The global tourism industry continues a trend of sustained growth, moving more people and generating domestic and foreign revenues, often at the expense of the social and ecological integrity of destination regions. As a result, tourism policy makers have been forced to consider a variety of new approaches to ensure that the environment, local people, tourists, and business remain unaffected by the negative impacts of the industry.

As a result of the ongoing growth in the tourism industry, many destinations around the world are undergoing transformations. New destinations are being -discovered- in regions previously ignored, as people search for regions that are yet unspoiled by the ravages of mass tourism. At the same time, traditional destinations are experiencing rapid environmental, socio-cultural and economic modifications. These changes have the most effect on the destination community - the location where tourists spend their time and money, and influence development or degradation of the local...