Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SUMMARY
Responsible citizens of the world have cause to realize that all of humankind's activities must be
increasingly examined in a very critical manner with respect to their impact or their sustainability of
this planet. Tourism is only one of these activities, but it is an extremely important one. It follows that
tourism must understand and accept those limitations that are essential to maintaining a high quality
of life for all species. It is through the concept of sustainable tourism that the tourism sector seeks to
play its role responsibly. This chapter has examined the fundamentals of sustainable tourism as well as
the principles for its implementation and monitoring.
The main concept of ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment and sustains the well-being of local people. From the tourists
viewpoint, ecotourism
is typically the grati
cation provided by a unique experience in an undisturbed natural environment,
viewing
flora, fauna, birds, animals, landforms, scenery, and natural beauty.
Bene
ts of ecotourism
'
include providing jobs, helping preserve more areas, educating, and
encouraging heritage and environmental enhancement. Bene
ts to the local people are maximized by
hiring as many local people as possible and obtaining supplies and services locally.
Carrying capacity for visitors must be determined. It is de
ned as the maximum number of daily
visitors that the area can receive without damaging its attractive features. Enforcement of this limit,
along with good management and maintenance, is essential.
Sustainable tourism development is development that has been carefully planned and managed. It
is the antithesis of tourism that has developed for short-term gains. Because of the expected
continuing growth of tourism, sustainable development is the approach that will be needed. Because
of the pressure on the world
is resources, it is the only sensible approach.
No business sector has greater reason to promote and enforce environmental and business ethics
codes than tourism. The environment is the resource base for tourism, and without protection, the
natural attraction that brought the tourist in the
first place will be lost.
'
E
KEY CONCEPTS
E
adaptive capacity
allocation of responsibility
bene
ts of ecotourism
carrying capacity
climate change
climate change adaptation
climate change mitigation
continuous monitoring
core indicators of sustainable tourism
dimensions of sustainable
development
ecotourism
ecotourism development
effect on local populations
environmental preservation
heritage preservation
pillars of sustainable development
principles for implementing sustain-
able tourism
site protection
sociocultural authenticity
sustainable development
sustainable tourism
E
INTERNET EXERCISES
E
The Internet sites mentioned in this chapter plus some
selected additional sites are listed for your convenience on
the companion Web site for this topic,
www.wiley.com/
college/goeldner
.
Background Information:
EcotourismAustraliawas formed
in1991asan incorporatednonpro
torganizationand is the
major national body for the ecotourism industry.
Exercises
1.
Describe the vision of Ecotourism Australia.
ACTIVITY 1
Site Name:
2.
Describe its nature and ecotourism accreditation program.
Ecotourism Australia
3.
Discuss its EcoGuide Certi
cation Program.
URL:
www.ecotourism.org.au
4.
What other activities does the association engage in?
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