I. Understanding tourism. Introduction to tourism : themes, concepts and issues ; The evolution and development of tourism ; Understanding tourism demand ; Understanding the tourist as a consumer -- II. Understanding the tourism industry. Understanding and managing tourism supply : an introductory framework ; Information communications technologies in tourism ; Travel intermediaries : tour operators and agents ; Transporting the tourist ; Visitor attractions ; Tourism accommodation and hospitality services -- III. Managing tourist operations and communicating with the visitor. Human resource management in tourism ; Tourism and entrepreneurship ; The role of the public sector in tourism ; Marketing tourism ; Marketing tourism destinations -- IV. The impact of tourism. Economic impacts ; Social and cultural impacts ; Environmental impacts ; The challenge of sustainability -- V. Trends and themes in the use of tourist resources. Urban tourism ; Rural tourism ; Coastal and resort tourism ; Tourism in the less developed world -- VI. Managing tourism activities. Planning and managing the tourist experience ; Tourist health and safety : global challenges for tourism ; Event tourism ; The future of tourism.