ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I AM VERY blessed to have an amazing group of friends who took the time to read the multiple drafts of the book and continuously helped me improve it. English is my second language, and I needed every one of you to point out idioms that don’t work in English and grammar mistakes that I overlooked. Not only is this book better because of you, but my life is fuller because of your friendship.

I want to thank Scott H. Cooper, who has been my partner in building MEJDI Tours, our travel company. Scott’s willingness to brainstorm and talk to me about every chapter of the book is appreciated. I am thankful for his patience as I took time off from work to finish the book.

I am full of gratitude to my friend Ellie Cleary for lending her unique perspective and insight to the book, and for believing in the project and in the role of tourism in creating a better world.

I am grateful to my editor Anna Leinberger, who has become a friend. Anna’s support, willingness to talk anytime, and editing skills were so vital for the completion of this book.

I want to thank my team in MEJDI Tours for taking time to help me with the book. I asked them to read my drafts and help me with research. I want to thank Susan Jerzembski Holmer, who assisted me in making this book happen from inception to completion. This book would not have been completed without your support. This acknowledgment isn’t complete without Kim Passy Yousef, Anne Bauer, Jazmin Avellaneda, and Seraphine, for their support in research, advice, and time.

I am thankful for the assistance of Dr. Harold Goodwin of World Travel Market Responsible Tourism, who was willing to give me advice and point me to the right resources. I am grateful to journalist Jaclynn Ashley, who spent many hours working with me and researching to make the first draft happen.

Most important, I am very grateful to Marie, my love, for believing in me, and continuing to inspire me and support me to write more, and for great feedback and substantial advice. Even as she was finishing her PhD dissertation, she was willing to take time off to help me with this project. I don’t know what I could have done without her support.