"Detailed, yet readable" --Garden Island, 11 January 2004

"One thing I've noticed about the University of Hawai`i Press is that they have a knack for publishing books about 'academic' topics that are often very interesting and engaging reading for the general reader. This book definitely fits that description.... [Mak] has written a book that should be required reading for everybody in Hawai`i who is involved in tourism." --Hawaii Island Journal, 1-15 May 2004

"All tourism professionals should read this book." --Charles Goeldner, professor emeritus of marketing and tourism, University of Colorado, Boulder

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 global industry.

26 tables and charts

James Mak is professor of economics at the University of Hawai`i.

Read Chapter 1 (PDF).