Abstract

After World War II in 1945, the travel industry expanded into various parts of the world. Globalisation, tourism and ecosystems management became synonymous concepts. This chapter, therefore, analyses the drivers and outcomes of globalisation on tourism development and ecosystem management. The chapter argues that the growth in technology, information and transportation increased the travel industry hence making the world a one global village. Ecosystems services are tourism products and hence attract international tourism and trade. Large multinational tourism corporations operate tourism businesses across the world. They operate the airline industry, hotel chains and resorts and related businesses in tourism destinations. Developing countries are known for nature-based tourism and international tourism trade has expanded tremendously in these destinations. The rapid growth of tourism poses threats to the environment, social and international relations. It is from this background that the drivers and outcomes of globalisation on tourism development and ecosystem management needs to be analysed. Sustainability in tourism development and ecosystem management needs to be achieved as the tourism industry is undergoing the globalisation process.