Whether the evolution of a destination is best described by the Butler sequence per se or by some variation, tourism managers should try to gain an understanding of the trigger factors and actions that induce significant change in a destination. These range from internal-intentional factors (the most favourable scenario) to those that are external-unintentional (the factors over which the destination has the least control). These factors, furthermore, can be generally classed as tourism stimulants or depressants. In larger countries tourism development is best described as a combined hierarchical and contagious diffusion process that is distorted both positively and negatively by assorted barriers and opportunities. The destination lifecycle concept can be situated conveniently within this context of national tourism development, in that it is possible to anticipate when and whether a particular place is likely to move beyond the incipient stages of the cycle.