ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the political economy of the global tourism system in the era of globalisation, and its impacts in developing contexts. It provides an overview of the main theoretical and analytical perspectives regarding tourism and development. The book then provides an overview of South Africa's tourist sector – its historical evolution, market characteristics and broad patterns in policy development. It also investigates how South Africa is produced, imaged and marketed as an international tourism destination by domestic and international producers. The book investigates the overall regulatory framework of the tourism system and the institutions, rules and regimes that set the parameters for tourism production and consumption. It then focuses on the interlinking between two increasingly significant niches in global development – sport and mega-events and examines the political and other dynamics around mega-events and sport tourism development in South Africa.
