S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

I N

T O U R I S M

SD as a Concept

• Debate over issues of SD represents current manifestationof recognition of ‘environmental crisis’.

• Topics with substantial literature and never ending for the academic community.

• Such issues have been high on local, national and internationalpolicy agenda.

SD as a Concept

• WCED’s definition on SD.

• Multitude of definitions for the term:

- long term maintenance of natural resources

- minimal adverse environmental impacts

- appropriate and economic benefits to local communities

- optimal production with minimal negative outputs

- satisfaction and provision for human, social, political and economic needs.

SD as a Concept

• Sustainability shows its relation to older ideas:

- limit to growth

- capacity

SD as a Concept

Three fundamental principles to ecological sustainability:

• Do not use non-renewable resources faster than renewable substitutes can be found.

• Do not use renewable resources faster than they can be replenished.

• Do not release pollutants faster than the biosphere can processthem to be harmless.

Ecological Footprint

• environmental indicator which is also used todetermine sustainability in lifestyle.

- measured in global hectare

• average individual – 1.9 gha- USA (9.5gha), Switzerland (4 gha) and

Bangladesh (0.6 gha)

Anthropocentric

vs.

Ecocentric

Changes in lifestyles?

Simple little things can do great impacts:

- switch off light when there is sunlight.

- do not leave electronic equipment in standby mode.

- turn off water tap when brushing teeth or shampooing.

- water plants in the morning or at night.

- lid is covered when cooking.

Surah Ar-Ruum: Ayat 41

Sustainable Tourism

• The concept of ST is linked to the ethic of SD.

• Among the first advocates:

- Mathieson and Wall, 1982- Murphy, 1985- Getz, 1986- Inskeep, 1987- Gunn, 1987- Pearce, 1989

Sustainable Tourism

• The goals of ST:

- To develop greater awareness and understanding of thesignificant contributions that tourism can make to theenvironment and the economy.

- To promote equity in development.

- To improve the quality of life of the host community.

- To provide a high quality of experience for the visitor.

Sustainable Tourism

• The notion of sustainability is extended right across the entire spectrum of tourism activity.

• Jafari’s (1989) knowledge-based platform de-emphasizedthe relationship between scale and impact.

Arguments Against ST

• The concept is still novel, controversial and ill-defined.

• It is defined by future outcomes.

• The magnitude is impossible to estimate.

Arguments Against ST

• It takes a very long time to be sure that any activity is sustainable.

• There is no example of tourist use that is completely withoutimpact.

• Absolute restriction is not a truly sustainable option.

Why ST?Why ST?

• Tourists are becoming increasingly vigilantconsumers.

• Destinations promoting good practice have amarket advantage.

Consumer Trend Towards ST

Consumer Trend Towards ST

Consumer Trend Towards ST

Consumer Trend Towards ST

Consumer Trend Towards ST

Consumer Trend Towards ST

• In a competitive market, sales of tourismproducts are dependent upon uniqueselling proposition.

• Sustainable responsible tourism commitment is an added value.

• The smaller the premium for a more responsibleproduct, the more likely consumers are topurchase.