ABSTRACT
The central governments of nation states together with the global multilateral institutions are the last of the key players in this analysis of tourism. It is governments that have a pivotal role and possess the potential power to control, plan and direct the growth and development of tourism. And it is largely through governments that tourism-related international investments and loans and overseas aid is agreed and channelled. As such, it is widely agreed that for tourism to assist in development, a favourable national policy environment is required.
