Globalization, Tourism and Cities: Pros and Cons

Abstract

In contrast to a decreasing role of states in the process of globalization, the significance and role of cities have still been increasing. The global aspect of tourism processes makes some of the aspects of the cities’ performance on the tourism market more intensive and at the same time of a broader scope – competition, protection of cultural resources, dependence on external entities, demand for market information. Under these circumstances internationalization is becoming a main strategic option of tourism development in cities. This paper refers to the considerations included in H.L. Theuns’ selected articles and directly to his work Globalization and Tourism: Pros and Cons [2008]. The discussed economic effects emerging at an intersection of globalization and tourism are here developed by the third element, i.e. cities and their role in the modern world economy, including the tourism market.