Tourism can be a challenging subject for students because it is both dynamic and susceptible to economic turbulence and shifts in trends. Tourism: A Modern Synthesis is an essential textbook for tourism students seeking a clear and comprehensive introduction to their studies that addresses these challenges. The authors apply a business approach to the subject, reflecting developments in the teaching and content of university courses, and the text covers both key principles and contemporary themes and issues at a global scale.

Among the new features and topics included in this fifth edition are:

• New and fully updated case studies to reflect current trends and emerging markets including Africa and Asia.
• Up-to-date content on disruptive technologies such as Airbnb, low-cost airlines, the e-travel revolution and future developments.
• Current debates in sustainable tourism including the anti-tourism movement, plastic use and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• New content on evolving topics such as future employment, human resource management in tourism and generational marketing.
• Fully updated statistics and data.
• A brand-new Companion Website including an instructor's manual, supplementary case studies, weblinks, multiple choice questions and PowerPoint slides.

This is the ideal guide to tourism for students across all levels, serving as a point of reference throughout a programme of study.

Stephen J. Page is Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Business and Management, Hertfordshire Business School, University of Hertfordshire, UK.

Joanne Connell is Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, University of Exeter Business School, Exeter, UK.

Part 1 Understanding tourism

1 Introduction to tourism: Themes, concepts and issues

2 The evolution and development of tourism

3 Understanding tourism demand

4 Understanding the tourist as a consumer

Part 2 Understanding the tourism industry

5 Understanding and managing tourism supply: An introductory framework

6 Information communication technologies in tourism

7 Travel intermediaries: Tour operators and agents

8 Transporting the tourist

9 Visitor attractions

10 Tourism accommodation and hospitality services

Part 3 Managing tourist operations and communicating with the visitor

11 Human resource management in tourism

12 Tourism and entrepreneurship

13 The role of the public sector in tourism

14 Marketing tourism

15 Marketing tourism destinations

Part 4 The impact of tourism

16 Economic impacts

17 Social and cultural impacts

18 Environmental impacts

19 The challenge of sustainability

Part 5 Trends and themes in the use of tourist resources

20 Urban tourism

21 Rural tourism

22 Coastal and resort tourism

23 Tourism in the less developed world

Part 6 Managing tourism activities

24 Planning and managing the tourist experience

25 Tourist health and safety: Global challenges for tourism

26 Event tourism

27 The future of tourism