Foreign tourism in Mexico has been growing for the past 30 years and is the country’s third largest source of income. Since 1994 the rate of growth has reached upwards of 7% per year, bringing in an estimated $9 billion in foreign revenue in 2001. Although coastal development fulfills the growing need for homes and business in coastal areas, it also leads to a host of social and environmental impacts – pollution, poor sanitation, and habitat destruction, among many others. Sustainable tourism offers a more responsible development alternative that seeks to enhance the positive benefits of development while reducing the negative impacts. Decisions made by developers and investors can play a significant role in the future of coastal communities.
