International tourism in developing countries: Conditions and effects

International tourism belongs to the so‐called tertiary or service sector. It distinguishes itself from a number of other components of the service sector, such as public administration, health‐care and education, by its export orientation, which it has in common with activities like international air and sea transport and international road transport. Contrary to the latter the so‐called invisible export of tourist services takes place within the exporting country. The international tourist services, apart from the international tourist transport services, do not leave the country of production, but the consumer travels to the country where these services are offered. In this way, the production of international tourist services distinguishes itself fundamentally from all other export oriented production processes.