Discussing Tourism, Planning And Sustainability

Michael Romanos, a distinguished professor of planning and economic development at the University of Cincinnati, sits down to talk about this experience working with cities and cultures around the world -- and in his own backyard.

1 minute read

December 16, 2006, 1:00 PM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


The recipient of the 2005 D. Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching, Professor Michael Romanos has lived and worked in many parts of the world, especially Southeast Asia, where he has served as senior advisor to Indonesia's Ministry of Economic Planning, was a Fulbright and Asia Foundation Senior Professor in Indonesia and Thailand, and lead a multi-year program of higher education reform in these countries. He directs the Summer Field School in Sustainable Development, which conducts sustainable development planning studies for tourism-oriented communities all over the world.

An excerpt from his interview:

"There is a perception in every corner of the world that tourism could instantly solve a place's economic and social development problems. This is a dangerous fallacy which often leads governments to misallocate resources, raise unreasonable expectations among local populations, and 'sell out' a place in order to attract tourism-related investments and/or achieve quick profits. Often local and regional governments do not realize that in order to have a successful tourism development, in addition to the natural beauty or cultural resources of a place, transportation, communications and environmental infrastructure must be at least adequate, the training of personnel on all aspects of the tourist trade is absolutely essential, and the education of the local populations on how to deal with tourism and visitors is imperative."

Thursday, December 14, 2006 in ECOCLUB, International Ecotourism Monthly

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

Burned car and home in Los Angeles after 2019 wildfire.

The Unseen Aftermath: Wildfires’ Lasting Health and Emotional Burden

Wildfires in Los Angeles not only pose immediate physical health risks but also lead to long-term respiratory problems and mental health struggles, underscoring the need for a coordinated public health response to mitigate their lasting effects.

March 16 - UCLA Health

View of Central Park lake with people sitting on lakeside rocks and NYC high-rises in background.

Public Parks as Climate Resilience Tools

Designed with green infrastructure, parks can mitigate flooding, reduce urban heat, and enhance climate resilience, offering cost-effective solutions to environmental challenges while benefiting communities.

March 16 - Grist

Cyclists and a red T train on the Longfellow Bridge in Boston, MA at sunset.

What the Proposed Federal Budget Means for Transit, Rail

The proposed FY 2025 budget keeps spending for public transit and passenger rail essentially the same as in 2024.

March 16 - American Public Transportation Association

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.