As discussed in Chapter 2, tourism is a thoroughly mediated activity. A number of go-between actors or ‘middlemen’ structure and mediate tourists’ experiences and their encounters with tourates. The first section of this chapter examines the role of the Indonesian state, specifically at the provincial and regency levels. As well as the actions of the government bodies, the data reveal the values, attitudes and priorities of these actors. It shows how the various layers of government hold differing, and at time competing, voices. In a state as centralised as Indonesia there are many bodies that influence the processes of tourism development at the village level, but few mechanisms for the voices of the villagers to feed back through the multi-layered state structures. The second section examines the role played by guidebooks as mediators of tourists’ behaviour and experiences. The third part examines the work of guides, a key group of bridge actors who mediate between tourists and tourates. The final concluding section examines the role of mediators as both intentional and unwitting agents of change in tourism processes in Ngadha.

The Government and Tourism

Governments can play an important role in mediating tourists’ perceptions and behaviour in tourism. From the issuing of visas, provision of infrastructure and marketing material, to the information provided by tourist information centres, governments are involved with attracting, directing and structuring the tourists’ experience. Decisions about visas are made by the central government. As discussed in Chapter 3 the visa changes in 2003 and 2004 have had a profound effect on tourism to Ngadha. In combination with the actions of other governments through their travel advisories, the nationality and type of tourists has changed considerably (see Chapter 6). The highly centralised Indonesian state is sub-divided into provinces and these are further sub-divided into regencies. Both these levels of government have been important in the development of tourism in Ngadha.