Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Some Guiding Principles and Approaches
for Achieving Sustainability
The development and implementation of policies for sustainable tourism should be based on a number
of overarching principles and approaches. Some of these are inherent to the principles of sustainability
while others have been identi ed over time by those working in the field of tourism. These guiding
concepts and principles are presented here.
Setting the Course for Sustainable Tourism
Take a Holistic View
Planning and development of tourism should not take place in isolation. Tourism should be
considered as part of the sustainable development of communities, and the destination as a whole,
alongside other activities. Its impact on other sectors, in terms of competing resource use and
mutual support, should be considered. A holistic approach also takes account of all impacts and
relationships within the tourism sector itself, and considers how all public policies might affect or be
affected by tourism.
Pursue Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Sustainable tourism is about local control, but also about working together. All those implicated by
tourism should have an opportunity to in uence its development and management.
Plan for the Long Term
Short-term approaches should be avoided and the long-term view encouraged, with resources
committed accordingly. Where possible, actions should be self-sustaining.
Address Both Global and Local Impacts
Impacts on the local environment and communities are often apparent, and therefore it will be easier
to gain support for policies that address them. However, the sustainable development of tourism
should pay equal attention to global impacts, especially with respect to pollution from tourism (such
as greenhouse gas emissions) and the use of nonrenewable resources. Such global impacts also have a
direct effect on tourism itself (e.g., climate change).
Promote Sustainable Consumption
Sustainability is not just about the supply side. Equal consideration should be given to in uencing the
pattern and impact of consumption. This means in uencing the volume and nature of tourism
demand—that is, the choices made by tourists.
Equate Sustainability and Quality
It should be increasingly accepted that a quality tourism destination or product is one that addresses
the full range of sustainability issues rather than simply concentrating on visitor satisfaction. Indeed,
tourists should themselves be encouraged to think in these terms
—
a place that cares for the
environment and its workforce is more likely also to care for them.
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