ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the intersection of the political dimensions of human rights and tourism. It explores the broader aspects of the politics of human rights, and setting out the concept of the political environment as it relates to the tourism industry. The chapter explores human rights issues in the context of laws, and the principles of good governance. It examines a range of political issues with respect to tourism indicating how they impact human right, including political instability, the use of tourism to legitimise a state, tourism policy, political boycotts, the political economy of tourism, and tourism operations and working conditions. The political environment has a strong influence on the economics and businesses of tourism. Today, human rights are an important part of International Law, and states asseverate that they promote key human rights and freedoms. Political stability and security play an enormous role in the tourism industry, and often illustrates how fragile the industry can be.
