In recent years there has been a considerable interest in the cultural aspects of tourism such as the impacts of culture on tourism planning, development, management, and marketing. However, the focus has been on material forms of culture such as arts, music, or crafts. The impacts of national culture on tourist behavior and travel decision-making have not been paid much attention. Only in the last two years have cross-cultural issues begun to generate significant interest among academics.An examination of cultural characteristics and differences is extremely important to the tourism industry because today's tourism environment is becoming increasingly international. Information on the nature of the cultural differences between international tourists and locals is not readily available in tourism literature. The concept of culture is very complex and includes such abstract concepts as satisfaction, attitude and loyalty. International Tourism brings these concepts to the undergraduate student in tourism, as well as students in the related fields of marketing, management, international business, and cross-cultural communication. Designed as a textbook, it isorganized and presented in an integrated and relevant way for the benefit of a worldwide audience.

Part 1 International Tourism: The Global Environment; Chapter 1 Globalization, Tourism and Culture; Chapter 2 Cultural Diversity; Part 2 Cultural Theories and Practices; Chapter 3 Intercultural Theories; Chapter 4 Cultural Practices and Tourism Impacts on Culture; Part 3 Culture and Cultural Differences; Chapter 5 Culture; Chapter 6 Cultural Variability; Chapter 7 Cultural Influences on Intercultural Communication; Chapter 8 Cultural Influences on Social Interaction; Chapter 9 Cultural Influences on Rules of Social Interaction; Chapter 10 Cultural Influences on Service; Chapter 11 Cultural Influences on Ethics; Part 4 Tourist Behavior; Chapter 12 Human Behavior: Its Nature and Determinants; Chapter 13 Consumer Buying Behavior; Chapter 14 Cultural Influences on Tourist Buying Behavior; Part 5 Cross-Cultural Comparison; Chapter 15 Cultural Differences Among International Societies; Part 6 Multicultural Competence; Chapter 16 Multicultural Competence in a Global World;