The number of people travelling for tourism purposes has more than doubled in the last two decades and is still growing. Over a billion globetrotters are now contributing vast sums, both directly and indirectly, to the gross domestic products of countries all over the world. However, planning for tourism development requires knowledge and insight into who tourists are, their characteristics and preferences, and how many are taking which tourism trips. Poorly conceived and executed ventures can result in unintended and negative socio-cultural, environmental and economic consequences. Fundamentals of tourism is an introduction to what tourism actually is, how its economic value chain unfolds and how it can be exploited to maximum benefit for all parties. Fundamentals of tourism balances cognitive and effective outcomes, providing an understanding of the basic concepts while encouraging interest and increased participation in tourism-related discourse and activities. It makes use of South African, southern African and African case studies to illustrate the practical application of each concept and offers discussions and scenario testing to trigger interest, reflection and engagement.

Governments across the world are increasingly relying on tourism as an instrument of development. As tourism continues to grow globally, the prospect of irreparable damage being done to some of the world's most cherished destinations is becoming real. The need to balance the ever-growing demand for tourism with planning and management strategies that protect and preserve both tourism resources and the environment for future generations is unquestionable. Introduction to Tourism planning and development: igniting Africa's tourism economy provides African students and development stakeholders with an opportunity to study and understand tourism in the context of their surroundings and heritage. Introduction to Tourism planning and development: igniting Africa's tourism economy is an introductory text that explains basic concepts and the unfolding of the tourism phenomenon on the African continent. Adopting a comprehensive and practical approach, it uses local examples and case studies to illustrate the implementation of tourism development principles and capture the essence of the African tourism space. Introduction to Tourism planning and development: igniting Africa's tourism economy is aimed at tourism students and development stakeholders.