Tourism and the Environment - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 389

Another problem is that scienti c knowledge of visitor impacts on remote areas, nature areas,
wilderness areas, and other relatively undisturbed natural areas in most countries is rather poor or
nonexistent. Thus, tourism and land management decisions are made in the absence of good
science. Once tourism starts, there is great pressure to allow more visitors. Consequently, the
destinations face the danger of becoming overvisited. Carrying capacities need to be determined
and enforced.
Finally, tourism is a multifaceted industry and, thus, is almost impossible to control. What
starts out as well-planned ecotourism can turn into too popular an adventure and overwhelm
the destination. To prevent this from happening, the basics of sustainable tourism must be
practiced.

TRAVEL ORGANIZATIONS' EFFORTS

Although the UNEP and UNWTO have taken a lead role in encouraging sustainable tourism, there are
other organizations that are working with them or independently to achieve sustainable tourism. The
discussion of sustainable tourism deserves mention of some of these organizations and the resources
they provide to accomplish the task.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a global initiative dedicated to promoting
sustainable tourism practices around the world. They work to expand understanding of and access
to sustainable tourism practices, educate about practices, and advocate for a set of universal principles
that de ne sustainable tourism. Visit its Web site at www.gstcouncil.org .
GSTC is currently active in all UNWTO regions

Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Paci c,
South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The membership represents a diverse global member-
ship that includes UN agencies, major travel companies, hotels, country tourism boards, and tour
operators.
The GSTC fosters sustainable tourism through the adoption of universal sustainable tourism
principles. At the core of its efforts are the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, a set of voluntary
principles that provides a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe. To
review the criteria, visit www.sustainabletourismcriteria.org.

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Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable
Tourism Development

The Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development has the mission to advance the
sustainable development and management of tourism, and to encourage tour operators to make a
corporate commitment to sustainable development. In carrying out this mission, the initiative
addresses ways to minimize adverse impacts on, and to generate bene ts for environment, culture,
and communities in tourism destinations through the design and operation of tours and of the conduct
of tour operators business activities.

The initiative has been developed by tour operators for tour operators with the support of the
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); the United Nations Educational, Scienti c and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),
which are also full members of the initiative. Visit their Web site at www.toinitiative.org and review
their publications, best practices, and, case studies.

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