The world’s resources are limited and will sooner or later come to an end. This is an undeniable fact as the consequences of decades of reckless exploitation are painfully being brought to our eyes by countless reports on continuing ozone depletion, growing desertification, fatal meltdown of the polar caps and inexorable global warming. Yet the plain realization does not always go hand in hand with immediate action. While there is a new global consciousness towards ecology and the preservation of nature there is still a long way to go in order to avert the earth’s destruction.
The tourism sector - being described by the UNWTO (2012, p. 2) as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries – plays a crucial role in this context. The enormous growth not only in the transportation sector holds a major responsibility for increasing CO2 emissions worldwide. But it is not only the environmental destruction that the tourism industry needs to fear and assume responsibility for. Negative impacts of Globalization are being excellerated as the tourism sector continues to grow. The rich become richer on the expense of the poor, local communities are being exploited as tourist attractions, and traditions and social structures get lost due to increasing intercultural contacts. If the tourism industry does not take immediate action it will destroy its most important resources: beautiful nature, traditional culture and the hospitality of local people.
But is it really this easy? Are all globalization effects negative? Do the poor always have to be the losers in this process? Is it exploitation, when local communities show their traditions to foreigners? Or is it a welcome opportunity to generate new income and improve the well-being of the people? Who decides what is good for the world and on what basis? For many tourism businesses the the term “sustainable development” has become a keyword. Can this concept show a way out of the dilemma? Or is it just an empty shell used to improve one’s reputation and boost sales? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this paper in order to evaluate the future of the concept of “sustainable development” for the tourism industry.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Towards Sustainable Tourism Development
- 3. "Sustainable Tourism Development" an empty promise or measurable way into a better future?
- 4. References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the concept of "sustainable tourism development" within the context of the tourism industry's significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. It questions whether this concept offers a genuine solution to the industry's challenges or merely serves as a marketing tool. The paper aims to evaluate the concept's efficacy and potential for a better future.
- The environmental impact of tourism.
- The socio-cultural impact of tourism on local communities.
- The economic sustainability of the tourism industry.
- The definition and application of "sustainable development" in tourism.
- The role of international organizations in promoting sustainable tourism.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of the paper by highlighting the detrimental environmental consequences of unchecked economic growth and the crucial role of the tourism industry in this regard. It underscores the industry's substantial contribution to environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities, questioning whether the prevalent notion of "sustainable development" is a genuine solution or merely a superficial strategy to enhance reputation. The chapter introduces the central questions that the paper will address, setting the stage for a critical examination of sustainable tourism development.
2. Towards Sustainable Tourism Development: This chapter delves into the evolution of the concept of "sustainable development," tracing its origins to the Brundtland Report and its subsequent expansion to encompass environmental, socio-cultural, and economic dimensions. It examines the rapid growth of the tourism sector and its implications for various destinations, particularly highlighting R.W. Butler's "destination lifecycle model," which emphasizes the potential for self-destruction if development surpasses carrying capacity. The chapter also emphasizes that sustainable tourism is not a specific type of tourism but rather an overarching concept applicable to all tourism sectors. It outlines the UNWTO & UNEP's definition of sustainable tourism, emphasizing the necessity of maximizing positive impacts and minimizing negative ones across environmental, economic, and socio-cultural spheres. Finally, the chapter showcases the industry's acknowledgment of sustainable development through the numerous publications and institutional mechanisms dedicated to promoting sustainability.
Keywords
Sustainable tourism development, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability, economic sustainability, UNWTO, UNEP, Brundtland Report, destination lifecycle model, globalization, local communities, ecotourism, responsible travel.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Sustainable Tourism Development
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper examining the concept of "sustainable tourism development." It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The goal is to offer a structured overview of the paper's content for academic analysis.
What are the main topics covered in the paper?
The paper explores the concept of sustainable tourism development, questioning whether it is a genuine solution to the industry's environmental and socio-economic challenges or simply a marketing tactic. Key themes include the environmental impact of tourism, socio-cultural impacts on local communities, economic sustainability, the definition and application of sustainable development in tourism, and the role of international organizations in promoting sustainable tourism.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by highlighting the negative environmental and socio-economic consequences of unchecked tourism growth, questioning the efficacy of the "sustainable development" concept. It outlines the central research questions.
Chapter 2: Towards Sustainable Tourism Development: This chapter traces the evolution of sustainable development, examines the tourism sector's growth and its implications, and discusses models like Butler's destination lifecycle model. It defines sustainable tourism based on UNWTO & UNEP guidelines and shows how the industry addresses sustainable development.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper examines several key themes: the environmental impact of tourism; the socio-cultural impact of tourism on local communities; the economic sustainability of the tourism industry; the definition and application of "sustainable development" in tourism; and the role of international organizations (like UNWTO and UNEP) in promoting sustainable tourism.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Key terms include: Sustainable tourism development, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability, economic sustainability, UNWTO, UNEP, Brundtland Report, destination lifecycle model, globalization, local communities, ecotourism, and responsible travel.
What is the overall aim of the paper?
The paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of the concept of "sustainable tourism development" and its potential for creating a better future for the tourism industry and the communities it impacts. It critically assesses whether this concept is a genuine solution or merely a superficial approach.
What is the intended audience for this preview?
This preview is intended for academic use, supporting analysis of the themes and arguments presented in the full paper.
- Quote paper
- Magister Lotte von Lignau (Author), 2013, Sustainable Tourism Development, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/229808
