ABSTRACT
At first glance, tourism seems tailor-made for the world’s poorer nations, and a growing number of developing countries have placed emphasis on tourism in their development plans. Reasons are not hard to find. A ready market is available for the attractions these destinations can offer; many of them have an appealing climate, combined with exotic scenery and a rich cultural and historical heritage. Land and labour costs are comparatively low and, in the absence of significant mineral production or an export-oriented agricultural sector, tourism is a potential source of foreign exchange and can generate new opportunities for employment and stimulate demand for local products and industries. Tourism is also considered to make improvements possible in the local infrastructure with the provision or upgrading of roads, airports, harbour facilities, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, communications, power and water supplies, health services and sanitation.
