Focusing on the political economy of the international tourism sector in the era of globalization and its impact in developing contexts, this book employs a case study analysis of South Africa to assess how international tourism as a global system of trade, production, exchange and governance plays out in developing countries. It also examines its benefits and disadvantages for these countries. Scarlett Cornelissen explores the nature and extent of global tourism production, consumption and regulation and how these bear upon developmental prospects, specifically in the South. She also highlights lessons for other developing countries about the limitations and possibilities for greater linkage to the global tourism system. The book is suitable for both scholars and practitioners interested in global tourism, international political economy, development, Africa and cultural studies.

Scarlett Cornelissen is Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Her research projects include the political economy of tourism and urban competitiveness and governance in Southern Africa. She has published on various topics, such as Japan's involvement in Africa, the impact of international economic changes on South African cities, and the tourism dimensions of sport mega-events. Articles have appeared, amongst others, in the Journal of Modern African Studies, Pacific Review, Third World Quarterly and Review of International Political Economy.

Contents: Preface; Introduction: The global tourism system; Globalization, tourism and development; South Africa's tourist sector: patterns, parameters and paradoxes; The dynamics of the global tourism production system; The political economy of destination marketing: producing and imaging 'Place' and 'People'; The global governance of tourism; New global niches: tourism, sport and mega-events; Conclusion: tourism development in the contemporary era; Bibliography; Index.