ABSTRACT
This chapter includes tourism in the world perspective, growth and development of tourism in Mexico, tourism exchanges, and the spatial distribution of tourism. It highlights the growth in tourism worldwide, as well as in Mexico as a semiperipheral nation. The chapter discusses two cases from the literature of local impacts of tourism development; one of the planned resort of Bahias de Huatulco and a second of the interior city of San Cristobal. Tourism exchange is substantially between US and Mexico. Both nations' tourist sectors are among the largest in the world and both have significant natural, cultural, and historical advantages for tourism. Mexico is seen to be significant but not dominant as sender and recipient of tourism to and from the United States. For instance, eco-tourism created less social tension than "normal" commercial tourism. If Mexico expands its middle class, domestic tourism may become more important.
