Introduction We hear reports in the media that pollsters and others fi nd that trust in politicians, government, media, and various professionals is decreasing or already at an alltime low. The media and some academics have seized this phenomenon and suggest that we may (or may not) be facing or experiencing a crisis of trust, in this case in the planning profession. The crisis of trust may be more acute in tourism planning due to the combined, heavy involvement of politicians, government and planners and a plethora of already mistrusted organizations, professions and individuals. If society in general is losing trust in politicians, government and planning professionals, what does this mean for tourism planning and development?