Accommodation employment patterns and opportunities

International tourism forms an integral pali of many Third World development strategies. The economic benefits associated with tourism are especially pronounced. This article examines economic change related to tourism, particularly employment within the accommodation sector. By assessing the local economic patterns and opportunities associated with accommodation sector employment un the islands of Samui and Phuket, Thailand, the article indicates that different historical, demographic, and economic conditions have greatly affected the structure and operation of the sector. Thus future planning of tourism development in Samui and Pliuket must take into account how particular local conditions foster different types of accommodation sector leakages, linkages and economic opportunities (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.