Identifying and Responding to Challenges Posed by Urban Tourism

Abstract

Through their actions it would appear that cities are in active pursuit of growth and the economic rewards tourism seems to promise. Growth extends its benefits most abundantly when it occurs as part of a healthy economic process and considers the needs of all constituents within a community. Growth, however, is not a valid objective. Growth is the outcome of successful performance. For tourism businesses, that means satisfying visitors. For cities that means enhancing quality of life. Cities should focus, instead, on development with emphasis not simply on tourism development in cities but on the overall development of cities. As an active ingredient in the development of cities, tourism needs to be carefully planned. Planners, developers and managers, however, require a broad perspective of urban tourism so that the challenges it creates can be more easily identified and managed.