Realities and potentialities of tourism in South America. Towards concerted regional policies

Abstract

This research explores the potential of South America in terms of tourism, particularly from the perspective of International Relations. Firstly, it deals with the double theoretical dynamic that represents, on the one hand, tourism as a locus for the construction of economic and politic power at the international arena and, on the other hand, a regional policy agreed among South American States addressed at the promotion of tourism development. That is, tourism at the service of International Relations and these at the service of tourism. The need to build power based on tourism development is based on the poverty and inequality of the subcontinent. Then the tourism supply and demand of South America is analyzed. Finally, practical options are outlined for the coordinated administration of tourism in South America.