Over the last fifty years, tourism has become firmly established as a development option around the world. Commensurate with this, the study of tourism's developmental role has also expanded significantly. There now exists a broad understanding of the policies and processes, opportunities and challenges that apply to tourism's potential contributions to development. As the tourism environment now faces numerous challenges and transformations, it is timely to reflect on contemporary understandings of the relationship between tourism and development and to consider future directions. As a contribution to a knowledge and understanding of tourism development, this book: Comprises reflective essays written by internationally-ranked scholars and tourism consultants with extensive experience, particularly in developing countries. Considers extant themes, issues and challenges related to tourism and development. Offers a critical and contemporary perspective on the significance of tourism and its role in development. This thought-provoking volume challenges the orthodoxy of tourism and development, highlights past and current events and considers longer term repercussions and developments. It will be a relevant and enduring resource for academics and undergraduate and postgraduate students in tourism.