ABSTRACT
Worldwide tourism had been steadily increasing until the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11, 2001. In general, ecotourism differs from traditional tourism in two main respects. First, ecotourism openly promotes environmentally friendly travel and seeks to ensure that visitors do not disturb the natural environment of flora, fauna and rocks, nor do they leave behind rubbish and hazardous materials, which can disrupt the delicate ecosystem. A second aspect of ecotourism is that it seeks to promote "sustainable" tourism. The impact of international terrorism on the tourist industry may be catastrophic, if international efforts are not made to crush terrorism and boost confidence of international travellers. Economic implications of international terrorism, both in the short-term and the long-term, cannot be easily quantified. Tourism has a special significance for the development of many of the countries of the Indian Ocean region. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.
