Tourism Education in Developing Countries

This article discusses the development of human relations and social studies education programs in developing countries that have entered the market place of international tourism. Such programs are needed for several groups, including hotel personnel and management, tour guides, inbound tour operators, and airline staff. In addition, special educational programs may be designed for others who frequently interact with foreign tourists, such as taxi drivers, shop owners and vendors, and immigration personnel, and even for school children in places where tourists are highly visible. A program designed by the author for the hotel and tourist industry in East Africa may be useful as a model for tourist education programs in other countries.