Tourism and Development: Perplexity or Panacea?

Abstract

This article presents the evaluation of tourism by residents of four Austrian Alpine communities. Although the residents' overall assessment was that tourism's influence was positive, they also reported some unexpected and less desired results. In addition, residents had to address questions relating to the appropriate balance between tourism development and retaining the natural landscape and character of the community. The residents made practical suggestions to assist others who may wish to turn to tourism as a way of enhancing community development. One approach, “soft tourism,” is presented as a method for living harmoniously with tourism.