Abstract
For at least half a century, tourism has been considered as one of the most useful means to stimulate the socioeconomic development of certain geographical areas that, for different reasons, have not been able to achieve it so far. This consideration of tourism is supported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as part of the conclusions
of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development held between April 21 and 26, 2012 in Doha (Qatar). Its conclusions recognize the great importance of tourism as a generator of wealth, employment and business opportunities, as well as basic infrastructures in both developing and developed areas. Although the benefits obtained from tourism are obvious, it can also generate unwanted consequences, which have been denounced. Sometimes, and if it is not previously planned, tourism generates more inconveniences than advantages and, it is not always a valid alternative to achieve socioeconomic development.