Oriental and occidental approaches to complex tourism systems

This paper examines the methodological approach to the study of complex tourism systems and how they evolved. In particular, the need for a systemic holistic view is called for, and is considered more suitable than traditional reductionist approaches in providing meaningful insights. In examining complexity theories, a parallel with oriental philosophies and world views is made. It is argued that in a new globalized epoch, cross-fertilization of Eastern and Western thinking styles can promote further development of systems disciplines and be highly beneficial for the understanding of the structural and dynamic characteristics of tourism systems.