THE CHANGING AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE IMPERFECT? IN: TOURISM AND TRANSPORT. ISSUES AND AGENDA FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Airports are a critical link in the development of a country's business and tourism economy. This chapter describes and explains the changes that airports have experienced in their structure and operations over the last twenty years. Present challenges are also highlighted, along with a look at what the future may hold. Many of the identified changes are the result of factors outside of the control of the airport sector, such as social reform, economic expediency and political upheaval. The factors have resulted in increased airport competition. As a result, many airports have become destinations and leisure attractions in their own right, rather than being simply modal interfaces. The challenge for airport authorities is to remain responsive to changing market conditions while developing flexible strategies that provide the direction and growth required in order to remain competitive.