S

O
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M Unit-I
T Introduction to sustainable tourism
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O Sustainable development Concept
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According to UNWTO, "Sustainable development is development

that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs."
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O Definitions from different perspectives:
H Sustainable Economy – one characterized by development decisions,

M policies and practices that do not exhaust the National resources and
respect the cultural experiences of societies.
T Sustaining Society – one that lives in harmony with nature and within
itself.
Sustainable Environment – The national resources are able to sustain
life, health and acceptable progress, and to renew themselves.
Sustainable Future – A healthy environment, economic prosperity and
social justice are pursued simultaneously to ensure the well-being and
the quality of life of present and future generations. Education is crucial
to attaining that future.
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O
SDGs
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T
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H
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O Global objectives and Goals for sustainable development
H  Eradicate poverty in all its forms, everywhere.

M  Eradicate hunger, achieve food safety and improved diet and promote
sustainable agriculture.
T
 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone of all ages.
 Ensure inclusive and fair education of good quality and promote
lifelong learning for everyone.
 Achieve gender equality and strengthen the position of all women and
girls.
 Ensure access to and the sustainable management of water and
sanitation for everyone.
 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for
everyone.
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O  Promote continuous, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full
H and productive employment, and decent work for everyone.
M  Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable
T industrialization and promote innovation.
 Reduce inequalities within and between countries.
 Make cities and settlements inclusive, safe, flexible and sustainable.
 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.
 Preserve and make sustainable use of seas, lakes and marine
resources for sustainable development.
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H  Sustainable forestry, stop desertification, slow down and reverse soil
M degradation as well as halt the loss of biodiversity.

T  Promote peaceful and inclusive communities for sustainable

development, provide access to justice for everyone and build effective,
responsible and inclusive institutions at all levels.
 Strengthen implementation tools and revitalise the Global Partnership
for Sustainable Development.
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O Principles of Sustainable Development
H
M 1) Inter-generational equity;
T (2) Use and conservation of natural resources;
(3) Environmental protection;
(4) The precautionary principle;
(5) The ‘Polluter Pays’ principle;
(6) Principle of liability to help and co-operate;
(7) Poverty eradication; and
(8) Principle of ‘public trust’.
S Sustainable Tourism
O Sustainable tourism, also known as responsible tourism or eco-tourism, refers to a

H form of tourism that aims to meet the needs of present tourists and host
communities while preserving and enhancing the environment, culture, and well-
M being of future generations. Sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing negative
T impacts on the environment, promoting cultural preservation, supporting local
economies, and fostering social inclusivity.
S Key principles of sustainable tourism include:
O
• Environmental Conservation: Sustainable tourism seeks to protect
H natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It aims to minimize
M pollution, waste generation, and the depletion of natural resources.

T • Social and Cultural Responsibility: Sustainable tourism respects and

celebrates the culture, traditions, and heritage of local communities. It
involves engaging with local people in a way that benefits them
economically and socially, while also preserving their cultural identity.

• Economic Sustainability: Sustainable tourism strives to benefit local

economies by promoting locally-owned businesses, providing job
opportunities, and encouraging fair wages and working conditions for the
local workforce.

• Community Engagement and Empowerment: Sustainable tourism

involves local communities in decision-making processes and empowers
them to participate in and benefit from tourism development.
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• Quality Visitor Experience: Sustainable tourism aims to offer visitors
H authentic and meaningful experiences while minimizing the impact on natural
M and cultural resources.
T • Conservation of Resources: Sustainable tourism encourages the efficient use
of resources, such as water and energy, and promotes eco-friendly practices in
tourism operations.
• Education and Awareness: Sustainable tourism seeks to educate travelers
and host communities about the importance of sustainable practices,
encouraging responsible travel behavior.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Sustainable tourism requires collaboration
among stakeholders, including governments, tourism operators, local
communities, and tourists, to work together in achieving sustainability goals.
S Evolution of Sustainability and Responsibility
O in Tourism
H The evolution of the concepts of sustainability and responsibility in
M tourism has been a gradual process influenced by various factors,
T including global environmental concerns, changing societal values,
and the recognition of the economic significance of responsible
tourism practices.
S Key stages in the evolution of sustainability and
O responsibility in tourism:
H
Early Tourism Development (Pre-20th Century): In the early stages of tourism
M development, there was little consideration for sustainability and responsibility.
T Tourism was primarily focused on leisure and entertainment, with little attention
given to the impact on the environment or local communities.
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Rise of Environmental Awareness (Late 20th Century): In the late 20th century,
H with growing concerns about environmental issues such as pollution, habitat
M destruction, and climate change, the need for sustainable practices in various

T industries, including tourism, became apparent. The first Earth Summit held in Rio de
Janeiro in 1992 played a crucial role in raising global awareness about sustainability
and its relevance to tourism.
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Emergence of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism (Late 20th Century): The
H 1980s and 1990s witnessed the emergence of concepts like ecotourism and
M sustainable tourism. Ecotourism emphasized responsible travel to natural areas that

T conserves the environment and benefits local communities. Sustainable tourism took
a broader approach, focusing on balancing economic, environmental, and social
considerations in tourism development.
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H Global Initiatives and Guidelines (Late 20th Century): In the late 20th century,
several global organizations, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization
M (UNWTO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), began

T promoting sustainable tourism practices. Guidelines and principles for sustainable

tourism were developed, emphasizing the need for responsible tourism development.
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H Mainstream Adoption (21st Century): In the 21st century, sustainable
tourism practices gradually moved from niche segments like ecotourism
M to mainstream tourism. More destinations and tourism businesses started
T integrating sustainability principles into their operations and marketing
strategies.
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O Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Tourism (21st Century):
H Tourism businesses recognized the importance of corporate social
M responsibility, not just in terms of environmental practices but also in
T terms of supporting local communities, respecting cultural heritage, and
ensuring ethical business operations.
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O Certification and Accreditation (21st Century): Certification
H schemes and accreditation programs for sustainable tourism emerged,

M allowing businesses and destinations to showcase their commitment to

responsible practices. Examples include Green Globe, EarthCheck, and
T
the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria.
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Emphasis on Over-tourism and Community Involvement (Recent Years):
H
Over-tourism became a concern in some popular destinations, leading to a
M focus on managing tourist numbers and involving local communities in
T decision-making to ensure that tourism benefits everyone involved.
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O Technological Advancements and Sustainable Innovations:
H Technology has played a role in promoting sustainable tourism through
M advancements in eco-friendly transportation, smart destination

T management, and digital solutions for minimizing the environmental

footprint of travelers.
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Impact of Tourism
O
Positive Impacts of Tourism
H
Economic growth and employment: Tourism is a significant contributor
M to a destination's economy, generating revenue and creating job
T opportunities across various sectors, such as hospitality, transportation,
retail, and entertainment.

Infrastructure development: Tourism often necessitates the improvement

of infrastructure, including roads, airports, public facilities, and utilities.
These enhancements can benefit both tourists and local residents,
improving their quality of life.
Cultural exchange and understanding: Tourism fosters cultural
exchange between visitors and locals, allowing people from different
backgrounds to interact, share traditions, and gain a better understanding of
each other's cultures.

Preservation of cultural heritage: Tourism can encourage the

preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage sites, traditions, and
arts, as they become valuable assets and attractions for tourists.
S Environmental conservation: Sustainable tourism practices promote
environmental awareness and conservation efforts. Revenue from eco-tourism
O can support the protection of natural habitats and wildlife.

H Community development: Tourism can stimulate community development

through income generation and community-based tourism initiatives,
M empowering local residents to participate in the industry and benefit from it
directly.
T
Increased global awareness: By attracting visitors from around the world,
tourism helps raise awareness about different cultures, landscapes, and social
issues, fostering a sense of global citizenship.

Support for local businesses: Tourism can boost demand for locally produced
goods and services, supporting small businesses and artisans in the area.

Funding for public services and facilities: Tourism revenues can be

reinvested into public services, such as education, healthcare, and
infrastructure, benefiting both tourists and residents.

Promotion of peace and understanding: Tourism can act as a bridge between

different nations and promote peaceful relations, as it encourages people to
learn about and respect each other's cultures and backgrounds.
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Negative Impacts of Tourism
O
H Environmental degradation: Tourism can lead to increased pollution, waste generation,
and destruction of natural habitats due to the higher demand for infrastructure,
M transportation, and other services. Overcrowding and unregulated development can harm
sensitive ecosystems, wildlife, and marine life.
T Overcrowding: Popular tourist destinations often experience overcrowding, leading to
congestion, long queues, and an overall decline in the quality of the visitor experience.
This can also put stress on local resources and infrastructure.

Cultural erosion: Tourism can sometimes result in the commodification and

commercialization of local cultures, leading to the loss of authentic traditions and customs.
Local communities may start catering solely to tourists, abandoning their traditional ways
of life.

Displacement of locals: As tourism develops, local residents might be pushed out of their
homes and neighborhoods due to increasing property prices and demand for
accommodation. This phenomenon, known as "overtourism," can lead to a loss of
community identity and social cohesion.
S Economic dependence: Some destinations become overly reliant on tourism, leading
O to economic vulnerability. A downturn in the tourism industry, natural disasters, or
other unforeseen events can have severe economic consequences for the local
H community.

M Increased cost of living: Tourism can drive up the cost of living for locals as prices
for goods and services adjust to the influx of tourists. This can make it challenging for

T residents to afford basic necessities.

Exploitation of labor: In some tourist destinations, the demand for cheap labor can
lead to the exploitation of workers, with low wages, long working hours, and poor
working conditions.

Water and energy consumption: Tourism demands can place significant strain on
water and energy resources in a destination, especially in areas where the
infrastructure is not adequately prepared for the influx of visitors.

Cultural insensitivity and disrespect: Tourists may not always be aware of or

respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette, leading to cultural misunderstandings
or conflicts with local communities.

Impact on wildlife and marine life: Irresponsible tourism practices such as wildlife
feeding, improper waste disposal, and recreational activities in sensitive ecosystems
can harm wildlife and marine life, disrupting their natural behavior and habitats.