Role of Tourism in the Global Economy: The Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Tourism has been in existence from the beginning of the human civilization yet in different forms, phases, modes and practices. Tourism has gone through tremendous challenges over the time and equally it has bounced back to the level of global economic driver at present. As at present it has become a critically significant agent of change and bringing about socioeconomic prosperity to many economies around the globe. Equally, tourism has created negative impacts on societies, economies and ecology over the period of its evolution to its present form of operation. Consequently, tourism itself has been evolving, from an act of charity, deluxe experience, experience of economy-ecology blended, responsible consumption and production and a broad sustainable activity. The purpose of this article is to review the role of tourism in the global economy through the passages of time from its origination as an economic activity to date and to review potential way forward. Paper spot lights the tourism industry’s journey from a primary service, economic activity, luxury, responsible consumption and production, sustainable option for development and technology driven culture of mobility.