1
Assessment Front Sheet
Student First name/s
Student Family Name / Surname
GBS ID Number
Programme title Choose an item.
Cohort Choose an item.
Level Choose an item.
Module Number Choose an item.
Component of assessment
Choose an item.
(either 1 or 2)
Campus Choose an item.
Group (A1, E2 etc)
Assessment Word Count submitted
Lecturer Name who taught the module
Student Signature (please type your
name)
Date Click or tap to enter a date.
Contents
2
Sustainable Tourism Practices.................................................................................................4
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................7
References...............................................................................................................................8
3
Sustainable Tourism Practices
The notion of sustainable tourism encompasses all aspects of the travel experience,
including consideration for social, cultural, and environmental issues in addition to efforts to
enhance visitor experiences and meet the needs of host communities (Hardy, et al 2002).
Sustainable tourism is a global standard in travel and tourism. Sustainable tourism is defined
by the World Tourism Organization as "tourism that takes full account of its current and
future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the
industry, the environment, and host communities". Sustainable tourism practices support the
preservation of cultural assets, the enhancement of natural resources, and the long-term
economic growth of the tourism sector. Sustainable tourism aims to minimize tourism's
negative effects while optimizing its positive effects on the local economy, ecology, and
public health (Pomering, et al 2011). The core principles of sustainable tourism are respecting
the natural and cultural heritage, improving and protecting the environment, helping local
communities to preserve their way of life, providing visitors with high-quality goods and
services, and making sure that the earnings and costs related to tourism are distributed
fairly. Several stakeholders must collaborate and take part in the organization, direction, and
control of tourism-related activities to advance sustainable tourism. These stakeholders
include the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and individual tourists. The
objective of this composition is to examine the benefits and challenges associated with
sustainable tourism approaches in well-known tourist destinations. This essay will examine
how socially and culturally diverse tourism can promote local economies, protect the
environment, and support environmental sustainability. The essay will also examine the
challenges and shortfalls that impede the adoption and efficacy of sustainable tourism
methods, including a lack of knowledge, a lack of funding, competing interests, and trade-
offs between sustainability's various facets. The final section of the essay will include some
suggestions and recommendations for enhancing tourist sustainability going forward. With
319 million jobs and a 10.4% GDP contribution in 2018, tourism is one of the biggest and
fastest-growing sectors in the world (Okumus, and Erdogan, 2021). Numerous advantages,
including economic expansion, job creation, foreign exchange profits, cross-cultural
interactions, and environmental preservation, can be derived from tourist locations from
tourism. However, when tourism is not planned and managed sustainably, it can also have
several detrimental effects on popular tourist locations. These detrimental effects have the
potential to endanger both the standard of the tourist experience and the general well-being
of the destinations and their inhabitants. To minimize these effects, it is crucial to assess the
negative effects of tourism and implement sustainable tourism strategies. There are three
primary categories into which the detrimental effects of tourism can be divided: economic,
4
sociocultural, and environmental. The term "economic impacts" describes how tourism
affects the local economy and people's means of subsistence ( Liu, et al 2012). Among the
detrimental effects of tourism on the economy are:
Revenue leakage from tourism: This happens when a significant amount of tourism-related
spending leaves the local economy and goes to companies that are owned by foreigners,
including hotels, airlines, tour operators, and suppliers. For instance, it's thought that 70% of
all tourist spending in Thailand goes outside the nation.
Seasonality and instability: Natural disasters, political upheaval, pandemics, and other
external shocks can all have an impact on the tourism industry. The local economy may be
negatively impacted by this in the form of decreased public services, inflation,
underemployment, and unemployment. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
resulted in a 74% drop in foreign visitor arrivals and a $1.3 trillion loss in global export
earnings (Jackson, et al 2020).
The tourism industry has the potential to detract from other economically productive sectors
like manufacturing, education, and agriculture by way of opportunity cost and crowding-out
effect. Tourism may compete with other industries for infrastructure, energy, water, and land
use, which could result in higher costs and less availability for the local populace. The term
"socio-cultural impacts" describes how tourism affects a community's values, customs, way
of life, and culture (Razaq and Griffin, 2017). A few detrimental effects of tourism on society
and culture are:
Loss of authenticity and cultural commodification: This happens when the local way of life is
altered, standardized, or simplified to satisfy visitor needs and expectations. This can lead to
a decline in the caliber and significance of cultural experiences and products as well as a
loss of cultural diversity, identity, and legacy.
The effects of tourism on the destination's ecosystems, natural resources, and biodiversity
are referred to as environmental impacts ( Belsoy, et al 2012). The following are a few ways
that tourism harms the environment:
Pollution and waste: Many different kinds of pollution and waste can be produced by tourism,
including noise, light, air, water, and solid waste (Belsoy, et al 2012). Both the destination's
aesthetic appeal and the health and welfare of the local wildlife may suffer as a result of
these.
Maintaining a destination's quality of life requires sustainable tourism. Tourism's negative
effects can outweigh its positive effects if they are not addressed, endangering the general
well-being of the destination. Establishing and upholding laws and rules that promote ethical
5
and responsible travel are among the sustainable tourism practices that go towards
achieving this balance. Including and empowering stakeholders and local communities in the
organization, administration, and oversight of tourism. Importantly, they must be involved,
consulted, and represented.
To meet the needs of travelers, the travel industry, the environment, and host communities,
sustainable tourism considers the economic, social, and environmental effects of travel both
now and in the future. Sustainable tourism encompasses three key dimensions: economic,
socio-cultural, and environmental.
The implementation of sustainable tourism practices can yield economic benefits for
businesses and destinations by encouraging social and environmental responsibility.
Positive word-of-mouth, enhanced customer loyalty, and enhanced brand recognition can all
result in higher sales and profitability.
Sociocultural dimension: Cultural heritage preservation and cross-cultural exchange can be
facilitated by sustainable tourism (Risteskia, et al 2012). Additionally, it may present chances
for nearby communities to take part in tourism-related events and profit from travel-related
expenditures. The local population's quality of life can be enhanced and poverty can be
decreased as a result.
Ecological aspect: Ecologically conscious travel can contribute to the preservation of
biodiversity and natural resources. Encouragement of responsible use of natural resources
can also aid in lowering waste and pollution. Ecotourists contribute to preventing further
harm to ecosystems by utilizing renewable energy sources like solar power, reducing their
energy consumption, and avoiding single-use plastics.
The following are five essential eco-friendly travel strategies:
Green lodgings: These lodgings are made with the least amount of negative environmental
impact in mind. They might conserve water, recycle waste, and use renewable energy
sources. Green hotels, sustainable resorts, and eco-lodges are a few examples.
Viewing wildlife responsibly entails keeping a respectful distance from the animals while you
observe them in their natural settings ( Bulbeck, 2012). Tourists can learn about wildlife
conservation while also benefiting from the protection of endangered species and their
habitats.
To create tourism initiatives that benefit both visitors and residents, community engagement
entails collaborating with local communities. In addition to giving locals economic
opportunities, it can aid in fostering cross-cultural exchange.
6
Using eco-friendly forms of transportation, like bicycles, electric vehicles, and public
transportation, is known as sustainable transportation. It can give travelers a distinctive way
to experience their destination while also assisting in the reduction of carbon emissions and
traffic congestion.
Waste management is the process of minimizing waste and encouraging recycling
(Cheremisinoff, 1995). It can support the preservation of natural resources and the reduction
of pollution. Composting, recycling, and cutting back on single-use plastics are a few
examples. These environmentally friendly travel methods have many advantages.
Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and reducing energy consumption are
two ways that eco-friendly lodgings can help to protect the environment and lower carbon
emissions. Enthusiasts have the dual benefit of educating visitors about wildlife conservation
and contributing to the preservation of endangered species and their habitats. Cultural
exchange and job opportunities for locals can both be fostered through community
engagement. While offering travelers a distinctive way to experience their destination,
sustainable transportation can help lower carbon emissions and traffic jams. Reducing
pollution and safeguarding natural resources can be achieved through waste management
(Alshuwaikhat, and Abubakar, 2008).
Aiming to maximize tourism's positive effects while minimizing its detrimental effects on the
environment, culture, and society is known as sustainable tourism (Hania et al 2022).
Stakeholders play a pivotal role in the realm of sustainable tourism. A stakeholder is a
person or group with an interest in the tourism industry and the ability to influence or be
influenced by tourism-related activities. They consist of travelers, nearby communities,
governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and commercial enterprises.
To promote sustainable tourism practices, stakeholders are essential. Their cooperation and
participation are crucial to the development of sustainable tourism. The following three
parties are important players in sustainable tourism:
Travelers: The main audience for tourism-related activities is tourists. They must ensure that
their actions do not have an adverse effect on the environment, culture, or community of the
host destination. To promote sustainable tourism, travelers should reduce their carbon
footprint, book eco-friendly accommodations, and respect local customs.
Regional communities: Regional communities are more affected by tourism. They have an
interest in preventing tourism from having a detrimental effect on their environment, culture,
or way of life. By offering real cultural experiences, keeping their natural and cultural heritage
intact, and getting involved in tourism planning and decision-making, local communities can
support sustainable tourism practices.
7
Companies: Companies are the main forces behind tourism-related activity ( Budeanu, 2005).
They have to make sure that their activities do not negatively impact the host destination's
environment, culture, or society. By implementing eco-friendly policies, aiding local
communities, and offering genuine cultural experiences, businesses can support sustainable
tourism practices.
Destination, kind of tourism, and degree of sustainability are just a few of the variables that
affect how much sustainable tourism costs. Investing more in marketing, infrastructure, and
training may be necessary to implement sustainable tourism practices. But there are also
long-term advantages to sustainable tourism, like higher sales, enhanced brand recognition,
and less environmental impact. Implementing sustainable tourism practices may result in a
temporary loss of revenue for tourist destinations. In the long run, though, sustainable
tourism practices can yield advantages like higher profits, enhanced brand recognition, and
less environmental impact. Lack of knowledge, financial constraints, a lack of political will,
and reluctance to change are some of the possible obstacles to building sustainable tourism
practices.
Conclusion
The tourism industry's long-term viability depends on the adoption of sustainable tourism
practices (Gössling, et al 2009). The adverse effects of tourism have the potential to
compromise the general welfare of the locations and cause enduring harm to the
environment, customs, and community. The development of sustainable tourism can benefit
greatly from an understanding of pertinent theories and concepts, such as Butler's tourist
lifecycle. Sustainable tourism may alleviate poverty, conserve cultural heritage, promote
environmental and social responsibility, and enhance the standard of living for locals by
considering the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism both now and in the
future. Ecological, sociocultural, and environmental factors are the three facets of
sustainable tourism. Several significant findings about sustainable tourism techniques are
worth taking into account. First and foremost, cultural exchange and historical preservation
may be aided by sustainable tourism. This is significant because, in addition to giving visitors
the chance to learn about other cultures, it can support the preservation of the authenticity of
regional customs and civilizations. Second, eco-friendly travel can support biodiversity and
the preservation of natural resources 1. This is significant because it has the potential to
shield endangered species and stop additional harm to ecosystems. Thirdly, sustainable
tourism can lessen poverty by giving residents access to the economy 2. This holds
significance since it has the potential to enhance the standard of living for the local populace
and foster economic growth. Due to tourism's rapid global growth and substantial effects on
8
the environment and nearby communities, these challenges must be addressed immediately
3. We may lessen the negative effects of tourism and encourage responsible travel by
implementing sustainable tourism practices. By doing so, you may support the preservation
of cultural history, biodiversity, and natural resources while giving the locals job chances.
Encouraging environmental and social responsibility is another benefit of sustainable tourism
practices, and this is a growing trend as people realize how their actions affect society and
the environment. As such, promoting sustainable tourist practices is crucial, as is striving for
a more sustainable tourism industry in the future.
References
Hardy, A., Beeton, R.J. and Pearson, L., 2002. Sustainable tourism: An overview of the concept and
its position about conceptualisations of tourism. Journal of sustainable tourism, 10(6), pp.475-496.
Pomering, A., Noble, G. and Johnson, L.W., 2011. Conceptualising a contemporary marketing mix for
sustainable tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 19(8), pp.953-969.
Okumus, I. and Erdogan, S., 2021. Analyzing the tourism development and ecological footprint nexus:
evidence from the countries with fastest-growing rate of tourism GDP. Strategies in Sustainable
Tourism, Economic Growth and Clean Energy, pp.141-154.
Liu, W., Vogt, C.A., Luo, J., He, G., Frank, K.A. and Liu, J., 2012. Drivers and socioeconomic impacts
of tourism participation in protected areas. PloS one, 7(4), p.e35420.
Jackson, J.K., Weiss, M.A., Schwarzenberg, A.B., Nelson, R.M., Sutter, K.M. and Sutherland, M.D.,
2020. Global economic effects of COVID-19.
Razaq Raj and Griffin, K. (2017). Conflicts, religion and culture in tourism. Wallingford,
Oxfordshire ; Boston, Ma: Cabi.
Belsoy, J., Korir, J. and Yego, J., 2012. Environmental impacts of tourism in protected areas. Journal
of Environment and Earth Science, 2(10), pp.64-73.
Belsoy, J., Korir, J. and Yego, J., 2012. Environmental impacts of tourism in protected areas. Journal
of Environment and Earth Science, 2(10), pp.64-73.
Risteskia, M., Kocevskia, J. and Arnaudov, K., 2012. Spatial planning and sustainable tourism as
basis for developing competitive tourist destinations. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 44,
pp.375-386.
Bulbeck, C., 2012. Facing the wild: Ecotourism, conservation and animal encounters. Earthscan.
Cheremisinoff, P.N. (1995). Waste Minimization and Cost Reduction for the Process
Industries. Elsevier.
9
Alshuwaikhat, H.M. and Abubakar, I., 2008. An integrated approach to achieving campus
sustainability: assessment of the current campus environmental management practices. Journal of
cleaner production, 16(16), pp.1777-1785.
Hania Janta, Andriotis, K. and Dimitrios Stylidis (2022). Tourism Planning and Development
in Eastern Europe. CABI.
Budeanu, A., 2005. Impacts and responsibilities for sustainable tourism: a tour operator’s
perspective. Journal of cleaner production, 13(2), pp.89-97.
Gössling, S., Hall, C.M. and Weaver, D.B., 2009. Sustainable tourism futures: Perspectives on
systems, restructuring and innovations. In Sustainable tourism futures (pp. 1-16). Routledge.
