Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Many countries see it as a passport to their economic development; others express concern that uncontrolled tourism may overwhelm their natural, cultural, social, and physical resources. The question of how best to harness tourism for the good of host communities is increasingly debated and forms the basis of this book. Written in a highly accessible style for a general audience as well as professionals, it applies an economic way of thinking to tourism to help readers gain a better understanding of this dynamic and fascinating...

Developing a Dream Destination is an interpretive history of tourism and tourism policy development in Hawai'i from the 1960s to the twenty-first century. Part 1 looks at the many changes in tourism since statehood (1959) and tourism's imprint on Hawai'i. Part 2 reviews the development of public policy toward tourism, beginning with a story of the planning process that started around 1970--a full decade before the first comprehensive State Tourism Plan was crafted and implemented. It also examines state government policies and actions taken relative to the taxation of tourism, tourism...