TABLE OF CONTENTS The emergence and maintenance of tourism as a dynamic rather than a static industry depends in large measure upon the adoption of a strategic approach to planning and development. The success of such an approach is largely dependent upon a systematic and structured analysis of the broad environmental factors affecting tourism demand as an essential part of the planning process. Ecotourism, tourism in support of sustainable development, tourism as a cultural expression of both hosts and guests, tourism as a reflection of political correctness, are all considerations that go far beyond the traditional parameters of money, time and infrastructure.
Although tourism is generally regarded as less destructive to the environment than most other industries, nevertheless, its sheer size and widespread presence has already created negative physical and social environmental damage. Furthering the concept of sustainable development, Murphy and Price (Chapter 9) relates the notion that an inexorable relationship exists between the economy and the environment. Tourism s interest in sustainable development is logical given that it is one industry that sells the environment, both physical and human as its product. The authors contend that the integrity and continuity of these products have...
