Often referred to as the ‘smokeless industry’, tourism has become one of the fastest growing, most dynamic sectors of economic growth in the world. Tourism is a key sector in many developing countries, which show potential. However, over-reliance on tourism, especially mass tourism carries significant risks to tourism-dependent economies.
As a result, many developing countries have since espoused the principle of sustainability in shaping their tourism policies. However, few of them have been able to convert this into concrete action owing to the short-term economic interests to which, all too often, priority is given, to the detriment of protecting social and environmental assets.
The purpose of this paper is to create and formulate clear, firm and equitable guidelines in a tourism policy concept that is set in the context of sustainable development and aims further to raise the competitive position of a destination. Theory will be demonstrated in practical terms in the case of the Caribbean tourism destination, the Dominican Republic.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Problems and Objectives
1.2 Scope and Limitations
1.3 Structure of the Work
1.4 Methodology and Information used
Part 1: Theoretical Background
2. Development and Structure of International Tourism
2.1 Tourism: A Definition
2.2 The Mass Tourism Phenomenon
2.2.1 The Historical Context
2.2.2 The Mass Tourism Development in the ‘North’
2.2.3 The Development of ‘North- South’ Mass Tourism
2.3 Development of International Tourism
2.4 Contemporary International Tourism Trends: Year 2000
2.4.1 World and Regional Tourism Arrivals
2.4.2 Tourism Spenders
2.4.3 World Market Shares
2.5 Future International Tourism Trends
2.6 Epilogue: Global Tourism Industry in Crisis?
3. Precursors of Sustainable Tourism Development
3.1 Definition of Development and Theories
3.1.1 Economic Growth Theory
3.1.2 Modernization Theory
3.1.3 Dependency Theory
3.1.4 Neoclassical Counter-Revolution
3.1.5 Alternative Development
3.2 Tourism and Development Perspectives
4. Impacts of Tourism Development
4.1 Economic Impacts
4.1.1 Foreign Exchange Earnings
4.1.2 Income and Employment Effects
4.1.3 Regional Development
4.2 Socio- cultural Impacts
4.2.1 Demonstration Effect
4.2.2 Cultural Clashes and Inequalities
4.2.3 Resource Use Conflicts
4.2.4 Transformation of Values
4.3 Environmental Impact
4.3.1 Depletion of Natural Resources
4.3.2 Pollution
4.3.3 Physical Impact
4.3.4 Environmental Awareness Rising
4.4 Summary
5. Demand Driving Forces and the ‘New Tourist”
6. The Challenge: Sustainable Tourism Development
6.1 Sustainability versus Sustainable Development: The Historical Context
6.2 Soft Tourism: Integral Part of Sustainable Tourism Development
6.3 Sustainable Tourism versus Sustainable Tourism Development
6.4 Principles and Objectives
6.4.1 Emphasizing Community-based Tourism
6.4.2 Carrying-capacity Approach
6.5 Strategic Planning and Sustainable Tourism Development
6.5.1 Life-cycle Concept
6.5.2 Strategic Planning Process
6.6 Competitive Strategies
6.6.1 Cost Leadership
6.6.2 Differentiation
6.6.3 Focus
6.7 Limitations of Sustainable Tourism Development
6.7.1 Lack of Government Intervention
6.7.2 Anti- competitive Practices
6.8 ‘Sustainable’ Mass Tourism versus Eco-Tourism
Part 2: The Case of The Dominican Republic
7. Introduction
8. General Aspects of the Dominican Republic
8.1 Location
8.2 Natural Resources and the Environment
8.2.1 Topography and Hydrography
8.2.2 Flora and Fauna
8.2.3 Climate
8.3 History
8.4 Demographic Overview
8.4.1 Language and Culture
8.4.2 Population
8.4.3 Education and Health
8.5 Economic and Social Environment
8.5.1 Economic Development of the Past
8.5.2 Basic Economic Indicators
8.5.3 Economic Sectors and Employment
8.5.4 Economic Performance 2001 and Outlook
8.6 Government and Politics
8.6.1 Political Influencing Parties
8.6.2 Foreign Relations
8.7 Tax System, Capital Repatriation and Investment Climate
8.8 Infrastructure
8.8.1 Electricity
8.8.2 Water supply
8.8.3 Telecommunications and Internet
8.8.4 Transportation and Road Network
8.9 Access to the Dominican Republic
8.9.1 Access by Air
8.9.2 Access by Water
9. Tourism Industry in the Dominican Republic
9.1 Tourism Trends in the Caribbean Region
9.2 Historical Tourism Development
9.3 Recent Tourism Development
9.4 Supply Analysis
9.4.1 Attractions
9.4.2 Dominican Lodging Market
9.4.3 Marina Supply
9.4.4 New Tourism Development Projects
9.5 Main Competitors
9.6 Demand Analysis
9.6.1 Tourist Arrivals by Air until 2000
9.6.2 Tourist Arrivals by Air in 2001
9.6.3 Tourist Arrivals by Sea
9.6.4 Tourist Market Segments
9.7 Impacts of Tourism in the Dominican Republic
9.7.1 Economic Impacts
9.7.2 Socio- cultural Impacts
9.7.3 Environmental Impacts
9.8 Government Planning for Tourism
9.8.1 Structure and Legislations
9.8.2 Planning for tourism
9.9 Summary
10. Critical Evaluation of the Tourism Industry: SWOT- Analysis
11. Formulation of a Competitive Strategy
12. Plan Development-Recommendations and Actions
12.1 Integrate Tourism in National Strategy
12.2 Equity
12.3 High Quality Experience of Tourism Product
12.4 Improve Quality of Life of the Host Community
12.5 Improve Institutional and Legislative Framework
13. Limitations and Challenges
14. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This work aims to formulate a strategic concept for sustainable tourism development in the Dominican Republic. It addresses the challenges posed by mass tourism and explores how the country can transition toward a more sustainable model that balances economic growth with social and environmental responsibility, thereby enhancing its long-term competitive position.
- Theoretical foundations of sustainable tourism development and its precursors.
- Impacts of mass tourism on the environment, society, and local economies.
- Strategic planning, competitive positioning, and SWOT analysis for the tourism sector.
- Practical application of sustainable concepts specifically within the Dominican Republic.
- Formulation of recommendations to integrate tourism into national development strategies and legislative frameworks.
Excerpt from the Book
6.5.2 Strategic Planning Process
The starting point for a ‘tourism 'planning process’ in a specific country is with the development of a ‘national tourism policy’ (or strategy), which is “a precursor for future tourism planning and development upon which a nationwide course of action for tourism is based” (Mill and Morrison 1998: 225; 269). As Sessa (1976) observed, ‘tourism policy, as an integral part of a nation’s overall economic policy, must be coordinated with the policies of all other sectors directly or indirectly related to tourism’ (Wahab and Pigram 1997: 133). In other words, tourism development objectives should also reflect and reinforce any general development objectives already adapted for the country. This is important so that tourism is well integrated into overall development patterns (WTO 1999: 13).
National policy goals and development objectives normally can be determined according to six categories: “economic, government operations, human resources development, market development, resource protection and conservation, and social and cultural” (Mill and Morrison 1998: 271). Esman (1991: 74) names some precise development objectives: “economic growth”, “equity”, “capacity building”, “authenticity” (of identities) and “empowerment (participation)”.
Inskeep (1991:461) points out that whatever the context is, “development goals should aim, through an integrated planning process, to equal weigh tourism and other economic development initiatives, which are ecological and social responsible at the international, national and local levels.” The following development goals of sustainable tourism mentioned by Inskeep will also be relevant for this study:
1. Develop greater awareness and understanding of the significant contributions that tourism can make to the environment and economy;
2. Promote equity in development;
3. Improve the quality of life of the host community;
4. Provide high quality of experience for the visitor, and;
5. Maintain the quality of the environment on which the foregoing objectives depend.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Defines the core problems, objectives, and the methodology used to analyze tourism development within the Dominican Republic.
2 Development and Structure of International Tourism: Provides a theoretical background on the history and growth of global mass tourism and current trends.
3 Precursors of Sustainable Tourism Development: Examines various development theories to understand the transition toward sustainable paradigms in tourism.
4 Impacts of Tourism Development: Analyzes the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental consequences of mass tourism.
5 Demand Driving Forces and the ‘New Tourist”: Explores changing consumer preferences and the emergence of the "new tourist" seeking more sustainable and active travel experiences.
6 The Challenge: Sustainable Tourism Development: Discusses the principles, objectives, and strategic planning necessary for implementing sustainable tourism models.
7 Introduction: Sets the stage for applying theoretical concepts specifically to the Dominican Republic.
8 General Aspects of the Dominican Republic: Covers the geographical, historical, economic, and social characteristics of the country.
9 Tourism Industry in the Dominican Republic: Provides a detailed analysis of local tourism trends, supply, demand, and government planning.
10 Critical Evaluation of the Tourism Industry: SWOT- Analysis: Conducts a SWOT analysis of the Dominican tourism product to identify future opportunities and threats.
11 Formulation of a Competitive Strategy: Outlines strategic directions for the Dominican tourism industry to move beyond budget-focused mass tourism.
12 Plan Development-Recommendations and Actions: Presents policy recommendations for integrating tourism into national strategy and improving legislative frameworks.
13 Limitations and Challenges: Highlights ongoing obstacles such as infrastructure deficits, poor environmental awareness, and external economic dependencies.
14 Conclusion: Summarizes findings and emphasizes the necessity for committed, sustainable tourism management in the Dominican Republic.
Keywords
Sustainable Tourism, Dominican Republic, Mass Tourism, Ecotourism, Strategic Planning, Economic Impact, Environmental Conservation, Tourism Policy, SWOT Analysis, Socio-cultural Impacts, Tourism Development, Competitive Strategy, Infrastructure, Stakeholders, Regional Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work examines the development of the tourism industry in the Dominican Republic, critically assessing its history, current state, and the necessity for adopting a sustainable tourism development strategy.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The core themes include international tourism trends, the theoretical precursors of sustainable development, the various impacts (economic, environmental, socio-cultural) of tourism, and strategic planning and competitive positioning for a destination.
What is the central research objective?
The primary goal is to create and formulate clear, firm, and equitable guidelines for a tourism policy concept that promotes sustainable development while raising the competitive position of the Dominican Republic.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs both secondary research through the review of existing studies and statistics, and primary information gathered through informal interviews with key stakeholders in government, the private sector, and NGOs.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body combines a theoretical background on tourism and development theories with a practical case study of the Dominican Republic, covering everything from its physical geography and demographics to detailed analyses of its lodging market, transport infrastructure, and institutional framework.
Which keywords define this document?
The document is centered around concepts such as sustainable tourism development, enclave tourism, SWOT analysis, tourism policy, and competitive strategies within the specific context of the Dominican Republic.
How is the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector structured?
The sector is heavily concentrated in coastal zones with a high prevalence of all-inclusive resorts. The work highlights the vulnerability of this "enclave" model, which relies on high tourist arrivals but often fails to create lasting linkages with the local economy.
What are the key conclusions regarding the Dominican Republic’s future?
The author concludes that the country must move away from a low-budget, mass tourism image. Future success requires strictly controlled growth, diversification of the tourism product, and massive improvements in local infrastructure and environmental protection.
What specific challenges does the author identify?
The author identifies significant challenges including poor environmental awareness, water and energy infrastructure deficits, an over-reliance on foreign tour operators, and the negative socio-cultural consequences of the current tourism model, such as sex tourism and rising crime.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2001, Dominican Republic - Approaches Towards a Sustainable Tourism Development, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/129112
