Sustainable tourism

Related sdgs, promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable ....

define sustainable tourism brainly

Description

Publications.

Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States (SIDS) and coastal least developed countries (LDCs) (see also: The Potential of the Blue Economy report as well as the Community of Ocean Action on sustainable blue economy).

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “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".

Based on General assembly resolution 70/193, 2017 was declared as the  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development SDG target 8.9, aims to “by 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism is also highlighted in SDG target 12.b. which aims to “develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”.

Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “by 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries” as comprised in SDG target 14.7.

In the Rio+20 outcome document The Future We want, sustainable tourism is defined by paragraph 130 as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities by supporting their local economies and the human and natural environment as a whole. ” In paragraph 130, Member States also “call for enhanced support for sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building in developing countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development”.

In paragraph 131, Member States “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”. In this regard, Member States also “underline the importance of establishing, where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting sustainable tourism”.

In 2002, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg called for the promotion of sustainable tourism development, including non-consumptive and eco-tourism, in Chapter IV, paragraph 43 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

At the Johannesburg Summit, the launch of the “Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty (ST-EP) initiative was announced. The initiative was inaugurated by the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with UNCTAD, in order to develop sustainable tourism as a force for poverty alleviation.

The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) last reviewed the issue of sustainable tourism in 2001, when it was acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Johannesburg Summit.

The importance of sustainable tourism was also mentioned in Agenda 21.

For more information and documents on this topic,  please visit this link

UNWTO Annual Report 2015

2015 was a landmark year for the global community. In September, the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal agenda for planet and people. Among the 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets, tourism is explicitly featured in Goa...

UNWTO Annual Report 2016

In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This is a unique opportunity to devote a year to activities that promote the transformational power of tourism to help us reach a better future. This important cele...

Emerging Issues for Small Island Developing States

The 2012 UNEP Foresight Process on Emerging Global Environmental Issues primarily identified emerging environmental issues and possible solutions on a global scale and perspective. In 2013, UNEP carried out a similar exercise to identify priority emerging environmental issues that are of concern to ...

Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom, We recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for su...

15 Years of the UNWTO World Tourism Network on Child Protection: A Compilation of Good Practices

Although it is widely recognized that tourism is not the cause of child exploitation, it can aggravate the problem when parts of its infrastructure, such as transport networks and accommodation facilities, are exploited by child abusers for nefarious ends. Additionally, many other factors that contr...

Towards Measuring the Economic Value of Wildlife Watching Tourism in Africa

Set against the backdrop of the ongoing poaching crisis driven by a dramatic increase in the illicit trade in wildlife products, this briefing paper intends to support the ongoing efforts of African governments and the broader international community in the fight against poaching. Specifically, this...

Status and Trends of Caribbean Coral Reefs: 1970-2012

Previous Caribbean assessments lumped data together into a single database regardless of geographic location, reef environment, depth, oceanographic conditions, etc. Data from shallow lagoons and back reef environments were combined with data from deep fore-reef environments and atolls. Geographic c...

Natural Resources Forum: Special Issue Tourism

The journal considers papers on all topics relevant to sustainable development. In addition, it dedicates series, issues and special sections to specific themes that are relevant to the current discussions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)....

Thailand: Supporting Sustainable Development in Thailand: A Geographic Clusters Approach

Market forces and government policies, including the Tenth National Development Plan (2007-2012), are moving Thailand toward a more geographically specialized economy. There is a growing consensus that Thailand’s comparative and competitive advantages lie in amenity services that have high reliance...

Road Map on Building a Green Economy for Sustainable Development in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Grenada

This publication is the product of an international study led by the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Foreig...

Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal (NRF)

  Natural Resources Forum, a United Nations Sustainable Development Journal, seeks to address gaps in current knowledge and stimulate relevant policy discussions, leading to the implementation of the sustainable development agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable...

UN Ocean Conference 2025

Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility “The ocean is fundamental to life on our planet and to our future. The ocean is an important source of the planet’s biodiversity and plays a vital role in the climate system and water cycle. The ocean provides a range of ecosystem services, supplies us with

UN Ocean Conference 2022

The UN Ocean Conference 2022, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, came at a critical time as the world was strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

58th Session of the Commission for Social Development – CSocD58

22nd general assembly of the united nations world tourism organization, world tourism day 2017 official celebration.

This year’s World Tourism Day, held on 27 September, will be focused on Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Deve

World Tourism Day 2016 Official Celebration

Accessible Tourism for all is about the creation of environments that can cater for the needs of all of us, whether we are traveling or staying at home. May that be due to a disability, even temporary, families with small children, or the ageing population, at some point in our lives, sooner or late

4th Global Summit on City Tourism

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Regional Council for Tourism of Marrakesh with support of the Government of Morroco are organizing the 4th Global Summit on City Tourism in Marrakesh, Morroco (9-10 December 2015). International experts in city tourism, representatives of city DMOs, of

2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Ulsan Metropolitan City with support of the Government of the Republic of Korea are organizing the 2nd Euro-Asian Mountain Resorts Conference, in Ulsan, Republic of Korea (14 - 16 October 2015). Under the title “Paving the Way for a Bright Future for Mounta

21st General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

Unwto regional conference enhancing brand africa - fostering tourism development.

Tourism is one of the Africa’s most promising sectors in terms of development, and represents a major opportunity to foster inclusive development, increase the region’s participation in the global economy and generate revenues for investment in other activities, including environmental preservation.

  • January 2017 International Year of Tourism In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector that can contribute to the SDGs.
  • January 2015 Targets 8.9, 12 b,14.7 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development commits Member States, through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.9 to “devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to “increase [by 2030] the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries”, through Sustainable Development Goals Target 14.7.
  • January 2012 Future We Want (Para 130-131) Sustainable tourism is defined as a significant contributor “to the three dimensions of sustainable development” thanks to its close linkages to other sectors and its ability to create decent jobs and generate trade opportunities. Therefore, Member States recognize “the need to support sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity-building that promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity, ecosystems and cultural diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities” as well as to “encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include creating small and medium sized enterprises and facilitating access to finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism potential”.
  • January 2009 Roadmap for Recovery UNWTO announced in March 2009 the elaboration of a Roadmap for Recovery to be finalized by UNWTO’s General Assembly, based on seven action points. The Roadmap includes a set of 15 recommendations based on three interlocking action areas: resilience, stimulus, green economy aimed at supporting the tourism sector and the global economy.
  • January 2008 Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria represent the minimum requirements any tourism business should observe in order to ensure preservation and respect of the natural and cultural resources and make sure at the same time that tourism potential as tool for poverty alleviation is enforced. The Criteria are 41 and distributed into four different categories: 1) sustainability management, 2) social and economic 3) cultural 4) environmental.
  • January 2003 WTO becomes a UN specialized body By Resolution 453 (XV), the Assembly agreed on the transformation of the WTO into a United Nations specialized body. Such transformation was later ratified by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of Resolution A/RES/58/232.
  • January 2003 1st Int. Conf. on Climate Change and Tourism The conference was organized in order to gather tourism authorities, organizations, businesses and scientists to discuss on the impact that climate change can have on the tourist sector. The event took place from 9 till 11 April 2003 in Djerba, Tunisia.
  • January 2002 World Ecotourism Summit Held in May 2002, in Quebec City, Canada, the Summit represented the most important event in the framework of the International Year of Ecosystem. The Summit identified as main themes: ecotourism policy and planning, regulation of ecotourism, product development, marketing and promotion of ecotourism and monitoring costs and benefits of ecotourism.
  • January 1985 Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code At the World Tourism Organization Sixth Assembly held in Sofia in 1985, the Tourism Bill of Rights and Tourist Code were adopted, setting out the rights and duties of tourists and host populations and formulating policies and action for implementation by states and the tourist industry.
  • January 1982 Acapulco Document Adopted in 1982, the Acapulco Document acknowledges the new dimension and role of tourism as a positive instrument towards the improvement of the quality of life for all peoples, as well as a significant force for peace and international understanding. The Acapulco Document also urges Member States to elaborate their policies, plans and programmes on tourism, in accordance with their national priorities and within the framework of the programme of work of the World Tourism Organization.

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is the form of tourism that meets the needs of tourists, the tourism industry, and host communities today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

According to The World Tourism Organization (WTO), 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.

Definition of Sustainable Tourism

The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism in the following manner:

“Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems.”

While tourism is welcomed almost universally for the benefits and opportunities it creates, there is a growing recognition of the need to see tourism in its environmental context, to acknowledge that tourism and the environment are interdependent, and to work to reinforce the positive relationship between tourism , the environment and poverty reduction.

Sustainable tourism means tourism which is economically viable but does not destroy the resources on which the future of tourism will depend, notably the physical environment and the social fabric of the host community.

According to Richards , “Sustainable tourism is tourism which develops as quickly as possible, taking account of current accommodation capacity, the local population, and the environment. The development of tourism and new investment in the tourism sector should not detract from tourism itself. New tourism facilities should be integrated with the environment.”

Butler defines environmentally sustainable tourism as , “tourism which is developed and maintained in an area (community, environment) in such a manner and at such a scale that it remains viable over an infinite period and does not degrade or alter the environment (human and physical) in which it exists to such a degree that it prohibits the successful development and well being of other activities and processes.”

Sustainable Tourism Development

The World Commission on Environment and Development (The Brundtland Commission) brought the term ‘sustainable tourism development’ into common use in its seminal report (1987) called ‘Our Common Future.’

“Sustainable Development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

The definition has within it two concepts:

  • The concept of ‘needs’, especially the needs of the poor.
  • Ability to meet the present and future needs.

Basically, when we talk about sustainable development, the easiest definition is what we, the present generation, have inherited a certain amount of ecology and environment surrounding in terms of land, water, and air; when we leave it to the next generation, we should leave it at least in the same condition, of not in a better condition than what we inherited. This is the sum and substance if sustainable development, putting it in elementary terms.”

Need for Sustainable Tourism Development

Until the beginning of last decade tourism was seen as a profitable sector of business with no obvious constraints to growth, few barriers to entry to the market, an almost, universal welcome from governments and, for the most part, entailing few effective regulatory requirements to take the environment into account.

Commercial organizations, large and small, act on the Dawkin’s principle of self-interest. They do not make significant changes to the way they do business, which could be because of exhortations or out of good intentions, except in response to the pressure of external factors that cannot be avoided or to seize a competitive advantage.

International tourism has brought in a phase in which the opportunities of making quick profits from exploiting what was regarded as freely available natural resources dazzled the eyes of government and businessmen, as well as many local residents.

As there are many economic, social, ecological and political limits to tourism development, sustainable strategies are necessary to eradicate these problems.

Principles of Sustainable Tourism

Tourism Concern, 1991 in association with the Worldwide Fund for Nature(WWF) gives 1 0 principles for sustainable tourism . These are following as:

1)  Using resources sustainably. The conservation and sustainable use of resources- natural, social and cultural – is crucial and makes long-term business sense.

2) Reducing over-consumption and waste. Reduction of over-consumption and waste avoids the costs of restoring long-term environmental damage and contributes to the quality of tourism.

3) Maintaining biodiversity. Maintaining and promoting natural, social and cultural diversity is essential for long-term sustainable tourism and creates a resilient base for the industry.

4) Integrating tourism into planning. Tourism development which is integrated into a national and local strategic planning framework and which undertake environmental impact assessments increases the long-term viability of tourism.

5) Supporting local economies. Tourism that supports a wide range of local economic activities and which takes environmental costs and values into account, both protects these economies and avoids environmental damage.

6) Involving local communities. The full involvement of local communities in the tourism sector not only benefits them and the environment in general but also improves the quality of the tourism experience.

7) Consulting stakeholders and the public. Consulting between the tourism industry and local communities, organizations and institutions are essential if they are to work alongside each other and resolve potential conflicts of interest.

8) Training staff. Staff training which integrates sustainable tourism into work practices, along with recruitment of personnel at all levels, improves the quality of the tourism product.

9) Marketing tourism responsibly. Marketing that provides tourists with the full and responsible information increases respect for the natural, social and cultural environments of destination areas and enhances customer satisfaction.

10) Undertaking research. Ongoing research and monitoring by the industry using effective data collection and analysis are essential to help solve problems and to bring benefits to destinations, the industry, and consumers.

Three Dimensions of Sustainable Tourism

Tourism has environmental, economic and social impacts. Sustainable tourism is about maximizing the impacts which are positive and minimizing the negative ones.

  • Environmental

Environmental Dimension

To many people, sustainability is about the environment, primarily the natural, physical environment, and its protection. However, there is far more to the environment than just the natural landscape.

Let us now move on to look at the five aspects of the environment:

The Natural Resources

Tourism makes use of a range of natural resources, and in many cases, the core attraction of a destination’s product may be natural resources such as clean air, land, mineral waters, and the water in lakes and seas.

The Natural Environment

There are few natural landscape or wilderness areas left in the world. Almost all natural landscapes have been affected to some extent by the actions of man through the centuries. Tourism is only one industry or activity which changes landscapes.

The natural landscape represents the core of the tourism product in many areas including natural forests, mountains, and regions which attract tourists because of their rivers and lakes.

The Farmed Environment

The farmed environment can cover a diverse range of agricultural systems including agriculture landscapes, man-made forests, and fish farms.

Wildlife has a number of dimensions such as land-based mammals and reptiles, flora, birds, insects, fish, and marine mammals. Tourism can clearly be very harmful to wildlife through the destruction of habitats, affecting feeding habits, disrupting breeding patterns, fires in woodlands and people picking rare plants.

The Build Environment

We also need to recognize that, in term of tourism, there are several dimensions to the built environment such as individual buildings and structures, villages and townscapes, transport infrastructure, dams, and reservoirs.

Economic Dimension

In the debate over sustainable tourism, the economic dimension is often given relatively scant attention compared to the environmental issues. Tourism is an economic phenomenon because:

  • It is a major industry and foreign currency earner.
  • It is the basis of the growth of many transnational corporations.
  • It accounts for a significant proportion of the annual disposable income.

Economic Benefits of Tourism

Tourism contributes to the economy of a country in various ways. Economic benefits of tourism are following as:

  • Job creation
  • Injection of income into the local economy through the multiplier effect.
  • Helping keep the local business viable.
  • Infrastructure development.
  • Attracts the foreign direct investments.

Economic Costs of Tourism

There are many economic benefits of tourism as well as costs. Economic costs of the tourism are following as:

  • Many jobs are low paid and seasonal.
  • Opportunity costs.
  • Congestion.
  • The need to invest in expensive infrastructure which may only be required for part of the year.
  • Over-dependence on tourism makes the host economy vulnerable.

Social Dimension

The social dimension of tourism has been given less attention in the sustainable tourism debates, than the environmental impacts of tourism. This is because the socio-cultural impacts of tourism usually occur slowly over time in an unspectacular fashion. They are also largely invisible and intangible.

The social impact of tourism is usually permanent with little or no opportunity to reverse the changes once it has taken place. When the social impact of sustainable tourism has been considered the focus has normally been upon the host community .

There are a number of factors that determine whether or not the balance of socio-cultural impacts will be positive or negative in a particular location including:

  • The strength and coherence of the local society and culture.
  • The nature of tourism in the resort.
  • The level of economic and social development of the host population in relation to the tourists.
  • The measures were taken by the public sector in the destination to manage tourism in ways which minimize the socio-cultural costs of tourism.

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Sustainable development

  • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
  • Competitiveness
  • Innovation and Investments
  • ETHICS, CULTURE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
  • TECHNICAL COOPERATION
  • UN Tourism ACADEMY

share this content

  • Share this article on facebook
  • Share this article on twitter
  • Share this article on linkedin

Sustainable development

"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"

Sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices are applicable to all forms of tourism in all types of destinations, including mass tourism and the various niche tourism segments. Sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability.

Thus, sustainable tourism should:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 a 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 their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them.

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY (CTS)  

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

UN Tourism strives to promote tourism development that supports, in equal measure, the conservation of biodiversity, the social welfare and the economic security of the host countries and communities.

Climate Action

CLIMATE ACTION

Tourism is both highly vulnerable to climate change while at the same time contributing to it. Threats for the sector are diverse, including direct and indirect impacts such as more extreme weather events, increasing insurance costs and safety concerns, water shortages,  biodiversity loss and damage to assets and attractions at destinations, among others.

Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

Global Tourism Plastics Initiative

The problem of plastic pollution in tourism is too big for any single organisation to fix on its own. To match the scale of the problem, changes need to take place across the whole tourism value chain.

Hotel Energy Solutions (HES)

Hotel Energy Solutions (HES)

Hotel Energy Solutions (HES) is a UN Tourism -initiated project in collaboration with a team of United Nations and EU leading agencies in Tourism and Energy . 

Observatories (INSTO)

Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO)

The UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level. 

One Planet

When responsibly planned and managed, tourism has demonstrated its capacity to support job creation, promote inclusive social integration, protect natural and cultural heritage, conserve biodiversity, generate sustainable livelihoods and improve human wellbeing.  As the sector is experiencing tremendous growth, collective efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability are essential.

Resource Efficiency in Tourism

 Resource Efficiency in Tourism

The report aims to inspire stakeholders and encourage them to advance the implementation of the SDGs through sustainable tourism.

Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Small Island Developing States face numerous challenges. For a significant number, their remoteness affects their ability to be part of the global supply chain, increases import costs - especially for energy - and limits their competitiveness in the tourist industry. Many are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change - from devastating storms to the threat of sea level rise.

Travel facilitation

Travel facilitation

Travel facilitation of tourist travel is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be a tool to foster increased demand and generate economic development, job creation and international understanding.

UNGA Sustainable Tourism Resolutions

UNGA Sustainable Tourism Resolutions

The UN Tourism is regularly preparing reports for the General Assembly of the United Nations providing updates on sustainable tourism policies both from UN Tourism member States and States Members of the United Nations, as well as relevant agencies and programmes of the United Nations system.

What is sustainable tourism?

By its very nature, tourism values the things that are most precious in our world: stunning landscapes, wildlife, history, culture and people. Tourism can be a catalyst for growth in the local economy, providing good quality jobs, opportunities for enterprise and funds for conservation. But if it is not managed well, tourism can have negative impacts on local communities and environments, creating long term problems for local residents, which can ultimately lead to the decline of tourism in the destination.

The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations. This can be achieved by:

  • Protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and managing tourism activities
  • Providing authentic tourist experiences that celebrate and conserve heritage and culture
  • Creating socio-economic benefits for communities through employment and income earning opportunities

A few sustainable tourism resources

Why sustainable tourism.

A video that explains the basics of sustainable tourism and why it is necessary.

A guide to sustainable practice for tourism businesses

This guide is aimed at travel professionals who want to embed sustainable practices within their organisation.

Measuring Tourism’s Impact

We undertook groundbreaking research in Cyprus to measure and monetise the impacts of tourism.

Survival of the fittest

The business case for sustainable tourism.

Case study: Measuring Tourism’s Impact

This case study explains how we went about developing methodology for measuring the impacts of tourism.

Paradise (Almost) Lost

Take our new free course Paradise (Almost) Lost… the island is in trouble, visit the island, experience its problems and see how you can save it.

The Travel Foundation’s Approach

This video explains how the Travel Foundation goes about sustainable tourism projects.

European Travel Commission (ETC) handbook for national sustainable tourism initiatives

A report produced for the European Travel Commission by Green Case Consulting, Good Place & the Travel Foundation

Useful links

Some generic description and explanation of sustainable tourism.

A conceptual definition of sustainable tourism.

Sustainability Reporting in Travel & Tourism.

Some useful infographics on tourism.

Transforming tourism news.

Responsible Travel

The case for responsible travel.

World Economic Forum

The travel and tourism competitiveness report.

UNWTO e-library

Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030.

UNWTO market intelligence

UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2018 Edition.

WTTC publications

Identifying the critical material issues for travel tourism.

WTTC priorities

Destination stewardship.

Pacific Asia Travel Association - sustainability and social responsibility.

Guide to responsible tourism holidays.

Global Sustainable Tourism Dashboard

How the sector is contributing to key sustainability goals.

Helping Not Helping is a campaign to end orphanage tourism and volunteering run by Lumos.

What Is Sustainable Tourism and Why Is It Important?

Sustainable management and socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental impacts are the four pillars of sustainable tourism

  • Chapman University

define sustainable tourism brainly

  • Harvard University Extension School
  • Sustainable Fashion
  • Art & Media

What Makes Tourism Sustainable?

The role of tourists, types of sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts by addressing the needs of its ecological surroundings and the local communities. This is achieved by protecting natural environments and wildlife when developing and managing tourism activities, providing only authentic experiences for tourists that don’t appropriate or misrepresent local heritage and culture, or creating direct socioeconomic benefits for local communities through training and employment.

As people begin to pay more attention to sustainability and the direct and indirect effects of their actions, travel destinations and organizations are following suit. For example, the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment is aiming to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025, while the island country of Palau has required visitors to sign an eco pledge upon entry since 2017.

Tourism industries are considered successfully sustainable when they can meet the needs of travelers while having a low impact on natural resources and generating long-term employment for locals. By creating positive experiences for local people, travelers, and the industry itself, properly managed sustainable tourism can meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.

What Is Sustainability?

At its core, sustainability focuses on balance — maintaining our environmental, social, and economic benefits without using up the resources that future generations will need to thrive. In the past, sustainability ideals tended to lean towards business, though more modern definitions of sustainability highlight finding ways to avoid depleting natural resources in order to keep an ecological balance and maintain the quality of environmental and human societies.

Since tourism impacts and is impacted by a wide range of different activities and industries, all sectors and stakeholders (tourists, governments, host communities, tourism businesses) need to collaborate on sustainable tourism in order for it to be successful.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) , which is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of sustainable tourism, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) , the global standard for sustainable travel and tourism, have similar opinions on what makes tourism sustainable. By their account, sustainable tourism should make the best use of environmental resources while helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity, respect the socio-culture of local host communities, and contribute to intercultural understanding. Economically, it should also ensure viable long-term operations that will provide benefits to all stakeholders, whether that includes stable employment to locals, social services, or contributions to poverty alleviation.

The GSTC has developed a series of criteria to create a common language about sustainable travel and tourism. These criteria are used to distinguish sustainable destinations and organizations, but can also help create sustainable policies for businesses and government agencies. Arranged in four pillars, the global baseline standards include sustainable management, socioeconomic impact, cultural impacts, and environmental impacts.

Travel Tip:

The GSTC is an excellent resource for travelers who want to find sustainably managed destinations and accommodations and learn how to become a more sustainable traveler in general.

Environment 

Protecting natural environments is the bedrock of sustainable tourism. Data released by the World Tourism Organization estimates that tourism-based CO2 emissions are forecast to increase 25% by 2030. In 2016, tourism transport-related emissions contributed to 5% of all man-made emissions, while transport-related emissions from long-haul international travel were expected to grow 45% by 2030.

The environmental ramifications of tourism don’t end with carbon emissions, either. Unsustainably managed tourism can create waste problems, lead to land loss or soil erosion, increase natural habitat loss, and put pressure on endangered species . More often than not, the resources in these places are already scarce, and sadly, the negative effects can contribute to the destruction of the very environment on which the industry depends.

Industries and destinations that want to be sustainable must do their part to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and conserve biodiversity and important ecosystems. In order to achieve this, proper resource management and management of waste and emissions is important. In Bali, for example, tourism consumes 65% of local water resources, while in Zanzibar, tourists use 15 times as much water per night as local residents.

Another factor to environmentally focused sustainable tourism comes in the form of purchasing: Does the tour operator, hotel, or restaurant favor locally sourced suppliers and products? How do they manage their food waste and dispose of goods? Something as simple as offering paper straws instead of plastic ones can make a huge dent in an organization’s harmful pollutant footprint.

Recently, there has been an uptick in companies that promote carbon offsetting . The idea behind carbon offsetting is to compensate for generated greenhouse gas emissions by canceling out emissions somewhere else. Much like the idea that reducing or reusing should be considered first before recycling , carbon offsetting shouldn’t be the primary goal. Sustainable tourism industries always work towards reducing emissions first and offset what they can’t.

Properly managed sustainable tourism also has the power to provide alternatives to need-based professions and behaviors like poaching . Often, and especially in underdeveloped countries, residents turn to environmentally harmful practices due to poverty and other social issues. At Periyar Tiger Reserve in India, for example, an unregulated increase in tourists made it more difficult to control poaching in the area. In response, an eco development program aimed at providing employment for locals turned 85 former poachers into reserve gamekeepers. Under supervision of the reserve’s management staff, the group of gamekeepers have developed a series of tourism packages and are now protecting land instead of exploiting it. They’ve found that jobs in responsible wildlife tourism are more rewarding and lucrative than illegal work.

Flying nonstop and spending more time in a single destination can help save CO2, since planes use more fuel the more times they take off.

Local Culture and Residents

One of the most important and overlooked aspects of sustainable tourism is contributing to protecting, preserving, and enhancing local sites and traditions. These include areas of historical, archaeological, or cultural significance, but also "intangible heritage," such as ceremonial dance or traditional art techniques.

In cases where a site is being used as a tourist attraction, it is important that the tourism doesn’t impede access to local residents. For example, some tourist organizations create local programs that offer residents the chance to visit tourism sites with cultural value in their own countries. A program called “Children in the Wilderness” run by Wilderness Safaris educates children in rural Africa about the importance of wildlife conservation and valuable leadership development tools. Vacations booked through travel site Responsible Travel contribute to the company’s “Trip for a Trip” program, which organizes day trips for disadvantaged youth who live near popular tourist destinations but have never had the opportunity to visit.

Sustainable tourism bodies work alongside communities to incorporate various local cultural expressions as part of a traveler’s experiences and ensure that they are appropriately represented. They collaborate with locals and seek their input on culturally appropriate interpretation of sites, and train guides to give visitors a valuable (and correct) impression of the site. The key is to inspire travelers to want to protect the area because they understand its significance.

Bhutan, a small landlocked country in South Asia, has enforced a system of all-inclusive tax for international visitors since 1997 ($200 per day in the off season and $250 per day in the high season). This way, the government is able to restrict the tourism market to local entrepreneurs exclusively and restrict tourism to specific regions, ensuring that the country’s most precious natural resources won’t be exploited.

Incorporating volunteer work into your vacation is an amazing way to learn more about the local culture and help contribute to your host community at the same time. You can also book a trip that is focused primarily on volunteer work through a locally run charity or non profit (just be sure that the job isn’t taking employment opportunities away from residents).

It's not difficult to make a business case for sustainable tourism, especially if one looks at a destination as a product. Think of protecting a destination, cultural landmark, or ecosystem as an investment. By keeping the environment healthy and the locals happy, sustainable tourism will maximize the efficiency of business resources. This is especially true in places where locals are more likely to voice their concerns if they feel like the industry is treating visitors better than residents.

Not only does reducing reliance on natural resources help save money in the long run, studies have shown that modern travelers are likely to participate in environmentally friendly tourism. In 2019, Booking.com found that 73% of travelers preferred an eco-sustainable hotel over a traditional one and 72% of travelers believed that people need to make sustainable travel choices for the sake of future generations.

Always be mindful of where your souvenirs are coming from and whether or not the money is going directly towards the local economy. For example, opt for handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans.

Growth in the travel and tourism sectors alone has outpaced the overall global economy growth for nine years in a row. Prior to the pandemic, travel and tourism accounted for an $9.6 trillion contribution to the global GDP and 333 million jobs (or one in four new jobs around the world).

Sustainable travel dollars help support employees, who in turn pay taxes that contribute to their local economy. If those employees are not paid a fair wage or aren’t treated fairly, the traveler is unknowingly supporting damaging or unsustainable practices that do nothing to contribute to the future of the community. Similarly, if a hotel doesn’t take into account its ecological footprint, it may be building infrastructure on animal nesting grounds or contributing to excessive pollution. The same goes for attractions, since sustainably managed spots (like nature preserves) often put profits towards conservation and research.

Costa Rica was able to turn a severe deforestation crisis in the 1980s into a diversified tourism-based economy by designating 25.56% of land protected as either a national park, wildlife refuge, or reserve.

While traveling, think of how you would want your home country or home town to be treated by visitors.

Are You a Sustainable Traveler?

Sustainable travelers understand that their actions create an ecological and social footprint on the places they visit. Be mindful of the destinations , accommodations, and activities you choose, and choose destinations that are closer to home or extend your length of stay to save resources. Consider switching to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as bicycles, trains, or walking while on vacation. Look into supporting locally run tour operations or local family-owned businesses rather than large international chains. Don’t engage in activities that harm wildlife, such as elephant riding or tiger petting , and opt instead for a wildlife sanctuary (or better yet, attend a beach clean up or plan an hour or two of some volunteer work that interests you). Leave natural areas as you found them by taking out what you carry in, not littering, and respecting the local residents and their traditions.

Most of us travel to experience the world. New cultures, new traditions, new sights and smells and tastes are what makes traveling so rewarding. It is our responsibility as travelers to ensure that these destinations are protected not only for the sake of the communities who rely upon them, but for a future generation of travelers.

Sustainable tourism has many different layers, most of which oppose the more traditional forms of mass tourism that are more likely to lead to environmental damage, loss of culture, pollution, negative economic impacts, and overtourism.

Ecotourism highlights responsible travel to natural areas that focus on environmental conservation. A sustainable tourism body supports and contributes to biodiversity conservation by managing its own property responsibly and respecting or enhancing nearby natural protected areas (or areas of high biological value). Most of the time, this looks like a financial compensation to conservation management, but it can also include making sure that tours, attractions, and infrastructure don’t disturb natural ecosystems.

On the same page, wildlife interactions with free roaming wildlife should be non-invasive and managed responsibly to avoid negative impacts to the animals. As a traveler, prioritize visits to accredited rescue and rehabilitation centers that focus on treating, rehoming, or releasing animals back into the wild, such as the Jaguar Rescue Center in Costa Rica.

Soft Tourism

Soft tourism may highlight local experiences, local languages, or encourage longer time spent in individual areas. This is opposed to hard tourism featuring short duration of visits, travel without respecting culture, taking lots of selfies , and generally feeling a sense of superiority as a tourist.

Many World Heritage Sites, for example, pay special attention to protection, preservation, and sustainability by promoting soft tourism. Peru’s famed Machu Picchu was previously known as one of the world’s worst victims of overtourism , or a place of interest that has experienced negative effects (such as traffic or litter) from excessive numbers of tourists. The attraction has taken steps to control damages in recent years, requiring hikers to hire local guides on the Inca Trail, specifying dates and time on visitor tickets to negate overcrowding, and banning all single use plastics from the site.

Traveling during a destination’s shoulder season , the period between the peak and low seasons, typically combines good weather and low prices without the large crowds. This allows better opportunities to immerse yourself in a new place without contributing to overtourism, but also provides the local economy with income during a normally slow season.

Rural Tourism

Rural tourism applies to tourism that takes place in non-urbanized areas such as national parks, forests, nature reserves, and mountain areas. This can mean anything from camping and glamping to hiking and WOOFing. Rural tourism is a great way to practice sustainable tourism, since it usually requires less use of natural resources.

Community Tourism

Community-based tourism involves tourism where local residents invite travelers to visit their own communities. It sometimes includes overnight stays and often takes place in rural or underdeveloped countries. This type of tourism fosters connection and enables tourists to gain an in-depth knowledge of local habitats, wildlife, and traditional cultures — all while providing direct economic benefits to the host communities. Ecuador is a world leader in community tourism, offering unique accommodation options like the Sani Lodge run by the local Kichwa indigenous community, which offers responsible cultural experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.

" Transport-related CO 2  Emissions of the Tourism Sector – Modelling Results ." World Tourism Organization and International Transport Forum , 2019, doi:10.18111/9789284416660

" 45 Arrivals Every Second ." The World Counts.

Becken, Susanne. " Water Equity- Contrasting Tourism Water Use With That of the Local Community ." Water Resources and Industry , vol. 7-8, 2014, pp. 9-22, doi:10.1016/j.wri.2014.09.002

Kutty, Govindan M., and T.K. Raghavan Nair. " Periyar Tiger Reserve: Poachers Turned Gamekeepers ." Food and Agriculture Organization.

" GSTC Destination Criteria ." Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Rinzin, Chhewang, et al. " Ecotourism as a Mechanism for Sustainable Development: the Case of Bhutan ." Environmental Sciences , vol. 4, no. 2, 2007, pp. 109-125, doi:10.1080/15693430701365420

" Booking.com Reveals Key Findings From Its 2019 Sustainable Travel Report ." Booking.com.

" Economic Impact Reports ." World Travel and Tourism Council .

  • Regenerative Travel: What It Is and How It's Outperforming Sustainable Tourism
  • How to Be a Sustainable Traveler: 18 Tips
  • What Is Ecotourism? Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons
  • Some Advice on How to Travel More Intentionally
  • 'The Last Tourist' Film Will Make You Approach Travel Differently
  • Best of Green Awards 2021: Sustainable Travel
  • Costa Rica’s Keys to Success as a Sustainable Tourism Pioneer
  • What Is Community-Based Tourism? Definition and Popular Destinations
  • What Is Overtourism and Why Is It Such a Big Problem?
  • What Is Experiential Tourism?
  • What Is Voluntourism? Does It Help or Harm Communities?
  • Food Sovereignty: Definition, Principles, and Importance
  • Best of Green Awards 2021: Eco Tech
  • 10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Tourist
  • Travel + Leisure's Global Vision Awards Are a Win for the Planet
  • Spain Starts a School for Shepherdesses
  • Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific (RSOAP)
  • Member States in Asia and the Pacific
  • SUSTAINABLE TOURISM OBSERVATORIES (INSTO)

Logo

© UNWTO Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific (RSOAP)

Sustainable Tourism vs. Ecotourism: What's the Difference?

define sustainable tourism brainly

If you're starting to research more ways to become a more responsible traveler, you're bound to run across terms like "sustainable tourism,” "ecotourism," and "voluntourism,” sometimes even used interchangeably. But what do they all mean? In reality, ecotourism refers to the sector of low-impact tourism that includes natural areas, whereas sustainable tourism is a broader term describing sustainable practices within and performed by the tourism industry.

The environmental damages that can stem from irresponsible tourism have continued to come to light through complications from overtourism (when a destination or attraction suffers from overcrowding or an excess of tourists it isn’t designed to handle) and land degradation (when increased construction of tourism infrastructure negatively affects land resources and biodiversity). These terms are more than just travel industry buzzwords; sustainable travel is—hopefully—here to stay.

What Is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism encompasses all forms of tourism that consider the long-term economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism while addressing the needs of visitors, the environment, host communities, and the tourism industry itself. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—an organization that sets global standards for sustainable travel and tourism—sustainable tourism doesn’t refer to a specific type of tourism but is rather an aspiration for the impacts of all forms of tourism.

Specifically, "sustainable tourism 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." This includes conservation efforts, preserving cultural heritage and traditional values, and providing equitably distributed socio-economic benefits.

Destinations and industries may practice sustainable tourism by prioritizing the natural environment when developing activities and infrastructure, respecting the cultural practices of host communities, and ensuring long-term economic operations to support the destination, to name a few.

Adopting a few sustainable practices into your travel routine isn’t just a win for the people, environments, and wildlife of your destination, it can often create more educational, meaningful, and authentic tourism experiences at the same time. Individual travelers can do things like buy locally made souvenirs, opt for public transportation instead of rental cars, buy an admission ticket to a protected conservation area (like a national park), or go low-impact camping to show their support for sustainable tourism.

What Is Ecotourism?

Sustainable tourism as a whole considers the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the travel industry, ecotourism tends to lean deeper into the environmental. The most cited definition of ecological tourism (or “ecotourism”) comes straight from the International Ecotourism Society (TIES), a nonprofit organization that’s been dedicated to promoting ecotourism since 1990. TIES defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.”

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), ecotourism refers to nature-based forms of tourism where the observation and appreciation of nature and traditional culture in natural areas is the main motivation behind traveling. Specifically, ecotourism has the following characteristics:

  • Contains educational and interpretation features.
  • Generally speaking, tours are organized by specialized, small-group tour operators.
  • Destination partners are usually small, locally-owned businesses.
  • Minimizes negative impacts on the natural and cultural environment.
  • Supports the maintenance of areas used as ecotourism attractions.

This maintenance support is provided by the generation of income for communities, local organizations, and conservation management authorities as well as the availability of alternative employment opportunities and increased awareness of natural and culturally significant areas.

While ecotourism is just one of several different subsets of sustainable tourism, it tends to be the most widely recognized. Since it focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, ecotourism should be managed in such a way that helps contribute to the conservation and preservation of those very areas. It goes farther than wildlife, and focuses on both environmental and cultural understanding of the natural places visited. For this reason, there are some communities and even entire habitats that completely rely on ecotourism as a means for survival.

For example, Palau in the South Pacific requires all visitors to sign an eco pledge before entering the country saying that they will act in a way that is both ecologically and culturally responsible for the sake of future generations of Palauans. Tourists can also look out for Palau Pledge Certified businesses to support companies that have made a commitment to sustainability. In Africa, many governments have safeguarded national parks and natural reserves that generate revenue for the local communities while keeping some of the world’s most iconic wildlife and ecosystems protected from extinction. In turn, nature-based tourism creates countless jobs and contributes funds to help manage these protected areas.

Other Types of Sustainable Tourism

Although ecotourism is a popular niche segment of sustainable tourism in natural areas, it's not the only one. Other forms of sustainable tourism highlight different priorities such as volunteer work, small businesses, and unique local experiences.

Voluntourism

Voluntourism involves tourists who travel for the specific purpose of volunteering, such as teaching English in a foreign country, working with a wildlife rescue center, or offering medical services to underdeveloped areas. Voluntourists can travel internationally or domestically, typically for a charity or non profit, participating in voluntourism programs that positively impact local communities and benefits destinations long-term.

Soft Tourism

Soft tourism (as opposed to hard tourism) is characterized by small-scale, locally owned and operated businesses that employ local community members, respect the local way of life and local traditions, and allow tourists to experience the truly unique aspects of a destination.

Hard tourism conversely focuses on large-scale mass tourism development, which often leads to negative impacts on the environment or keeps money out of the local economies. Soft tourism typically values experiences over checking off the most popular tourist attractions, taking a class over traveling without gaining any in-depth knowledge about the destination, and spending more time in one spot over hitting a new city every couple of days.

Community Tourism

Community-based tourism puts a region's tourism industry into the hands of its local residents, and it is often sponsored by its governments or non profits with expertise in tourism development. Community members will manage homestays where tourists can get an authentic experience of local culture, become tour guides, or provide other tourism services themselves rather than sourcing out to multinational or commercialized companies. This type of tourism is important because economic benefits usually go straight towards local families and stay within the community.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council. " GSTC Sustainable Tourism Glossary: Definitions of Important Terms ." 2021.

The International Ecotourism Society. " What Is Ecotourism ." 2019.

Is Thailand Ready to Reopen Its Borders to Tourists?

How Tourism Boards in Southeast Asia Have Been Turning to Sustainable Travel

Destinations Dependent on Ecotourism Are Facing a Silent Crisis

How to Travel Sustainably on a Budget

The Ongoing Debate of “Last Chance Tourism”

How to Choose an Ethical Wildlife Experience

Regenerative Travel Brings Hotels Together for Environmental and Social Impact

Responsible Travel in Africa: The Complete Guide

What Is Overtourism—And Why We Should Be Talking About It

Top Caribbean Ecotourism Destinations

This Spanish Island Is Betting on the Environment Instead of Tourism

What to Know About Sunscreen Bans

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

The Rise of Wellness Tourism

How to Find an Ethical, Authentic Food Tour

Slum Tourism: What Is It, and Is It Okay?

STouW logo rid

Sustainable tourism: the theory

Welcome! Today’s topic is “Sustainable tourism: a bit of theory”

In this article I will try to explain the basis of the theory behind sustainable tourism. I will therefore give an overview on the basic approach with some examples of how to understand the theory more easily.

Keep reading not to miss out on the three main dimensions of sustainable tourism; you will learn some practical examples of how to apply the sustainable approach to tourism.

According to the World Tourism Organisation, tourism is sustainable when it fully keeps into consideration the present and future economical, social and environmental impact on the territory meeting the needs of the visitors, the tourism industry, the environment and the host communities.

The question becomes: “how can we interpret and make this definition more practical?”

A sustainable approach to tourism always needs to take into consideration three areas of interest: environment, society and economy.

Digging a little deeper, tourism that destroys the environment cannot be considered as sustainable; tourism that creates inequality among inhabitants and guests is not acceptable and tourism in the hands of few international intermediaries does not bring improvement to the hosting territory.

sailing boat sailing in Lake Como towards  Varenna

Environmental Sustainability

What does it mean to destroy the environment?

There can be different levels to the matter and I will list them from the gravest to the simplest; from the ones that have to be taken on by the public sector (municipality, province, region, state, Europe) to the ones where we can all make a difference as citizens.

  • sacrificing natural habitats to infrastructures creates environmental destruction;
  • cutting trees uncontrollably to build resorts, houses and buildings;
  • increasing land consumption (strictly connected with destroying forests and cutting trees), especially where it would be possible to requalify pre-existing buildings.

These first three cases are necessarily to be dealt with by the public sector; the citizens can, however, make their opinions known and can remind the public sector of its duties when needed. 

  • building new buildings (on a private level; the public sector should encourage good practices) without paying attention to new technologies and new tools that allow reducing the building electrical, thermal, air, water and soil pollution.
  • managing an office, a building (private level), but also a destination (public level) without applying or introducing new practices that allow reducing the impact on our environment is not sustainable.

Tourism generated from these cases should not be able to be considered sustainable.

Let’s now talk about the positives, the things a destination should improve to be able to assert it is a sustainable environment wise:

  • simplify and encourage the restoration of pre-existing buildings and protect the ancient infrastructures, as old railways;
  • improve and increase public transport by also encouraging its use by both tourists and locals;
  • incentivize the use of means of transport different from private cars, like bicycles or even just walking;
  • analyze and monitor the needs of the local communities first and of tourists second. Many times the two things will correspond.
  • guarantee the conservation of resources such as water, restricting the private use;
  • organize the separate collection and monitor the behaviour of the company the municipality appoints to take care of it.

To be considered sustainable a destination has to pay attention to many aspects, I have mentioned just a few as examples, but I am aware that there would be more to be said. However, this article only aims to provide an overview of topics that can be later examined in more depth. These necessities are many, but it is fundamental to know them if we want to to talk about sustainable tourism in a destination; professionals can in fact only reach a certain degree. And the same could be said vice-versa: a destination on its own, without motivated operators following this process, the result that is generated is just a half.

What makes tourist activities (e.g. hotels, excursions and restaurants) environmentally sustainable?

  • The simplest and best thing is to start by renovating an existing building;
  • develop, gradually, a management plan that provides, starting from the initial status of continuous improvements that can be monitored and measured over time. The activities included under the environment section in the management plan, for example, are water, energy (light, reception and fan operation), gas (heating, kitchen fires and hot water), food and garbage management, monitoring CO2 emissions. 
  • The conscious use of renewable and non-renewable energy, reduce the need for non-renewable energy and transformation of non-renewable in renewable energy. 

Energy from renewable sources is not 100% clean. 

There are very different cases and studies that show what the impact of renewable is. Still, if we compare it to the effects of non-renewable sources, the level is non-comparable. Often there are critics that renewable is not entirely positive, and it is true. If with non-renewable energy sources, we are 10 on an impact scale of 1 to 10, with renewable, we have an impact of 5-6. 

We, operators, should always work with a reduce – reuse – recycle approach:

  • the first step to do it is to reduce our energy needs (taking as an example a source of electricity);
  • the second step is the reuse, for example, the rainwater which we complain a lot about on Lake Como area can be stored and reused when we have to water the gardens (of the hotel, of a restaurant, of a dealer of all situations that require it). Also, some categories of water that can be reused. It is essential to know that depending on the potability and the chemical agents with which the water comes into contact, and there are levels of reuse available. For example, the water can be used for some washing and cleaning of outdoor instruments. 
  • Recycle, the third good practice that must arrive third, first reduce, then reuse, then if there is nothing else to do recycling. Recycling is the third point, so after trying to reduce, after having used again, the time for recycling arrives. 

In the office, we have to use a massive amount of paper in all the companies (tourist and not). Although this paper can be reused on one side or the other, for example, at some point it will have to be thrown away, and then it will be useful to recycle it. 

Another activity that often involves recycling is cut grass, and this can also be “recycled”, give me the term, in compost. The grass cut becomes a natural fertiliser that will help our gardens and our outdoors to flourish even better by reducing the use of chemical fertilisers. 

In the case of excursions providers, the activities that indicate a predisposition towards sustainability are: 

  • follow what we’ve said so far regarding the office’s best practices.
  • I would add encouraging the use of public transport. There are very few realities that apart from writing “you can reach the location with …” actually do something to incentive the use of public transport. Surely in this historical moment during summer 2020 is not something that people will want to hear, but in reality, it usually is very important to always highlight public transport. 
  • Alternative transport on foot, by bicycle, by scooter as it has now become very fashionable.
  • The itineraries of a sustainable tour operator should be done exclusively on foot or by bicycle, if the territory allows it, not electric bicycles, but rather classic.  

Non solo lago project event in Santa Maria delle Grazie church and monestry

Social sustainability 

Sustainability at the social level is to be coordinated above all by the destination, but there are some things that we operators must also be careful about or if the destination is not sufficiently able to manage this type of activity report us, insist on us. 

The first point, which sometimes makes me smile because it really can be really complicated, is to involve the residents in the design of the destination. I think there are very few realities that succeed in this: very few destinations, while there are many that are trying.

The fact is that involving citizens without a direct interest in the tourism sector is very complicated because people are poorly motivated; involving tourism stakeholders is simpler, but the result is necessarily different to the social objective you are trying to achieve.

From the social and cultural point of view, another important indicator of sustainability is the fact that the residents do not have negative impacts due to the tourist vocation of the destination.

It is essential that security and access to the whole territory are always guaranteed to residents.

Another factor is that all activities that increase during the tourist season should guarantee a minimum of life even during the non-tourist season. 

In this case, I speak as a person who grew up in a small village of two thousand inhabitants where you could see the difference between the seasons: during the summer restaurants, bars, open services, while the desert of the Tatars during the winter season. It may seem foolish or trivial, but it does not well predispose the population that does not have a direct interest in tourism. 

The negativity of the classic tourist seasonality also depends on the fact that during the summer period if we actually have an increase in visitors and an increase in business activities, we have a different situation at the level of people in the area and it becomes necessary to better manage this increase. The risk of negative impacts on residents increases with the increasing number of visitors. 

We do not want, for example, to have spaces reserved only for tourists (negative social impact) or to have an increase in rubbish that cannot be managed, lack of water and privileged hotels compared to private homes. There are a number of situations like these that need to be managed in the best possible way to ensure that the impact on residents is positive and not negative. 

Inclusive or accessible tourism

Special mention should be made here of inclusive or accessible tourism. This topic is generally treated separately as a type of tourism, as often the characteristics highlighted by professionals, statisticians and operators of these guests are:

  • 127 million people with “Access Needs” in Europe of which 10 million in Italy.
  • Multiplier factor x2 (these customers never go on holiday alone but with relatives, friends and travel companions);
  • tourists who take more than one holiday every year and more than 10 days.
  • Potential 20% increase in annual turnover (national GDP/company turnover)

(data from Project for all https://projectforall.net/quanto-vale-il-turismo-accessibile-i-numeri-del-mercato/ ) 

There’s a lot more to consider. The fundamental theory of sustainable tourism is totally focused on the destination and the local community. 

These fundamental theories have often originated in the international arena, but they are wrong to include only marginally the inclusiveness and accessibility of operators and also of territories. A territory accessible to all (without architectural barriers, with public transport suitable for people with mobility difficulties or impossibilities, with indications comprehensible to all through Braille language and sound communication) is a territory that acquires well-being for its permanent and temporary residents, is a territory that does not discriminate, but listens to the needs and becomes operational. 

If at the basis of sustainable tourism we have the welfare of the local community understood as:

listening to the needs and requirements of residents that often coincide with those of tourism; protection and conservation, as access to places and resources must not decline because of tourism; involvement in tourism planning.

puglia country-side with olive trees

Economic sustainability

The third dimension is the economic dimension; in this case, both the operators and the destination must cooperate in the best possible way: first of all, the destination should indicate what the direct and indirect contribution of tourism is, measure it and make it public.

This attention also helps, for example, to facilitate the possible negative impact that some tourist choices, some misconceptions of the destination’s operators have on residents. The residents can forgive some mistakes when positive economic results mitigate the error. The destination should encourage and support development and careers in tourism. Operators should consider local employment as equal to the international. Operators are also asked to contribute to training, economic growth and responsible local community through employees and to ensure responsible work in a safe and secure environment, providing fair and equal wages. In response the destination is asked to support operators in this; also economic actors support initiatives of the territory in particular related to non-profit and local infrastructure. Last but not least, the destination should encourage the maintenance of tourism spending in the local economy, this through support to local businesses to sustainable supply chains and investments. These last considerations on the economic part related to sustainability arise from the studies carried out with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. In my opinion, this part is fundamental because they highlight how important it is to have profit and income both at destination level and at the level of operators working in the field of sustainable development within sustainability. In Italy, as mentioned earlier, one of the common mistakes we make is to consider sustainable tourism as a solidarity act. In reality, the two things are very different and this part is the clear example that shows this.

Here are the three actions to do to assess your results if you are already on the path towards sustainability or what to start.

Please tell me what you are doing:

  • What are you doing about the environmental impact?
  • What are you doing for economic impact?
  • What are you doing for social and cultural impact?

My examples

  • The thermal system is managed to make the heather system of the rooms more autonomous (environmental impact);
  • I am restoring, not alone of course, the hoteliers’ association, and we are expanding to include other economic actors such as the commercial one which has a stable link with the tourism sector (socio-economic impact);
  • finally, we are collaborating with local people, operators and producers to involve a more significant part of the community (economic impact).
  • One more example is about Slow Lake Como, regarding the economic impact we are at a good point: all our activities always involve local producers and collaborators. Slow Lake Como collaborates with them organizing visits and using their products as our tastings, as our baskets.

Sara – tourism sector consultant

PS. Do you want to GROW your business with POSITIVE impact… without huge investments? Sign up for the email list by clicking on START HERE !

Or click this link https://www.sustainabletourismworld.com/start-here/   to download my INFOGRAPHIC!

© 2023 All rights reserved​

Made with ❤ with Elementor​

GSTC Logo

  • GSTC Mission & Impacts
  • GSTC History
  • Market Access Program
  • GSTC Board of Directors
  • Assurance Panel
  • Working Groups
  • GSTC Sponsors
  • GSTC Members
  • Recruitment
  • Contact GSTC
  • GSTC For the Press
  • Criteria Development, Feedback & Revisions
  • Sustainable Tourism Glossary
  • SDGs and GSTC Criteria
  • GSTC Industry Criteria
  • GSTC Destination Criteria
  • Criteria Translations
  • GSTC-Recognized Standards for Hotels
  • GSTC-Recognized Standards for Tour Operators
  • GSTC-Recognized Standards for Destinations
  • Recognition of Standards (for Standard Owners)
  • GSTC-Committed
  • Certification for Hotels
  • Certification for Tour Operator
  • Certification for Destination
  • Accreditation for Certification Bodies
  • Accredited Certification Bodies
  • Stakeholder Consultations
  • What is Certification? Accreditation? Recognition?
  • Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP)
  • Upcoming Courses
  • Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
  • Professional Certificate in Sustainable Business Travel
  • GSTC Trainers and Partners
  • FAQs: GSTC Training Program
  • Organization Membership Application
  • Destination Membership Application
  • Membership Policy
  • Membership Categories & Fees
  • Membership Payment Options
  • Webinars for GSTC Members
  • Members Log In
  • Upcoming Webinars
  • GSTC2024 Sweden, Apr 23-26
  • GSTC2024 Singapore, Nov 13-16
  • Past Conferences
  • Destination Stewardship Report

GSTC Criteria

The global sustainability standards in travel and tourism, gstc2024 global conference, royal djurgården, stockholm, sweden - april 23-26, public consultation, revision of the gstc accreditation manual for certification of hotel/accommodation & tour operator v.4.0, gstc attraction criteria, 1st public consultation is now open, what is sustainable tourism.

There are many terms that float around that may sound similar but actually refer to something distinct.

Definition of Sustainable Tourism

define sustainable tourism brainly

Negative impacts to a destination include economic leakage, damage to the natural environment and overcrowding to name a few.

Positive impacts to a destination include job creation, cultural heritage preservation and interpretation, wildlife preservation landscape restoration, and more.

Sustainable tourism is defined by the UN Environment Program and UN World Tourism Organization as “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.”

Additionally, they say that sustainable tourism “refers to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability” ( UNEP & UNWTO , 2005: 11-12. Making Tourism More Sustainable – A Guide for Policy Makers ).

Definition of Ecotourism

define sustainable tourism brainly

Fennell described it as such: “Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource-based tourism that focuses primarily on experiencing and learning about nature, and which is ethically managed to be low-impact, non-consumptive, and locally-oriented. It typically occurs in natural areas, and should contribute to the conservation or preservation of such areas” (Fennell, 1999: 43. Ecotourism: An Introduction ).

The  Mohonk Agreement (2000) , a proposal for international certification of Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism, saw ecotourism as “sustainable tourism with a natural area focus, which benefits the environment and communities visited, and fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation, and awareness.”

The ecotourism definition by the  Global Ecotourism Network (GEN) : “Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and creates knowledge and understanding through interpretation and education of all involved (visitors, staff and the visited).”

Definitions of Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel refers to the behavior of individual travelers aspiring to make choices according to sustainable tourism practices. The behaviors usually align with minimizing the negative impacts and maximizing positive ones when one visits a tourism destination.

Travelers that want to learn more about how to be a responsible traveler can visit the section on the GSTC website For Travelers .

Summary of the difference between Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism, and Responsible Travel

Ecotourism is a niche segment of tourism in natural areas.

Sustainable Tourism does not refer to a specific type of tourism, rather it is an aspiration for the impacts of all forms of tourism to be sustainable for generations to come.

Responsible Travel is a term referring to the behavior and style of individual travelers. The behaviors align with making a positive impact to the destination rather than negative ones.

Sustainable Tourism and the GSTC Criteria

define sustainable tourism brainly

They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are categorized in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; (D) Environmental impacts.

These standards were built on decades of prior work from industry experts around the globe. During the process of development, they were widely consulted in both developed and developing countries. They reflect our goal in attaining a global consensus on sustainable tourism.

The process of developing the Criteria was designed to adhere to the standards-setting code of the ISEAL Alliance. The ISEAL Alliance is the international body providing guidance for the management of sustainability standards in all sectors. That code is informed by relevant ISO standards .

Finally, the GSTC Criteria are the starting goals that businesses, governments, and destinations should achieve. Tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws. Therefore, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.

There are two sets of Criteria

  • GSTC Industry Criteria = relates to the sustainable management of private sector travel industry, focusing currently on Hotels and Tour Operators.
  • GSTC Destination Criteria = relates to sustainable management of Tourism Destinations.

Learn more about Sustainable Tourism

Reading one article is not enough. The GSTC website offers those interested in learning more about sustainable tourism the needed resources. Make sure you visit the relevant pages for you:

  • For Hotels & Accommodations
  • For Tour Operators
  • For Governments & Destinations
  • For Corporate and Business Travel

You can also join one of the regular GSTC courses:

  • Want to gain in-depth knowledge of the GSTC Criteria and understand sustainable tourism? The GSTC Sustainable Tourism course is for you.
  • Engaged with corporate and business travel? The GSTC Sustainable Business Travel course is for you.
  • Are you a hotelier or work in the hospitality sector? GSTC Sustainable Hotel course

GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Schedule

✓ Gain in-depth knowledge of the GSTC Criteria, the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism. ✓ Make informed decisions on how to implement sustainability practices for your company or destination. ✓ Get ready for developing viable and actionable sustainable tourism policies and practices for your organization

I’ve participated in the course to get a comprehensive overview of destination sustainability criteria. Much more than this, the course gave me the up-to-date analysis of current trends, and a huge number of relevant cases from the destinations, the industry networks and the service providers. I strongly recommend to attend the course.

define sustainable tourism brainly

My course facilitator and teacher (Ayako and Antje) went above and beyond to answer our questions and provide us with additional resources. The course content (the GSTC Criteria) was delivered in an understandable and organized way. Learning the GSTC Criteria and how it applies to our own projects, businesses, and destinations is integral to anyone wanting to do any kind of work in the future centered around travel. I appreciated that the course was delivered in an interactive way over Zoom, and not just something we watched on YouTube. For me, being able to interact with fellow students from around the world, was a big plus. Was well worth it, and I highly recommend the course!

define sustainable tourism brainly

This course has been very relevant and provides in-depth knowledge of GSTC criteria for sustainable practices for destinations as well as the travel industry [with] plenty of real life examples and share links to plenty of reading material throughout the course. … As we move forward during these difficult COVID times, learning our lessons on the damage to nature, it becomes all the more important for industry professionals to get trained and step up efforts to embrace sustainability in all aspects of tourism. Hence, I recommend this course to all industry professionals.

define sustainable tourism brainly

This course enables participants to connect with the GSTC team directly, over an easy to use platform and network around the world. Using real life examples and detail in each of the 4 sections of the GSTC.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC training was a great way to connect, network, and engage in mind-broadening and eye-opening discussions with others in the diverse field of sustainable tourism. I would highly recommend this as a starting point for anyone interested in the journey of regenerative and sustainable tourism.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The course was great and the on- the-go discussions added great value to keep abreast of trends from across the globe. Participants from various parts of the world brought in their experiences and made the course very interesting.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Hearing about actual destinations applying Sustainable Tourism initiatives and learning from real situations practicing Sustainable Tourism, as well as the related successes and challenges, was very informative and valuable. My favorite part was the unexpected camaraderie from and connections with the other participants. I genuinely enjoyed the online discussion, sharing of ideas, and breakout groups and, overall, meeting so many others who she a passion for Sustainable Tourism. Thank you, GSTC, for a great course!

define sustainable tourism brainly

A complete holistic approach to sustainable tourism. The comprehensive lessons given each week break down the GSTC Criteria and are paired with practical examples, international experts and ‘hands on’ online workshops. The opportunity to discuss and share insights from all the participants around the world not only contributes to my own knowledge but to also my professional network. I highly recommend this course for anyone discovering sustainable tourism.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The course is quick and handy way to immerse in the issues of Sustainability in Tourism and a great kick start in starting your own business or destination program. I could have had the course even longer and especially the live sessions were great to get to know some of the other participants and share their knowledge and experiences – best practices are the best way to get started and to get valuable information. Highly recommended!

define sustainable tourism brainly

The course was so informative and presented in an engaging & interesting way. The examples & speakers gave us a lot to think about and many tangible ways that we can make a difference in our travel business. Thank you!

define sustainable tourism brainly

This course has given me an approach to the GSTC Criteria, where the basic and complete structure to move forward on sustainable paths is visualized. The reflections generated through real examples, discussions and available material are key to better internalize what sustainability means. Ideas applicable to our business and our work area appear during the course that contribute positively to one’s reality. I will recommend this course, for its contribution to the objective, honest and constructive understanding of what sustainability is.

define sustainable tourism brainly

I can only highly recommend the course for every travel and tourism professional- it is a great motivational boost to get into action and helps me support destinations in bringing the idea of destination stewardship – an inclusive and holistic approach – alive. We do not need more and more tourists, we need sustainable tourism.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Taking the GSTC training at this point in time was extremely valuable. It gave me a sustainable tourism framework to help assess what I’ve been able to accomplish and also consider the role that sustainable experiential travel may mean as we begin to inch our way out of the world of zero tourism towards something likely new and different. One other great benefit of the training was starting to get acquainted and sharing with other participants and instructors from around the globe. These connections will be valuable for a very long time to come.

define sustainable tourism brainly

I found this online course well structured and enjoyable. The trainers are really inspiring, extremely knowledgeable about the field and very supportive. The live online sessions give a great introduction to key topics, and there are online lessons, discussion forums and reference material to deepen knowledge. I feel like I have access to so much wisdom, and it is great to be part of a global community of sustainable tourism practitioners.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Thank you GSTC for such a great course. The content was relevant, the case studies were inspiring and the course structure was spot on! I can’t wait to take my learnings and inspiration and activate it across regional destinations in Australia. Keep up the great work.

define sustainable tourism brainly

What I liked the most about this course is the well-defined structure, the opinion sharing with online classmates, and the up-to-date topics. It makes the experience much more effective and enjoyable.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Excellent course that sets the foundations for sustainable tourism practice.I was very new with sustainable tourism and now after the course I have very solid understanding and skills to apply to my job. In addition, the amazing network of professionals sharing ideas is another great tool!

define sustainable tourism brainly

This course provided me with a thorough understanding of how to implement sustainable travel practices. I will definitely integrate information from this training into my work with travel organizations and destinations to help them achieve short-term progress through a long-term strategy.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC training provides a comprehensive overview of key indicators for a holistic view of sustainable tourism. The training provided an excellent opportunity to network with other tourism professionals, and to share ideas, develop plans, and comment on sustainable tourism initiatives that are being implemented in a diverse array of locations globally. I’m grateful for the connections that I made and for the helpful feedback on ideas for improving sustainability in several operations.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Useful and inspiring! The way the course is organised with lots of practical experience from colleagues in the tourism sector is indeed the most useful and interesting part of the course, [making it easier] to approach the GSTC criteria.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC course was really great to me because it gave me an in-depth knowledge about sustainable tourism. The combination of the criteria explanation and the presentation from other experts was really great, as it gave us the know-how, lots of samples and case studies. Before joining this course, I had heard about the term sustainable tourism many times, but [was not sure] what it is all about and how we can achieve it. I am glad to have gained the bigger picture of sustainable tourism. I’m developing my village to be a community based tourism destination, and now I can adopt and apply the standard locally.

define sustainable tourism brainly

A great training program that gives the participants a thorough understanding on the sustainable management of both destinations and individual businesses. Anyone from the industry – from the business or the government side – should understand the bigger picture of the destination level management as well as the industrial level so that both public and private sectors can work together for a more sustainable tourism industry.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program provided an up-to-date perspective and holistic approach on the topic. I really enjoyed taking part in the group discussions and hearing about the realities of other destinations and their challenges.

define sustainable tourism brainly

I think the training was very useful and gave me many insights that I will use in my daily work to develop more sustainable tourism. The training class was also a good group for networking.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is the most widely recognized institution for offering sustainability courses for tourism professionals.

define sustainable tourism brainly

This is a one-of-a-kind course that provides the tools in getting you started. Not to mention, you’re also collaborating with people and organizations across the globe facing similar challenges. The feedback from fellow students was invaluable and honestly, what better way to tackle some big challenges related to the environment than with people from different countries and backgrounds. I’d take this course again just for those connections!

define sustainable tourism brainly

The [GSTC course] has been a remarkable learning experience and a great introduction to sustainable tourism. The combination of online resources, discussion forums, weekly live events with guest presenters provides a deeper understanding and useful tools in sustainable tourism. The trainers have incredible expertise in both tourism and sustainability and share their knowledge and passion about current sustainability practices. I would highly recommend this course to everyone involved in the tourism industry or have a interest in sustainable tourism.

define sustainable tourism brainly

An excellent programme run by well qualified professional staff and trainers. The guest speakers were world class and materials industry leading. A definite must for any tourism professional who is serious about making sustainable impacts for the betterment of our industry.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Amazing learning experience. Exceeded my expectations by far. Excellently organized and facilitated. Great dynamics in discussions with course participants – so much to learn from. Highly valuable best practices and interactive modules really made the best learning experience I had until now! It really motivated and inspired me to continue on the road of global sustainable tourism.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training gave me the tools and network to be able to work for a more sustainable tourism sector in the area where I’m based (South Sweden). The structure with the four principles makes it easy to follow and to discuss also outside the GSTC world. The examples from the other participants were great, and we will continue sharing good and bad examples from destinations all over the world.

define sustainable tourism brainly

To work on sustainability is a never-ending story and can be overwhelming at times. The GSTC training supports a structured approach toward continuous improvement. It provides applicable tools to evaluate our sustainability performance and guidance for setting long-term strategies. It allows you to break down this massive task into achievable working packages.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC training was a great first touch point for me into the world of sustainable tourism and destination management. I loved hearing case studies from around the world and real life examples on how the GSTC criteria can make a difference. The course has enabled me to start building on these criteria within my job.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The training has enable me to go through all the GSTC Criteria thoroughly with better knowledge of sustainable tourism standard and practices. It will be useful as basic guidelines for the Foundation to use these Criteria, as the destination wants to embark in becoming a sustainable tourism destination, aiming to become GSTC-Certified.

define sustainable tourism brainly

I would definitely recommend GSTC training to absolutely everyone in the tourism industry. The entire [GSTC] framework is extremely useful and important – a framework of values and ideas that is evolving, and that is meant for us a roadmap to make things better for people and companies that may be starting from different points in the journey towards sustainability.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The quality of this training was really first class; materials, presentations, trainer support, resources and discussions. The forum helped keep everything relevant and up to date, and I also liked the format of the live events. All guest presenters were excellent; I liked that they were sharing real life experiences and not just theoretical examples. From each and every live presentation I gained ideas, reinforcements to my own experiences and enthusiasm for what I and my colleagues are doing in our own part of the world.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The STTP programme has been a good introduction to the principles of sustainable tourism. It was a good mix of presentations and cases of sustainable tourism in real-life, insights from experts from various countries and across tourism sectors and explanation of key GSTC criteria. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and observations through discussion forums and presentations, which made the sessions more lively. The final exam is recommended for those who wish to test their ability to put these principles to practice. I highly recommend this course to tourism industry professionals wishing to incorporate sustainable tourism management at work.

define sustainable tourism brainly

The GSTC training provided me with a deep understanding of the criteria. My fellow classmates were industry experts in various sectors from around the world, bringing the criteria to life with valuable examples/discussions of how they have implemented the very practices we were learning.

Deby Stabler

My first impression was the organization, it was perfect regarding the admin efforts and the learning tools. The course materials were really useful, as well as the live sessions from which I gained a deep understanding and experience from the other participants. I really want to have the chance to thank all the team who was involved, and of course I would recommend people working in the tourism industry to join this course

define sustainable tourism brainly

The training gave me a clear understanding of the challenges we face and the actions to take to make sustainability effective, [covering] each of the main areas in a systematic way with enough technical detail for those who needed it, without losing the less technical trainees (like myself) who needed to understand the broad overview of sustainable tourism practices

define sustainable tourism brainly

The overview of standards, coupled with best practice and real world examples has been very beneficial for my work in destination management and responsible tourism development. The ability to meet likeminded industry colleagues, who are working in this arena was also highly valuable.

define sustainable tourism brainly

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts.

GSTC at Economist Impact’s 4th annual Technology for Change Asia

GSTC at Economist Impact’s 4th annual Technology for Change Asia

GSTC Vice Chair CB Ramkumar at SWITCH-Asia Webinar

GSTC Vice Chair CB Ramkumar at SWITCH-Asia Webinar

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training sponsored by the Co-Designing Institute for Polyphonic Society concluded successfully

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training sponsored by the Co-Designing Institute for Polyphonic Society concluded successfully

Sustainability Success

Sustainability Success

Sustainable tourism examples

10 Sustainable Tourism Examples

Tourism is fun; you get to meet new people, learn about new cultures and build beautiful memories that will last forever. However, as a tourist, have you ever paused to think that the areas you visit are actually people’s homes? And, of course, you wouldn’t want to ruin the homes and environments of other people, right? 

This is where green tourism comes in. Sustainable tourism factors in the economic , environmental , and social aspects of tourism, ensuring that it does not have any negative consequences on the environment. In addition to protecting the environment, sustainable tourism also protects the local communities and businesses.

In this article, I will go through 10 sustainable tourism examples around the world!

Table Of Contents

Here are 10 remarkable examples of sustainable tourism for environmentally conscious persons, including both luxury travel and budget options! Responsible tourism examples:

1. Feynan Ecolodge – Jordan

The first ecolodge of its kind in Jordan, Feynan Ecolodge was designed to reflect the architectural style of the ancient caravanserai and was built in 2005 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.

In 2009, EcoHotels took over the management and operation of the lodge, offering travelers an opportunity to experience the wild nature of Jordan, meet its natives and explore its ancient history. All of this with minimal impact on the environment!

Feynan Ecolodge is found deep in the Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve; a mountainous place located in Jordan.

It is one of the best examples of sustainable tourism globally, with the National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranking it among the top 25 ecolodges globally.

The lodge has partnered with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to provide solar-powered accommodation. The use of solar as the main source of energy greatly reduces the carbon footprint released and led them to win the World Responsible Tourism Award in 2019. Therefore, guests who use these accommodation services play a role in protecting the environment.

Dana Biosphere Reserve is one of the largest nature reserves in Jordan. It was established in 1989 to protect the area’s diverse wildlife, geology, and landscape. The reserve encompasses four different bio-geographical zones: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian. It is home to 800 plant species and 449 animal species, including several globally threatened/endangered species.

dana biosphere reserve

The Bedouin people are the original inhabitants of Jordan and are considered the backbone of the country. The Bedouin culture has transformed over time, as many people have left the traditional lifestyle and migrated to cities. However, there is still a small community of Bedouins who continue to live in the Feynan area, and geotourism has been helpful in preserving this culture.

As you can see, the Feynan Ecolodge is acting on all three pillars of sustainability (or the 3 E’s of sustainability ) by supporting the local culture (promoting cultural sustainability ), preserving the environment, and improving the local economy.

The Feynan Ecolodge is without a doubt one of the great examples of sustainable tourism, as well as an example of environmental responsibility !

2. Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel – South Africa

The Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel is specifically designed for people who like sustainable tourism.

Mdumbi Backpackers is a community-driven backpacker hostel located in the Transkei with panoramic views of the coast. They promote community involvement and sustainable eco-tourism.

The nearby beach was voted the best beach in Southern Africa, with world-class surf and incredible hiking and exploration opportunities, Mdumbi is a hidden gem not to be missed.

It provides an ideal base for whale-watching, hiking, and doing other outdoor tourist activities. The hostel uses multiple eco-friendly tools and practices, all of which are aimed to encourage more sustainable green tourism.

For example, all the accommodations use solar power and include a waste management system that is sustainable.

Besides, the hostel has a special ownership model, so that even local employees can own shares in the hostel.

3. Six Senses Resort – Fiji

The Six Senses Resort in Fiji resort is located on Malolo island at a secluded bay. The 5-star luxury resort can be said to meet all the sustainable tourism guidelines and principles.

Six Senses Fiji is committed to sustainability , with 100% solar power, programs to conserve energy and rainwater, make high-quality drinking water, and locally grow organic produce.

For example, Six Senses Resort uses solar energy to power the entire resort . Also, it established rain capture and efficient water filtration systems that help to reduce the usage of plastic bottles.

The resort has one of the largest off-grid solar installations in the Southern Hemisphere, using batteries to power the resort and the desalination plant.

In addition, the resort encourages recycling and re-using of materials, minimizing overall wastage and the release of harmful gases due to wastage.

Furthermore, the Six Senses Resort greatly supports different causes and programs aimed to help the local communities lead a more sustainable life.

For example, the resort works with Rise Beyond the Reef , an NGO that teaches women in remote communities to create marketable goods using traditional skills.

The Six Senses Resort in Fiji is clearly an amazing luxury eco-tourism example and a great option for those who can afford it!

4. Bom Bom Water Project – Príncipe Island – Africa

This water project is controlled and managed by the Bom Bom Resort . This luxury resort can be found in Príncipe and Sao Tome, an island that is located off the western coast of Gabon, West Africa.

This resort has a recycling scheme that involves replacing used water bottles with a stainless steel bottle (known as the “Biosphere Bottle”) that can be refilled.

So far, this recycling scheme has led to the removal of over 300,000 plastic bottles; a result that has contributed to a cleaner and more sustainable island.

More so, the Bom Bom Resort supports the water purification fountains and recycling projects established by UNESCO and the Príncipe Island World Biosphere Reserve.

It has established 13 water stations in different parts of the island, where tourists can refill their Biosphere Bottles. Besides, the resort encourages tourists and guests to take part in the sustainable programs available.

If you are interested in visiting this luxury eco-tourism option, then you can check a detailed review by some of their guests!

5. Inkaterra Hotels – Peru

Inkaterra Hotels is a 100% carbon-neutral organization with 47 years of experience in practicing sustainable tourism with its eco-lodges. Not bad for those luxury ecolodge options!

These hotels can be found in different parts of Peru, such as Tambopata, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Cusco, and Sacred Valley.

They were crowned by Greeninitiative , an organization endorsed by the United Nations (UN), as the very first “Climate Positive” hotel brand in the world.

All the lodges in these hotels are built using locally-sourced products; eliminating any transportation which would’ve led to a high carbon footprint.

Besides, the lodges are built in such a way that they do not ruin the environment or cause permanent damage.

Also, the Inkaterra Hotels provide support to education, scientific research, and local efforts aimed to conserve the environment and boost the economic condition of the locals.

Inkaterra Hotels is a great example of ecotourism , because the organization is truly aiming at sustainable development, by acting on all the 3 Ps of sustainability : people, profit, planet!

6. Atlantis Submarines – Hawaii

Sustainable tourism is not just about ecolodges, but also about experiences. Atlantis submarines in Hawaii offers the possibility to explore the submarine world in a more eco-friendly way.

The Atlantis Submarines are located in three different regions in Hawaii. They provide the thrill of diving up to 30 meters underwater to tourists and adventurous people.

Having been operational since 1988, the submarines are powered by environmental-friendly batteries. Therefore, they do not emit any pollutants or release harmful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Furthermore, all the Atlantis Submarines move quietly via the water without causing any environmental disturbance.

The company has also installed environmental-friendly artificial reefs in two different locations; these reefs help to re-establish healthy habitats for Marine life and fish.

Indeed, the Atlantis Submarines provide an eco-friendly way of exploring the deep sea.

7. BEES Elephant Sanctuary – Thailand

The BEES Elephant Sanctuary is located in rural Thailand in the Maechaem district. Most animal sanctuaries are considered unsustainable since most of the activities only function to exploit the animals kept there. However, the BEES sanctuary is different from these other sanctuaries, since it takes a different approach that aims to improve sustainability.

BEES was founded in 2011 by Burm Pornchai Rinkaew and Emily Rose McWilliam.

Emily traveled to Thailand as a teen in early 2009 and was appalled by the living conditions and hardships elephants experienced working in tourist camps. She made a promise to the elephants to do something about their plight and, at just 18 years of age, co-founded BEES with her partner Burm.

BEES provides a safe, natural home for elephants to just BE elephants and also rescues and provides care for local cats and dogs.

This sanctuary has adopted a sustainable approach known as the “No Contact – Hands Off Approach.” The hands-off policy prevents humans from forcing elephants into contact.

Also, all the elephants in the sanctuary have either been rented from the owners, retired, or rescued in the wild, in turn giving them a break from all the tough work that they do.

More so, the BEES sanctuary has set up different programs that allow people to work for the sanctuary, providing them with the opportunity to give back to nature.

8. Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience (SENE) – Tanzania

SENE is a tour operator company based in Tanzania . It offers a wide range of tours, such as around Zanzibar island, climbing up to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mbahe farm cottages , and other wildlife safaris. Since the company was established in 1998, it has been offering sustainable tours to tourists and jobs to the locals.

The SENE tour company is a member of “Leave No Trace”; a set of ethics whose main goal is to promote a sustainable world that will support many generations to come.

Also, they use portable toilets whose disposal systems are biodegradable.

In addition, the company encourages tourists to take alternative routes to their destination, so that they give the busier routers a chance to recuperate.

All these sustainable activities help to promote a healthier local environment in Tanzania.

9. Wavelength tours – Australia

Wavelength is a family-operated firm with a team made of local marine biologists or people who have spent most of their lives on the barrier reef. It provides snorkeling tours on the great barrier reef of Australia. However, unlike other similar snorkeling tour firms, Wavelength offers more environmentally friendly tours.

For example, the company takes only a small group of people for snorkeling. They also have a “no-touch” policy that prevents unnecessary disturbance of nature.

Also, all tourists are recommended to use environmental-friendly sunscreen that won’t have any negative impact on the corals and marine life.

All these sustainable solutions help to protect the great barrier reef, ensuring that it is not put under much pressure, which would in turn have significant effects on the environment.

Of course there is still more that could be done, but this company is surely doing some steps in the right direction.

10. Trash Hero – Thailand/Global

Trash Hero is a volunteer-led movement whose mission is to drive positive change within communities all over the world. It does so by encouraging communities globally to pick up rubbish and prevent plastic waste being dispersed in the local environment.

While Trash Hero was first started in Thailand, they have been establishing in 12 more countries.

They combine the effort of local communities and eco-friendly tourists by encouraging both parties to clean rubbish wherever they see it and work together to create a healthy, trash-free world.

Trash Hero also produces steel bottles that are more sustainable; the movement sells these bottles and also works with other businesses to make them more sustainable and greener.

Why is Sustainable Tourism Important?

The main goal of sustainable tourism is to minimize the negative impact that tourism has on the environment and local communities. It ensures that all resources are used in an optimal way, preventing over-consumption and wastage. In turn, sustainable tourism helps to preserve the natural world, as well as local traditions, culture and heritage.

Besides, sustainability tourism provides social and economic benefits to the local communities. This contributes to a mutually beneficial relationship of “give and take” where both locals and tourists gain equal benefits.

What’s even better, the sustainable activities involved with this form of tourism ensure the long-term future of travel, such that the environmental, economic, and social benefits are enjoyed now and by many more generations to come.

Sustainable tourism is not only good for business; it is also good for the environment, ensuring sustainability now and in the future. Therefore, unless you want to promote an unsustainable world, you need to ditch mass tourism and apply to tours that support sustainable tourism.

However, did you know that soon we may be getting also new ways to travel sustainably and enjoy an eco-friendly luxury vacation on the water? This may soon become available thanks to the new solar catamarans that are starting to become more mainstream!

Here are the 10 sustainable tourism examples I went through in this article:

  • Feynan Ecolodge – Jordan
  • Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel – South Africa
  • Six Senses Resort – Fiji
  • Bom Bom Water Project – Príncipe Island – Africa
  • Inkaterra Hotels – Peru
  • Atlantis Submarines – Hawaii
  • BEES Elephant Sanctuary – Thailand
  • Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience (SENE) – Tanzania
  • Wavelength tours – Australia
  • Trash Hero – Thailand/Global

I hope you enjoyed learning about those responsible tourism examples, and if you are not sure where to start, simply pick one of the 10 sustainable tourism examples discussed above. These destinations will not only give you the best time of your life, but also give you the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the world while you’re having fun!

Related topics

  • Mexico Ecotourism (Discover 10 Hidden Gems!)
  • The Magic Of Ecotourism In Belize (Unmissable Experiences!)

Suggested Articles

sustainable spring outfits

Book cover

Encyclopedia of Tourism pp 1–3 Cite as

Equity, tourism

  • Blanca A. Camargo 3 &
  • Tazim Jamal 4  
  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online: 01 January 2015

322 Accesses

2 Citations

Equity is a key principle of sustainable tourism that addresses fairness in access, use, and distribution of goods and benefits from tourism development , to meet the needs of both current and future generations. Initiated by the United Nations, the World Commission on Environment and Development (commonly referred to as the Brundtland Commission), addressed the issue of equity in its influential report on sustainable development, Our Common Future (WCED 1987 ). It entails not only inter- and intra-generational equity in development but also equity between the North and the South. Acknowledging historic inequalities in development and resource use between the Western world and the lesser developed nations, the commission called for the “poor to get the fair share of the resources required to sustain growth” and their effective participation in decision-making processes so they can enforce their common interest ( 1987 : 8,47). Following this, the notion of “sustainable tourism” also...

  • Distributive Justice
  • Tourism Development
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Tourism Research
  • Tourism Resource

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution .

Camargo, B. 2013 Justice and Fairness in Tourism: A Grounded Theory Study of Cultural Justice in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Texas A&M University, USA.

Google Scholar  

Fraser, N. 1995 From Redistribution to Recognition? Dilemmas of Justice in a “Post-socialist” Age. New Left Review 212:107-132.

Fraser, N. 2000 Rethinking Recognition. New Left Review 3:107-120.

Jamal, T., and B. Camargo 2013 Sustainable Tourism, Justice and an Ethic of Care: Toward the Just Destination. Journal of Sustainable Tourism 22:11-30.

Article   Google Scholar  

Lee, S., and T. Jamal 2008 Environmental Justice and Environmental Equity in Tourism: Missing Links to Sustainability. Journal of Ecotourism 7:44-67.

Rawls, J. 1971 A Theory of Justice. Cambridge: The Belknap Press of Harvard University.

WCED 1987 Our Common Future: Report of World Commission on Environment and Development. New York: Oxford University Press.

Young, I. 1990 Justice and the Politics of Difference. New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

International Tourism Program, Universidad de Monterrey, Avenida Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Poniente, 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Mexico

Blanca A. Camargo

Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA

Tazim Jamal

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Blanca A. Camargo .

Editor information

Editors and affiliations.

School of Hospitality Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, USA

Jafar Jafari

School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

Honggen Xiao

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this entry

Cite this entry.

Camargo, B.A., Jamal, T. (2015). Equity, tourism. In: Jafari, J., Xiao, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_257-1

Download citation

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01669-6_257-1

Received : 25 February 2015

Accepted : 25 February 2015

Published : 24 September 2015

Publisher Name : Springer, Cham

Online ISBN : 978-3-319-01669-6

eBook Packages : Springer Reference Business and Management Reference Module Humanities and Social Sciences Reference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences

  • Publish with us

Policies and ethics

  • Find a journal
  • Track your research

Tasmania trades on its environment, so what are the major parties promising at the state election?

Analysis Tasmania trades on its environment, so what are the major parties promising at the state election?

A button grass plain, with trees in the middle distance and mountains in the background under a pink dusk sky

Tasmania's environment has long been used to entice visitors to the island state, and its beauty and diversity are things all Tasmanians agree on.

It's little wonder environmental issues have, in the past, dominated political discourse in the state.

But in this state election, the big issues of cost of living, housing, and health have been the focus. Not only are they at the forefront of the major parties' campaign strategies, they are at the front of many voters' minds.

So, with little fanfare on Friday, Tasmanian Labor sent out a media release detailing its environment policies — no press conference, just a 370-word statement.

The party says it has an "ambitious and achievable" plan to tackle climate change and manage the state's natural environment — but you could be forgiven for thinking you'd heard some of this plan before.

Three people walk along rocks on a small island, with water and mountains in the background

If elected, Labor says it'll deliver a container refund scheme by the end of the year — legislation supporting this has already passed state parliament, but the scheme is yet to start.

It'll ban single-use plastics, also by the end of the year — currently, a state-wide legislative phase-out of "problematic" single-use plastics is to be in place by 2025.

Labor has also committed to producing Tasmania's first State of the Environment report since 2009.

The government is required to produce the report every five years but the Liberals failed to do so in both 2014 and 2019 . 

However, we know the report is already coming this year — it's due to be released by the end of June.

Labor is promising it will produce the report on time, going forward.

The party will invest $500,000 in a workforce package for Parks and Wildlife, which it says will create new jobs and training opportunities.

It's also committing to implement Tasmania's Climate Change Action Plan.

plastic cutlery, stirrers and cups

The plan is an existing government document, released in the middle of 2023 under the Liberals, and it has these main targets:

Net zero emissions, or lower, from 2030 Reduce food waste by 50 per cent by 2030, and reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfill by 25 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030 100 per cent electric government fleet vehicles by 2030 Double Tasmania's renewable electricity production (from 2020 levels) by 2040, with an interim target of 150 per cent by 2030 Maintain the lowest, or among the lowest, regulated prices in the National Electricity Market Become a significant producer of renewable hydrogen by 2030 No loss of fire-sensitive vegetation and other high conservation natural, cultural and historic values in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

And this is what was included in Labor's plan, released on Friday:

At least net zero emissions from 2030 A 50 per cent reduction in food waste and a 50 per cent reduction in organic waste sent to landfill by 2030 100 per cent electric vehicles in the government fleet by 2030 Doubling Tasmania's renewable energy production by 2040 No loss of fire-sensitive vegetation or other high conservation values in the Wilderness World Heritage Area

Seem similar?

Sure does, according to the Greens' environment spokesperson, Vica Bayley.

"While the Liberals' environment policy is non-existent, unfortunately Labor's is mostly a rehash of existing commitments, and is full of gaping holes," Bayley said.

"They won't even take the most basic step of adopting emissions targets for each sector of the economy.

"Labor's attitude to the environment is made pretty clear by the fact they are supporting the Liberals' policy of native forest logging for at least another 16 years.

"Not only that, but their environment policy is mostly made up of measures committed to by the Liberals and already underway."

Jeremy Rockliff gestures while speaking to a colleague in front of fallen forestry timber logs.

Liberals 'absolutely committed' to protecting environment

While you can see there's a resemblance between the environment policies of Labor and the Liberals, Labor says: "We have lived through 10 years of a Liberal government that's had no interest in protecting our environment."

"They've kept making commitments but failed again and again to act," it says.

The Liberals hadn't talked about the environment in this election campaign until Saturday, when, much like Labor, they just issued a media release.

They've promised $15 million for upgrades at Mount Field, the Nut State Reserve, and the Dial Range and will also spend $8 million over four years to establish a new Tasmanian Threatened Species Fund.

"The Liberals are absolutely committed to protecting Tasmania's pristine natural environment, and protecting our unique species," Liberal environment spokesperson Roger Jaensch said.

But both major parties tried early to win over one industry that has had a contentious history with environmentalists — forestry.

Group of people wearing yellow and orange Hi-Vis smiling to the camera.

Labor has promised to launch an independent review into the state's native and plantation forests available for logging.

It will also stop the current plantation sawlog expression of interest process being conducted by Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

Meanwhile, the Greens announced a policy aimed at extending the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The policy also includes introducing a new national park tenure that provides for Aboriginal ownership and management, and an end to a program that encourages tourism operators to apply to develop attractions and experiences inside national parks.

While other issues have dominated the campaign, the environment could shape up to be a contentious topic in the new parliament.

  • X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Liberals vow to ramp up tasmanian native forest logging as thousands march in protest in hobart.

A crowd of people marching with banners and signs calling for an end to native forest logging in Tasmania.

Liberals plan to give more Tasmanian native forest to loggers. But the industry isn't on side

Four people stand in front of heavy machinery and fallen timber logs.

A national environment report was late, but in Tasmania there has been an eight-year wait

Sign warning of polluted water at a suburban beach.

Tasmania's salmon farm industry has lost its 'social licence', minister says, but it wants it back

An aerial photo of a ship next to a circular salmon pen in a Tasmanian bay.

Strahan is famous for salmon farms and tourism. Will both die to save a threatened species?

View of Strahan town on river.

'What I found was disgusting': Alarm bells over salmon farm discharge into Hobart's drinking catchment

A composite image showing clear water and rocks and another image of furry rocks.

  • Climate Change
  • Environment
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Policy
  • Political Campaigns
  • State and Territory Elections

IMAGES

  1. An A-Z Of Sustainable Tourism Definitions

    define sustainable tourism brainly

  2. What is sustainable tourism and why does it matter? Find out more abut

    define sustainable tourism brainly

  3. What is Sustainable Travel: 8 Best Practices

    define sustainable tourism brainly

  4. Sustainable Tourism, Green Tourism, Ecotourism Explained

    define sustainable tourism brainly

  5. Sustainable Tourism: A Challenge Within Reach

    define sustainable tourism brainly

  6. Why is sustainable tourism important?

    define sustainable tourism brainly

VIDEO

  1. What is Sustainable Tourism?

  2. What is sustainable tourism? Why sustainable tourism management is so important

  3. What is Sustainable Tourism?

  4. Why sustainable tourism?

  5. What is sustainable tourism?

  6. Sustainable tourism

COMMENTS

  1. 2 Define Sustainable Tourism

    Sustainable Tourism is a form of tourism that minimizes negative impacts and promotes well-being of the environment and local communities. Explanation: Sustainable Tourism refers to a form of tourism that focuses on minimizing negative impacts on the environment and local communities, while also promoting the well-being of both. It emphasizes ...

  2. Sustainable tourism

    Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing industries and an important source of foreign exchange and employment, while being closely linked to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of many countries, especially developing countries. Maritime or ocean-related tourism, as well as coastal tourism, are for example vital sectors of the economy in small island developing States ...

  3. Sustainable Tourism

    Definition of Sustainable Tourism. The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism in the following manner: "Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that ...

  4. Sustainable tourism

    Sustainable tourism is a concept that covers the complete tourism experience, including concern for economic, social and environmental issues as well as attention to improving tourists' experiences and addressing the needs of host communities. Sustainable tourism should embrace concerns for environmental protection, social equity, and the quality of life, cultural diversity, and a dynamic ...

  5. Sustainable development

    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 a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective ...

  6. What is sustainable tourism?

    The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts caused by tourism for destinations. This can be achieved by: Protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and managing tourism activities. Providing authentic tourist experiences that celebrate and conserve heritage ...

  7. What Is Sustainable Tourism and Why Is It Important?

    Sustainable tourism considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts by addressing the needs of its ecological surroundings and the local communities. This is achieved ...

  8. What is "Sustainable Tourism" ?

    Sustainable tourism should: ・ 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. ・ Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter ...

  9. What is sustainable tourism and why is it important?

    The goals of sustainable tourism. The World Tourism Organization and the United Nations Environment Program suggested twelve main goals for sustainable tourism in 2005. These will help to demonstrate the ways in which sustainable tourism can provide a solution to some of the global challenges facing the industry today:

  10. The Differences Between Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism

    In reality, ecotourism refers to the sector of low-impact tourism that includes natural areas, whereas sustainable tourism is a broader term describing sustainable practices within and performed by the tourism industry. The environmental damages that can stem from irresponsible tourism have continued to come to light through complications from ...

  11. Sustainable Tourism

    In the definition of UNWTO, sustainable tourism is the form of 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." This entails meeting the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and ...

  12. Sustainable tourism: the theory

    According to the World Tourism Organisation, tourism is sustainable when it fully keeps into consideration the present and future economical, social and environmental impact on the territory meeting the needs of the visitors, the tourism industry, the environment and the host communities. The question becomes: "how can we interpret and make ...

  13. Sustainable Tourism Guide: Why Important, Examples & More

    Sustainable Tourism Guide: Why Important, Examples & More. In this sustainable tourism guide, you can learn what sustainable tourism means and why it matters, including real-world examples.

  14. What is Sustainable Tourism? Here's the Definition

    Definition of Sustainable Tourism. Sustainable Tourism refers to sustainable practices in and by the tourism industry. It is an aspiration to acknowledge all impacts of tourism, both positive and negative. It aims to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive ones. Negative impacts to a destination include economic leakage, damage ...

  15. 10 Sustainable Tourism Examples

    The Feynan Ecolodge is without a doubt one of the great examples of sustainable tourism, as well as an example of environmental responsibility! 2. Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel - South Africa. The Mdumbi Backpackers Hostel is specifically designed for people who like sustainable tourism. Mdumbi Backpackers is a community-driven backpacker hostel ...

  16. Equity, tourism

    Equity is a key principle of sustainable tourism that addresses fairness in access, use, and distribution of goods and benefits from tourism development, to meet the needs of both current and future generations.Initiated by the United Nations, the World Commission on Environment and Development (commonly referred to as the Brundtland Commission), addressed the issue of equity in its ...

  17. In your own opinion, do you think the Philippine Tourism and ...

    What is Sustainable Tourism? When we talk about sustainable tourism we tend to think in the environment. But, if you look for a definition is more. Sustainability is often related to a balanced environment. Is the process of development that satisfies the needs of the present.

  18. What are the benefits of sustainable tourism development

    The benifits of sustainable tourism development: :it increases income and job from tourist spending. :it helps preserve cultural and natural heritage for tourist. :it increases under standing of other cultures. :it builds new facilities such as sewage for whole communities or new road.

  19. what is sustainable tourism?

    Sustainable tourism is the concept of visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. Tourism can involve primary transportation to the general location, local transportation, accommodations, entertainment, recreation, nourishment and shopping. Advertisement.

  20. As a student, what is sustainable tourism for you?

    Sustainable tourism takes into account environmental, social, and economic impacts of travel, aiming to minimize negative effects and promote well-being of local communities and the environment. Explanation: Sustainable tourism refers to a type of tourism that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of travel.

  21. Tasmania trades on its environment, so what are the major parties

    Tasmania's environment has long been used to entice visitors to the island state, and its beauty and diversity are things all Tasmanians agree on. It's little wonder environmental issues have, in ...

  22. According to the International Ecotourism Society, sustainable tourism

    Sustainable tourism as defined by the International Ecotourism Society encompasses environmentally conscious travel that supports conservation efforts, local economies, and cultural preservation. This form of tourism emphasizes minimal impact on ecosystems and promotes responsible travel experiences in natural habitats. Explanation: