ABSTRACT
It was a warm summer day in the Andes Mountains and Ramón, the leader of an indigenousrun tourism project, was commenting on their efforts and enthusiasm with the initiative. He mentioned they were seeking to promote development and autonomy in their communities and were very proud of their achievements. He was describing the risks and tensions they have faced and the need to remain aware of them when he suddenly stopped, changed his tone and expression and said he really didn’t like development; that he actually didn’t agree with development. His comment points to the complex and contradictory nature of development and tourism, which are concepts that both seduce and bring a sense of hope, while at the same time invoking fears, distrust and bad memories. This chapter will explore geographical approaches to development and tourism, two contested concepts that have increased in importance in the last few decades and that have changed the world through their intertwined trajectories.
