Tourism helps on many levels!

There is an ongoing debate on the effects of tourism on developing countries. Global travel has certainly exploded over the past few years with many vacation travelers searching out undiscovered destinations and alternatives to a typical vacation such as adventure tours, vacations with a purpose, volunteer vacations, vacation with a heart, etc. Many of the 'undiscovered' destinations unsurfaced are in developing countries. Is tourism good for developing countries? Does it ultimately help the indigenous people or does the tourism industry tend to reward only the wealthy investors from developed countries?

Tamarindo Touring Company has invested a lot of time and money create viable and sustainable jobs in El Salvador.

I recently read an article featured in Tourism Review that discussed community-based tourism entitled: A misguided quest: Community-Based Tourism in Latin America. This article concludes that; 'it is working with mainstream tourism to strengthen links between tourism and local people – often indigenous populations who are located in disadvantaged regions and have vulnerable livelihoods.' Obviously, that is the approach we at TTC have taken, but what are your thoughts?