Tourism has been recognized by many Latin American states as a vital force for economic development.  However, many Latin American countries recognize a lack of adequate human resources and capital investment as significant shortcoming in further developing tourism. With rapid development of tourism in the region in recent years, the issue of environmental and economic sustainability is also emerging as a significant social and political issue. The conference aimed at providing a discussion forum that will focus on the contemporary and future issues affecting Latin America's tourism industry, particularly in the areas of education and human resources development, tourism sector development and investment, and long term environmental and economic sustainability of tourism in the region. The Conference was held to coincide with the establishment  of  a  regional  Latin  American Tourism and Hotel Management School in Panama, due to open in the previous Panama Canal Zone.

A successful international conference requires the commitment and support of great many people. First, I would like to thank the speakers and paper presenters for their contribution. Second, I would like to acknowledge the support and inspiration by conference organizers in Panama: Dr. Nicola's Ardito Barletta, General Administrator of ARI; Mr. Cesar A. Tribaldos G., General Manager, Panama Government Tourist Bureau (IPAT); Dr. Stanley Muschett, President of University of Santa Maria Antigua; and Professor Jorge Arosemana, Executive Director of City of Knowledge. I also wish to thank Dr. Alan T. Stutts, Dean of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston for his support and encouragement. Third, I wish to acknowledge the efforts shared by Ms. Holly Im, my graduate research assistant, Ms. Melba Della Sera and Ms. Graciella Batalla of ARI, and Ms. Carmen Arias of IPAT for their many hours of hard work. Finally, I want to thank all the conference sponsors who have provided both financial and moral support for the conference. This conference would not have been possible without the support, enthusiasm, and inspiration by many of these individuals.