top Isn it true that tourism development is subject to the vagaries of market forces. Is todays fad therefore tomorrows unwanted development?
• This is perhaps true of culturally irrelevant development. However, tourism development that is derived from, or integrates with the natural and cultural environment will be more enduring. As authentic natural and cultural resources diminish, these will become more valued. • The possibility of changes in demand patterns is no more a feature of tourism as it is of any economic activity. For example, the farming and rural community, in general, is often subjected to unforeseen and dramatic shifts in business based on external forces and conditions. • Any tourism development that achieves a sense of being special (different), of continuity (having connections to the past), of belonging (fitting with the fabric of the present community) and of conserving and enhancing (valued local attributes and resources) is also likely to evolve with that community. Such development will have a long life span given the increasing maturity and discernment of the tourism market.
