Each of the categories is relative and hence to some degree in the beholder s eye. Tourism is vitally important to our overall economy, that s true, but it s no more important than countless other perfectly splendid industries. If state taxpayers subsidize one, there s no bedrock reason not to subsidize others. Population Growth Vs. Economic Growth .
Tourism encourages population growth, no doubt about it.
People come to visit, like what they see, and choose to stay. But population growth isn t real economic growth. Real economic growth consists of increases per capita in the output of usable goods and services, such as housing, transportation and medical care. Such growth seems to flourish most where population gains are slight or moderate. What s more, tourism-engendered growth isn t smart growth.