What is Sustainable Tourism?

As more regions and countries develop their tourism industry, it produces significant impacts on natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution and social systems. The need for sustainable/responsible planning and management is imperative for the industry to survive as a whole.

Sustainable tourism is probably the most important idea that has entered tourism management in the last 20 years, both as theory and as practice. A high number of definitions can be found in both the academic and professional literature. Authors may articulate their views slightly different, yet there is consensus that sustainable tourism is respectful of the destination's social, cultural and natural environments.

Sustainable tourism is often discussed as a value-ridden philosophical approach rather than a specific form of tourism. Eco-tourism (with focus on ecology) and community tourism (with focus on empowering and involving local communities) are then cited as the concrete expressions of the principles of sustainable tourism. Besides, sustainable tourismis usually presented in a presciptive way, stating what tourism should be, what it should and should not do. Unlike mass tourism, sustainable tourism should not degrade the environment and local cultures and societies, but should take into account the sustainable development of destinations. 

"Sustainable tourism is about re-focusing and adapting. A balance must be found between limits and usage so that continuous changing, monitoring and planning ensure that tourism can be managed. This requires thinking long-term (10, 20+ years) and realising that change is often cumulative, gradual and irreversible. Economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development must include the interests of all stakeholders including indigenous people, local communities, visitors, industry and government"... (http://www.sustainabletourism.net/).

"Sustainable tourism development requires the participation of all relevant stakeholders, as  as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building. Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process and it requires constant monitoring of impacts, introducing the necessary preventive and/or corrective measures whenever necessary. Sustainable tourism should also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience to the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them. " (World Tourism Organization, 2004 ).