ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a case study of the attitudes of representatives of a number of sectors of the UK outbound tourism industry and also focuses on the actions of tour operators and accommodation providers in relation to tourism planning and management issues. The destination zone has entertainment providers as well as visitor attractions, transport providers, tourist information offices and other infrastructure organizations that support tourism. Tour operators are a key element in the tourism system but are an example of an industry sector that has a reputation for causing negative impacts and creating problems. Mass market operators tend to have only low-profit margins per customer so need to ensure there are large volumes of tourists. Large tour operators also negotiate contracts with local suppliers to keep cost low for the tourists, but this gives little economic return for the locals. Tourists can make contact with local people and the local environment via treks, white water rafting, mountain-biking and elephant safaris.
