Planet earth is experiencing some of the most dramatic social changes in its history. Borders are dissolving and countries, societies, people and firms are connecting more and in different ways than they ever have in the past. Increases in international lrade agreements. Global business activities, telecommunications networks and personal and educational travel are linking the planet together like never before. These linkages are being forged and supported essentially by two of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world today -tourism and information Technology