Sustainable

Tourism
Management
 Chapter one
Concept of sustainable development
and sustainable tourism
 Contents of the chapter

 Concept of sustainable tourism & sustainable

development
 Nature & scope of sustainable tourism
 Principles of sustainable tourism
 Historical background of sustainable tourism
 Different ways of thinking towards sustainable tourism
 Sustainable tourism in different sectors
 1.1 Concept of sustainable
development?
 What is development?
 It is the gradual growth of a situation that became
more advanced and strong than previous one
 It is intended to bring a positive change for human
being and its surrounding. Development may take place
to bringing about a change in policy, projects and
legislation.
 Development is a unfolding of human potential for
meaningful participation in economic, social, political
and cultural process and institutions.
 sustainable development
 What does sustainable development mean?
 What caused the concept to emerge? and
 What is the deference between sustainable and
unsustainable tourism?
 why is it necessary for development to be sustainable?
i. What does sustainable development mean?

 The word SUSTAIN means to support for a prolonged period or to keep

an effort going continuously. With reference to development,
sustainability means to keep the productivity and wealth of our society
going continuously into the distant future.
Definition
‘Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs’

Improvement of Preserving natural

lifestyles and Sustainable
resources and
well-being development ecosystem
 Cont’d

 Sustainable development is a concept that seeks to balance

economic development, social progress, and environmental
protection.
 At its core, sustainable development recognizes that economic
growth must be coupled with social and environmental
responsibility. This means that development must be pursued
in a way that promotes social equity, protects the
environment, and ensures long-term economic prosperity.
 Sustainable development also requires a long-term
perspective, as the benefits and costs of development must be
evaluated over time. This means that policies and actions
must be designed to promote long-term sustainability rather
than short-term gains.
II. What caused the concept to emerge?
 The root concept of sustainability can be traced back to ancient times
 the demand for raw materials and its impact on the environment have
been a constant issue throughout human history.
 Also in the 18th century concern about population growth and its
consequences for the consumption of resources started surfacing.
 In the 19th century the focus shifted to coal as most important source of
energy and alarms were raised that coal deposits may be exhausted.
 The fear for depleted resources and the fear that present and future
generations might not be able to maintain their living standards boosted
the awareness of the need to use resources in a sustainable way, which
prepared the way for the emergence and global adoption of sustainable
development.
 The evolution of sustainable development
 For the past 30 years, world leaders, supranational organizations, and
national governments, as well as private and public organizations, have
embraced sustainability as the cornerstone in their search for
development and long-term growth.
 Sustainable development, conceptualized as the means to achieve
sustainability, was defined in 1987 by the United Nations’ Brundtland
Report as “development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.”
 Since then, various institutions and international bodies have attempted
to identify the core elements of sustainable development, and major
events and initiatives have taken place globally. With the intention to
address the numerous issues broadly referred to as the domain of
sustainable development.
 Cont’d
 For example, at the Johannesburg World Summit in 2002,
extended the definition of sustainable development to not
only environmental aspects but also social inclusion and
economic development.
 In 2012 and 2013 the U.N. further refined the concept of
sustainable development with the inclusion of good
governance as a fourth pillar.
 In 2015 the U.N. General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, accompanied by a list of
Sustainable Development Goals (17 objectives and 169
targets) that all countries of the world are encouraged to
achieve by 2030.
iii. Differences between Sustainable development
versus unsustainable development

 Sustainable development refers to the practice of meeting the needs of

the present generation without compromising the ability of future
generations.
 On the other hand, unsustainable development refers to practices that are
harmful to the environment, society, and economy, and do not take into
account the needs of future generations. This can include overexploitation
of natural resources, pollution, social inequality, and other practices that
contribute to environmental degradation and social injustice.
 Sustainable development seeks to balance economic growth with social
and environmental responsibility, whereas unsustainable development
prioritizes short-term economic gain over long-term sustainability.
Ultimately, sustainable development is necessary for the continued health
and well-being of people and the planet, while unsustainable development
can have negative consequences for both.
 Cont’d

i. General concept

Sustainable development Non- sustainable development

 Slow Development
 Controlled development
 Appropriate scale
 Long Term
 Qualitatiy focus
 Local control
 Rapid Development
 Uncontrolled development
 In appropriate scale
 Short Term
 Quantitatiy focus
 Remote control
 ii. Development strategies
Sustainable tourism
development
 Plan, then develop
 Concept-led- scheme
 All type of landscapes concerned
 Pressure and benefits diffused
 Local developers
 Locals employed
 Vernacular architecture
Cont’d
unsustainable
development
 Develop without planning
 Project-led scheme
 Concentrating on ‘honey pots’
 Increase capacity
 Outside developers
 Imported labour
 Non- Vernacular architecture
 Cont’d

iii. Tourist Behavior

 High value  Low value

 Some mental preparation
 Learning local language
 Tactful and sensitive
 Quiet
 Repeat visit
 Little or no mental preparation
 No learning of local language
 Intensive and insensitive
 Loud
 Unlikely to return
iv. why is it necessary for development to
be sustainable?

Sustainable development is necessary for several reasons:

1. Environmental Protection: Sustainable development seeks to
balance economic growth with the protection and preservation of
the natural environment. It recognizes that natural resources are
finite and need to be used in a way that will not compromise their
availability for future generations.
2. Social Equity: Sustainable development aims to promote social
equity by providing access to resources and opportunities for all
members of society. This means that development should not be
focused on benefiting only a select few but should aim to uplift the
entire community, including the marginalized and vulnerable.
 Cont’d
3. Economic Growth: Sustainable development seeks to
promote economic growth, but not at the expense of the
environment or society. This means that development
should be pursued in a way that maximizes benefits while
minimizing negative impacts.
4. Long-Term Planning: Sustainable development requires
long-term planning and foresight. It recognizes that short-
term gains may have long-term consequences and aims to
prevent or mitigate negative outcomes.
5. Global Interdependence: Sustainable development
recognizes the interconnectedness of global systems and
the need for cooperation and collaboration to address
global challenges such as climate change and resource
depletion.
 1.2 Concept of sustainable
tourism
 Learning about the impact of tourism has led many people
to seek more responsible holidays
 Arise from awareness of managing uncontrolled usage of
tourism resources.
 It’s one of the management approach in managing tourism
development.
 Are applicable to all forms and types of tourism destination.
 It is the concept of visiting a place as a tourist and trying to
make only a positive impact on the environment, society
and economy.
What is sustainable tourism?

 According to the World Tourism Organization,

sustainable tourism is “Tourism that takes full
account of its current and future economic,
social and environmental impacts, addressing
the needs of visitors, the industry, the
environment, and host communities“
 Or “tourism that meet the needs of present
without compromising the ability future
generation to meet their needs.”
 Cont’d
Thus, sustainable tourism should:
1. Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a
key element in tourism development, maintaining essential
ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage
and biodiversity.
2. Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities,
conserve their built and living cultural heritage and
traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural
understanding and tolerance.
3. Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing
socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly
distributed, including stable employment and income-earning
opportunities and social services to host communities, and
contributing to poverty alleviation.
 Cont’d

 “Sustainable tourism development requires the informed

participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong
political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus
building.
 Achieving sustainable tourism is continuous process and it
requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the
necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever
necessary.
 Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist
satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the
tourists, raising awareness about sustainability issues and
promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them.”
WTO, 2004
 1.3 Nature and Scope of
sustainable tourism
 The nature of sustainable tourism is a holistic
approach to tourism that considers the
interdependence of environmental, social, and
economic factors.
 It seeks to balance the needs of tourists with the
needs of local communities and the
environment, to ensure that tourism is a
sustainable industry that can benefit everyone
involved.
Other segment of sustainable tourism

Soft
Eco- tourism
tourism Responsible
tourism
Green
tourism
Sustainable
Ethical
tourism tourism
Alternative
tourism
Minimum Environmentally
impact friendly tourism
tourism
 1.4 principles of sustainable
tourism
 The 12 main principles or goals of sustainable tourism, which was laid
out in 2005 by the WTO and the United Nations Environment Program
are as follows

I. Economic Viability: ensure the viability and competitiveness of

tourism destinations and enterprises, so that they are able to
continue to prosper and deliver benefits in the long term.
II. Local Prosperity: maximize the contribution of tourism to the
economic prosperity of the host destination, including the
proportion of visitor spending that is retained locally.
III. Employment Quality: strengthen the number and quality of local
jobs created and supported by tourism, including the level of pay,
conditions of service and availability to all without discrimination by
gender, race, disability or in other ways.
 Cont’d
IV. Social Equity: seek a widespread and fair distribution of
economic and social benefits from tourism throughout the
recipient community, including improving opportunities, income
and services available to the poor.
V. Visitor Fulfillment: provide a safe, satisfying and fulfilling
experience for visitors, available to all without discrimination
by gender, race, disability or in other ways.
VI. Local Control: engage and empower local communities in
planning and decision making about the management and future
development of tourism in their area, in consultation with other
stakeholders.
VII. Community Wellbeing: maintain and strengthen the quality of
life in local communities, including social structures and access
to resources, amenities and life support systems, avoiding any
form of social degradation or exploitation
 Cont’d
VIII. Cultural Richness: respect and enhance the historic heritage,
authentic culture, traditions and distinctiveness of host
communities
IX. Physical Integrity: maintain and enhance the quality of
landscapes, both urban and rural, and avoid the physical and
visual degradation of the environment
X. Biological Diversity: support the conservation of natural areas,
habitats and wildlife, minimize damage to them
XI. Resource Efficiency: minimize the use of scarce and non-
renewable resources in the development and operation of
tourism facilities and services
XII. Environmental Purity: minimize the pollution of air, water and
land and the generation of waste by tourism enterprises and
visitors.
1.5 Historical background of sustainable
tourism
 The concept of sustainable tourism emerged in the late 20th century as a
response to the negative environmental, social, and economic impacts of
mass tourism.
 The concept was initially discussed at the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit,
in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The conference emphasized the need to develop
tourism in a sustainable manner that minimizes negative impacts on the
environment and maximizes economic and social benefits for local
communities.
 In the 1990s, the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was founded to
promote responsible tourism practices that minimize the negative impacts
of tourism and maximize the positive impacts. TIES defined ecotourism….

Write a brief overview of the evolution of sustainable tourism over time ??

 Cont’d
 In the 1990s, the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) was founded to
promote responsible tourism practices that minimize the negative
impacts of tourism and maximize the positive impacts. TIES defined
ecotourism….
 The concept of sustainable tourism gained wider recognition in the early
2000s, with the adoption of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria by
the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other
international organizations. These criteria set standards for sustainable
tourism practices in areas such as environmental protection, social and
economic development, and cultural preservation.
 Today, sustainable tourism is seen as an important tool for promoting
economic growth, protecting natural and cultural resources, and
improving the well-being of local communities. Many countries have
developed policies and strategies to promote sustainable tourism, and
there are numerous certification programs and labels that recognize
tourism businesses that meet sustainable tourism standards.
 1.6 Different ways of thinking
towards sustainable tourism

 There are several different ways of thinking towards

sustainable tourism, including:
1. Ecotourism: This form of sustainable tourism focuses on
protecting natural environments and wildlife while
providing visitors with a unique experience. Ecotourism
destinations often include remote and undeveloped
areas, and they emphasize education and conservation
efforts.
 Cont’d
2. Community-based tourism: This type of tourism involves
working closely with local communities to create
sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit both tourists
and residents. Community-based tourism often focuses on
cultural experiences, such as traditional festivals or food
markets, and visitors are encouraged to engage with locals
to learn about their customs and way of life.

3. Responsible tourism: This approach emphasizes minimizing

the negative impacts of tourism on local communities and
the environment. Responsible tourism can include efforts to
reduce waste and carbon emissions, support local
businesses, and respect local customs and traditions.
 Cont’d
 Slow tourism: This approach emphasizes taking time to
appreciate a destination and its natural and cultural
assets, rather than rushing through a list of must-see
sights. Slow tourism encourages visitors to explore
destinations at a relaxed pace, to engage with locals
and learn about their way of life, and to savor local
food and drink.
 Green tourism: This approach focuses on minimizing
the environmental impact of tourism by promoting
sustainable practices, such as reducing energy and
water usage, using eco-friendly products, and reducing
waste. Green tourism often involves staying in eco-
friendly accommodations, such as lodges or campsites
that use renewable energy sources and minimize waste.
 1.7 Sustainable tourism in
different sector
 Here are some examples of sustainable tourism
practices in different sectors:

1. Accommodation sector: Sustainable practices in the

accommodation sector include using renewable energy
sources, reducing waste, conserving water, and using eco-
friendly cleaning products. Additionally, hotels can support
local communities by sourcing products and services from
nearby businesses.
2. Transportation sector: Sustainable practices in the
transportation sector include reducing carbon emissions,
promoting public transportation, and encouraging guests
to use bicycles or walk for short distances. Some tour
operators are also offering carbon offset programs to
mitigate the environmental impact of air travel.

3. Food and beverage sector: Sustainable practices in the

food and beverage sector include using locally sourced
and seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste, and
promoting plant-based menus. Restaurants and cafes can
also adopt sustainable practices such as using reusable
containers and cutlery.
4. Tour operators: Sustainable tour operators promote
responsible tourism practices and educate their guests
on the importance of protecting the environment and
local cultures. They can also support local communities
by partnering with locally owned businesses and
promoting their products and services.
5. Recreation and activities sector: Sustainable practices
in this sector include respecting local cultures and
traditions, minimizing environmental impacts, and
promoting responsible behavior among guests. For
example, visitors can choose to participate in nature-
based activities such as hiking, bird watching, or
snorkeling, which promote appreciation of the
environment and support local conservation efforts.
End of chapter one
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