Tourism development has been viewed in terms of its contribution to economic growth. Thus, most developing countries have declared tourism as an important economic sector. Tourism is also envisaged to provide economic benefits to communities through the provision of employment. Due to the increase in tourist numbers, environmental changes to the natural resources have been a cause for concern to nations. Tourism stakeholders have incorporated environmental issues in their tourism development plans to ensure that the tourism products are sustainable, and communities are benefitting. For the communities to benefit from tourism development, the analysis of socio-cultural impacts has become of paramount importance. Governments have emphasised increasing tourism numbers to influence economic growth. The local community would then benefit from the tourism increase through multiplier effects. Thus, the chapter explores the impacts of tourism development in developing countries with a focus on Namibia as a developing country.
TopAn Overview Of Tourism Development
Tourism development should be well planned and executed in order to create attractive tourism destinations. In his seminal work, Butler (1980) indicates that destinations develop over time. Tourism planning and development is very site specific (Gunn, 1988) but also requires policy and the integration of stakeholders to make it work. Sofield (2003) highlights the important role that the community should play in tourism development by being involved in decision making for development. On the other hand, Simpson (2008) states that the government can influence the positive and negative socio-economic effects of tourism.
Honey et al., (2010) state that tourism development offers destinations with opportunities for employment creation and improvement of community services. However, tourism development regulated by the community will economically benefit the community and influence poverty alleviation (Tosun, 2006; Wondirad & Ewnetu, 2019). Bailey and Richardson (2010) also state that tourism development is recognised as an essential device for boosting economic growth and reducing poverty.
Sharpley (2000) stated that the concept of development has changed over the years, and it is closely aligned with economic growth. Development refers to a continuous increase of income per person to empower the community to distribute its yield quicker than the population growth. Among other factors, Todaro and Smith (2011) state that enhancing the quality of life of the community by improving infrastructure is an indication of economic development. It should comprise of “the reduction of poverty and greater equity to progress in education, health and nutrition and of the protection of the environment” (World Bank, 1991). Tourism development is viewed as a process of physical change, thus Dieke (2005) identified three stages for tourism development as a process where:
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The tourists ascertain a new area of interest.
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The news of the findings spread.
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And the host society respond to this new economic activity by building facilities and offering services.
Liu (1994) indicated that tourism development is a dynamic process which involves matching tourism resources to the demands and preferences of authentic or potential tourists. Therefore, tourism development can be viewed as the expansion and preservation of the tourism industry in any geographical area. It includes devising approaches, policies and plans that influence the increase and development of tourism at a destination. The tourism industry is important for the growth and development of many destinations. Due to the potential of tourism, it is envisioned as a vehicle for improving national or regional markets. The following section will provide an analysis of the contribution of tourism to the global economy and developing countries.