Third World Tourism

Tourism has been seen by various observers as either a blessing or a curse for Third World countries. As international tourism becomes the world's largest industry and Third World countries increasingly turn to this industry as a means of development, it is important to examine these arguments in greater detail than is provided by the generalizations and anecdotes of most accounts. After reviewing the general arguments for and against Third World tourist development, a case study is presented assessing the impact of tourism in three areas of Nepal. Drawing on this example, implications are derived for Third World tourists, for Nepal, and by extension for other Third World countries which may learn from Nepal's experiences.