also is expected to boost arrivals from Seoul to major cities in China when non-stop air traffic routes are inaugurated.

Political Barriers of Tourism Development in Border of Caspian Sea Countries

In addition to expanding the role of tourism and its effect on the expression of national identity and income, reduce poverty and expand social justice and prosperity in society and development is an introduction to the development of tourism investment Other economic sectors that require the presence creating social security, improve the economic dimensions, creating vast job opportunities, in the global chain is tourism. Violent conflicts and lack of political stability will be a constant problem in Border of Caspian Sea Countries in future years. A lot of conflict full of violence has occurred among or between countries and it is probable that it will occur again although the details of the way of doing this will fluctuate from one situation to another. Lack of effective political organization will cause public discontentment to change to extra-law forms. In addition, internal conflict and the potential failure and inability of the government, which has resulted from substitution crisis, will happen in all Border of Caspian Sea countries in future years. The incongruity existing between different tribes which are a necessary but insufficient condition for creating a violent conflict has become common in all countries of this region. Therefore, it is probable that weak organizations having weak bureaucracy and limited central control cooperate with other discontented group and create a barrier for stability and development of the region.