The Future and the Political Economy of Tourism in the Future: What Should We Prepare for?

Abstract

The authors explore the likely trajectories of the tourism industry in the next 20-50 years. To do so, the authors explore the general economic, social, and political conditions the global population will face. Many of the important questions of the future of tourism deals with the issue of whether petroleum is in finite supply, when and if depletion of petroleum will occur, and what energy sources can replace petroleum. The authors also focus upon the political regimes of tourism management and the importance of tourism for future economies. The authors conclude by looking at the two very different futures that seem to be looming — one that is an extension of the post-World War Two affluence and its related growth of tourism and one that is far less optimistic. Both of these possible futures will have emense meaning for tourism and its related industries in the years to come.

Keywords: Tourism, Future, Political Economy, Liberalism, Mercantilism, Social Democracy, Communism