Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The purpose of Global Tourism is to allow readers to examine critical issues and problems facing the tourism industry. Using the perspective and expertise of twenty nine contributors, Global Tourism draws together current thinking and practice, presenting arguments in a structured framework.

The problems are complex and interwoven and they suggest a variety of crises that may be brought about or exacerbated by tourism development such as: overcrowding of tourist attractions, resident-host conflicts, overuse and destruction of natural resources, loss of cultural heritage, increased crime and prostitution, inflation and escalating land costs and political, sociocultural and economic problems.

The main outstanding features of Global Tourism are the presentation and analysis of: the philosophical and directional difficulties which face the tourism industry, the essential issues of raison d'etre, the importance of social issues and ills on current and future tourism practice, the basic forces that are shaping society, the questions generated about the purpose of tourism.



Draws together current thinking and practice in the tourism industry
Presents arguments in a structured framework
Worldwide range of contributors

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Clarification and meaning: issues of understanding
• Results and residuals: the issue of impacts
• Comparative perspectives: management and policy issues
• Changing directions: planning and development issues
• Facilities, programmes and services: resource issues
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This volume is perhaps at once the most thoughtful and accessible overview of the tourism phenomenon in the late 20th century yet to appear. As tourism continues to expand its role as the world's largest industry--generating annual (1992) revenues of some $3.1 trillion and employing 130 million people--it also encourages the proliferation of academic research focused both on highly specific segments and impacts of tourism, and on the larger philosophical implications of this phenomenon. Tourism dramatically influences the entire range of economic, cultural, enviromental, and even political values that in some combination constitute the modern world. Ecotourism, tourism in support of sustainable development, tourism as a cultural expression of both hosts and guests, tourism as a reflection of "political correctness"--all are considerations that go far beyond the traditional tourism parameters of money, time, and infrastructure. All these themes are extensively explored in this excellent collection. The 25 chapters by 30 authors from several countries highlight issues of definition, impacts, management and policy, planning and development, and tourism resources. An important book, of value to anyone interested--either professionally or generally--in the modern evolution of tourism. Useful tables, charts, and graphs; solid chapter bibliographies. The editor provides helpful summaries of each section. General; upper-division undergraduate through professional. J. R. McDonald; Eastern Michigan University