The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) considers tourism to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the world’s economy and a major driver of economic development. However, is this growth fair? Tourism is amazingly complex, with the many sectors of the industry using natural, social and cultural resources as the reasons for travel and entertainment of the relatively rich. In a world where the gap between the rich and the poor is ever widening, how does this play out in tourism destinations?

This symposium considers issues of equity and fairness in urban and rural destinations, and in developed and developing countries. We consider how destination populations can fight back, how specialists such as unions and scientists can speak for those without a voice, and how tourism can be a force for good if managed properly and with foresight.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Harold Goodwin, Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, Emeritus Professor, and a Director of the Institute of Place Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
• Johannes Noy, University of Cardiff, UK
• Fabien Frentzel, University of Leicester, UK
• Arne Witt, CABI-Africa