economic impact of tourism

Tourism is frequently cited as the world’s fastest growing economic sector, currently the world’s largest employer and soon to be the world’s largest industry. The tourism industry generates substantial economic benefits to both host countries and tourists' home countries. Especially in developing countries, one of the primary motivations for a region to promote itself as a tourism destination is the expected economic improvement. As many developing countries have a comparative advantage in forms of tourism which value a wide range of unspoiled natural environments, tourism is promoted for its potential revenue benefits and as a means of attracting foreign direct investment. In some developing countries, especially small island states, it is now the dominant economic sector. However, the economic impact of tourism varies enormously.