Tourism ecosystems: A way to think about challenges and solutions to tourism development

"Tourists move around; they use local transport and roads; they pass through urban spaces; they visit historical and cultural sites and natural areas; they talk to people, interact with local businesses, stop to admire a view, watch animals and birds; they fly, swim, bike, walk, eat, drink, sleep; they shop, attend events, watch sports, go to shows, visit museums; they “do” and “experience” pretty much the same as local residents, and a lot more. Almost every experience a tourist has is an interaction with an ecosystem."

Shaun Mann, Tourism Development Specialist with the World Bank, shares his experiences in developing a tourism sector in any destination and the importance of understanding the 'tourism ecosystem'.