What is the role of tourism in economy, culture and society?

Question

What is the role of tourism in economy, culture and society?

Answer 1

Simply put, tourists bring in dollars into any economy. In many countries in Europe, tourism bring in the majority of revenue for those counties.

Answer 2

tourism often translates directly into money for the general economy - depending on what specific country your measuring this by. In some third world countries the tourist dollar is obviously more important, but can also be de-frauded by governments and various villains. Tourism can give the host country or area a sense of importance, rootedness and stability. The influx of foreigners can enable a cultural exchange of idea's and self reflexiveness - a realisation of the parochialness of your own culture - and an engine for change.

But often small societies can be riven with competitiveness as its members fight to grab and distribute the tourist's wealth amongst themselves.