I guess one of the most awkward barriers which would need to be overcome in this context is that, for many academics, the opportunity to travel (e.g. to conferences) is most welcome: "Yeeha, I'm going to France for four days!" Globally, tourism is very popular with those who can afford it and free tourism (paid for by your company/university/research project) is likely to remain one of the favourite types. Steven Steven Boyne [log in to unmask] Land Economy Research Group SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG United Kingdom Web: http://www.sac.ac.uk/research/lee/about/ruraldevelopment/ +44 (0)131 535 4481 (tel) +44 (0)131 667 2601 (fax) +44 (0)7792 210 096 (mobile)_____________________________