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.

Contents include the following:

• The attraction development process
• Events management
• The relationship between transport and tourism
• Accommodation and hospitality
• Tourism development and the fourth industrial revolution
• Environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism
• Intercultural communication
• The role of government

Fundamentals of tourism is aimed at beginners in tourism studies and people looking to engage in tourism activities at any level of the tourism value chain.

The editor

Dr Paul Nkemngu Acha-Anyi is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Management at Walter Sisulu University. He has lectured and supervised postgraduate research at a number of higher education institutions in South Africa since 2004. Paul has served as a consultant for the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) on a number of occasions, including presenting papers for high-level panels, alongside tourism experts and ministers, such as at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2017. He is also the founder and director of Achas University in Cameroon.