Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
However, it is also important to recognise that different countries
or societies are not only more or less developed, but also have differing devel-
opmental needs and objectives. Therefore, different paths to development
are, of course, more or less appropriate in different contexts. As this chapter has
argued, tourism - though inherently and unavoidably dependent - has fre-
quently proved to be an effective growth pole; indeed, there are many exam-
ples where mass tourism has brought about rapid economic and social
progress (albeit frequently accompanied by significant social and environ-
mental consequences). It is important to recognise, therefore, that sustain-
able tourism is not a universally appropriate vehicle of development. It may,
in fact, retard progress or, as Wall (1997) suggests, result in unsustainable
development and, thus, destinations must be 'allowed' to choose the form of
tourism development best suited to their resources, potential markets and
developmental needs.
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