Perception Differences Between Domestic and International Visitors in the Tourist Destination

Abstract

As a role of political boundaries become less of a dividing line and more a line of integration. During the past decade, the world has undergone tremendous geopolitical changes, wherein the role of political frontiers has become that of a line of integration rather than simply a barrier to interaction. The easing of travel restrictions by many countries and international cooperation in economic development have been at the forefront of these shifts in political ideologies. Recent research has confirmed the importance of tourism in borderland areas. This study examines domestic and international tourists' perceptions and attitudes towards political boundaries and tourism and concludes with a discussion of the resulting challenges to tourist attractions in the DMZ areas. The unique findings of this study may contribute to verify relationships between political boundaries and tourism theories. Additionally, the methodology used to study and the findings on tourist attitudes and perceptions about the DMZ areas could prove useful to other researchers who will likely undertake similar research in the future.

Key Words:

• Political boundary
• tourism cooperation
• tourism development
• the DMZ area
• South and North Korea