ABSTRACT
In the latter part of the 20th century, tourism emerged as the world’s fastest growing industry, a position it looks set to sustain well into the 21st century, and beyond. Nevertheless, in order to maintain this momentum, to regulate the industry while still allowing it room to manoeuvre, and to plan for its future, it is evident that governments require to demonstrate greater recognition of this phenomenon and of the tourism industry’s role in global and national economies than at present. To maintain this momentum necessitates the development of creative and dynamic strategic public policies that are integrated with other complementary policies, acknowledging the evolving problems the tourism industry will face in the 21st century as it continues to grow; combined with the environmental; cultural; and societal challenges further growth will cause.
