The impact of urban tourism in the global-local nexus of Singapore and Hong Kong: the "Tourism Capitals of Asia"?

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to discover the impact of urban tourism in shaping Singapore and Hong Kong, and how the strategic location of these cities within their respective local policy framework, regional relationships and their global position enable them to serve as tourism capitals of Asia. The paper presents a strong case to explore the links between tourism and urbanism of the two cities within the context of their global-local nexus. The paper will question how urban tourism, regional competition and global positioning demands have affected both cities as they strive to become ‘tourism capitals of Asia’. What are the impacts of urban tourism, regional and global tourist demands in shaping the image and identity of the city? What is the role of global visions and local aspirations in enhancing the city quality of life and increasing urban tourism, propelling Singapore and Hong Kong towards world city status, and as Asia’s model cities?