ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how recreation, leisure and tourism can contribute to the long-term growth of economies and to the regeneration of areas affected by structural change. First, general aspects of economic growth are discussed. Second, case studies demonstrate how leisure and tourism have contributed to economic growth in developed countries such as France, Japan and Spain. Third, the special problems of growth and development in less-developed countries are examined. Case studies of China and Vietnam illustrate the role of leisure and tourism in such development. There is clearly much further scope for tourism development in less-developed countries. Fourth, the chapter considers the issue of regeneration. This chapter enables the reader to:
define and explain economic growth
review critically the concept of economic growth
understand the determinants of economic growth
evaluate appropriate growth strategies for developed and developing countries
evaluate the role of the sector in regeneration strategies
evaluate the contribution of the sector to growth.
