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Sustainability and Development of Tourism

Topic: Sustainability and Development of Tourism

Welcome Notes:
WELCOME TO ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY MODE (ADM) ON MACRO
PERSPECTIVE OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY
Get ready to be challenged…
Learn something new every day by adapting the
‘New Normal’

I. INTRODUCTION:

This module focuses on the sustainability and development of tourism. Challenge yourself to
understand and explain how sustainable tourism affects the environment. You have the opportunity to
interpret and examine the global sustainable criteria. You have also the chance to further recognize
and value the positive impacts of tourism to the environment and society.

II. OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. Describe how sustainable tourism affects the environment.
2. Interpret and examine the global sustainable criteria.
3. Recognize and value the positive impacts of tourism to the environment and society.
4. Defend a stand on eco-tourism as a sustainable model for the environment.

III. PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES:

Before you proceed to the main lesson, test yourself in this activity.

Recall your experience when you were on a beach.

1. What did you observe?
- The policy of the other beach is not good and The lifeguards do not reprimand people
properly
2. How people were moving and behaving?
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- They walk and take pictures looking for food. Swimming and some playing, some drinking.
3. What environmental rules and regulations that you remember?
- The ban on swimming far away and do not throw garbage into the sea

EXCELLENT!!!

You may now proceed to the main lesson.

IV. LESSON PROPER:

LET’S BEGIN!

Based on the preliminary activities, what are the things you consider when
you travel?

THAT’S GREAT!
You may now proceed to the lesson.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Sustainable tourism development guidelines and
management practices are applicable to all forms of
tourism in all types of destinations, including mass
tourism and the various niche tourism segments.
Sustainability principles refer to the environmental,
economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism
development, and a suitable balance must be established
between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-
term sustainability. Thus, sustainable tourism should:
1. Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism
development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage
and biodiversity.
2. Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural
heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.
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3. Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all

stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities
and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

DEFINING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines sustainable tourism as
tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing
opportunities for the future. Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that underpins all tourism
activities. As such, it is integral to all aspect of tourism development and management rather than
being an add-on component. The objective of sustainable tourism is to retain the economic and social
advantages of tourism development while reducing or mitigating any undesirable impacts on the
natural, historic, cultural or social environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with
those of the destination.
The aim of sustainable tourism is to increase the benefits and to reduce the negative impacts
caused by tourism destinations. This can be achieved by:
 Protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and
managing tourism activities.
 Providing authentic tourist experiences that celebrate and conserve heritage and
culture.
 Creating socio-economic benefits for communities through employment and income
earning opportunities.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

 Foster environmental respect.
 Nurture socio-cultural respect.
 Provides socio-economic benefits.

PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

1. Using resources sustainably. The conservation and sustainable use of resources-natural,
social and cultural – is crucial and makes long-term business sense.
2. Reducing over-consumption and waste. Reduction of over-consumption and waste avoids
the costs of restoring long-term environmental damage and contributes to the quality of
tourism.
3. Maintaining biodiversity. Maintaining and promoting natural, social and cultural diversity is
essential for long term sustainable tourism and creates a resilient base for the industry.
4. Integrating tourism into planning. Tourism development which is integrated into a national
and local strategic planning framework and which undertake environmental impact
assessments increases the long-term viability of tourism.
5. Supporting local economies. Tourism that supports a wide range of local economic activities
and which takes environmental costs and values into account - both protects these economies
and avoids environmental damage.
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6. Involving local communities. The full involvement of local communities in the tourism sector
not only benefits them and the environment in general but also improves the quality of the
tourism experience.
7. Consulting stakeholders and the public. Consulting between the tourism industry and local
communities, organizations and institutions are essential if they are to work alongside each
other and resolve potential conflicts of interest.
8. Training staff. Staff training which integrates sustainable tourism into work practices, along
with recruitment of personnel at all levels, improves the quality of the tourism product.
9. Marketing tourism responsibly. Marketing that provides tourists with the full and responsible
information increases respect for the natural, social, and cultural environments of destination
areas and enhances customer satisfaction.
10. Undertaking research. Ongoing research and monitoring by the industry using effective
data collection and analysis are essential to help solve problems and to bring benefits to
destinations, the industry, and consumers.

THREE DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

 Environmental
 Economic
 Social

ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION
Let us now move on to look at the five aspects of the environment:
1. The Natural Resources - Tourism makes use of a range of natural resources, and in many cases,
the core attraction of a destination’s product may be natural resources such as clean air, land, mineral
waters, and the water in lakes and seas.
2. The Natural Environment - There are few natural landscape or wilderness areas left in the world.
Tourism is only one industry or activity which changes landscapes. The natural landscape represents
the core of the tourism product in many areas including natural forests, mountains, and regions which
attract tourists because of their rivers and lakes.
3. The Farmed Environment - The farmed environment can cover a diverse range of agricultural
systems including agriculture landscapes, ma-made forests, and fish farms.
4. Wildlife - Wildlife has a number of dimensions such as land-based mammals and reptiles, flora,
birds, insects, fish, and marine mammals. Tourism can clearly be very harmful to wildlife through the
destruction of habitats, affecting feeding habits, disrupting breeding patterns, fires in woodlands and
people picking rare plants.
5. The Build Environment - In term of tourism, there are several dimensions to the built environment
such as individual buildings and structures, villages and townscapes, transport infrastructure, dams,
and reservoirs.

ECONOMIC DIMENSION
Tourism is an economic phenomenon because:
 It is a major industry and foreign currency earner.
 It is the basis of the growth of many transnational corporations.
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 It accounts for a significant proportion of the annual disposable income.

Economic Benefits of Tourism

 Job creation
 Injection of income into the local economy through the multiplier effect
 Helping keep the local business viable.
 Infrastructure development.
 Attracts the foreign direct investments.

Economic Costs of Tourism

 Many jobs are low paid and seasonal
 Opportunity costs
 Congestion
 The need to invest in expensive infrastructure which may only be required for part of the
year.
 Over-dependence on tourism makes the host economy vulnerable.

SOCIAL DIMENSION
 The strength and coherence of the local society and culture.
 The nature of tourism in the resort.
 The level of economic and social development of the host population in relation to the
tourists.
 The measures were taken by the public sector in the destination to manage tourism in
ways which minimize the socio-cultural costs of tourism.

HOW WE CAN PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?

1. Include sustainable tourism alternatives in your trip
2. Travel in the Off-Season –
3. Stay Outside the City Centre
4. Research Eco-Friendly Services in the Area
5. Go green at your hotel.
6. Reduce your carbon footprint.
7. Say NO to illegal trade.
8. Support sustainable options in island destinations.
9. Take care of heritage places.
10. Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.
11. Support community-based tourism and initiatives.
12. Respect the practices of local people.
13. Use reusable bags.

CHALLENGES TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

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1. Working with local authorities and getting approval often takes a very long time, and some
authorities make it hard for communities to start these initiatives by instituting purposefully
complicated and difficult processes.
2. People residing in areas where ecotourism is possible are often illiterate and lack the skills
to make this happen. Training can take time.
3. Communities often do not have the money to sustain the services they provide, so when
support is gone, the program disappears.
4. Struggles for control over natural resources, such as land concessions, can cause problems
in ecotourism areas. When developers started cutting down trees and building on the land,
the place loses its ecotourism potential.
5. Lack of knowledge and access to materials needed can put a definitive halt on the
development of ecotourism. Local people often do not have the resources or knowledge to
start these initiatives or even improve the quality of their preexisting products and services.
As such, they cannot attract tour operators to send tourists to their areas.
6. A lack of local capacity to manage and develop ecotourism programs both on the
community level and the government level also makes ecotourism hard to develop and
maintain.

COMMITTEE ON TOURISM AND SUSTAINABILITY (CTS)

BIODIVERSITY
UNWTO strives to promote tourism development that supports, in equal measure, the
conservation of biodiversity, the social welfare and the economic security of the host countries and
communities.

CLIMATE CHANGE
Tourism is both highly vulnerable to climate change while at the same time contributing to
it. Threats for the sector are diverse, including direct and indirect impacts such as more extreme
weather events, increasing insurance costs and safety concerns, water shortages, biodiversity loss and
damage to assets and attractions at destinations, among others.

GLOBAL TOURISM PLASTIC INITIATIVE

The problem of plastic pollution in tourism is too big for any single organization to fix on its
own. To match the scale of the problem, changes need to take place across the whole tourism value
chain.

HOTEL ENERGY SOLUTIONS (HES)

Hotel Energy Solutions (HES) is a UNWTO – initiated project in collaboration with a team
of United Nations and EU leading agencies in Tourism Energy.

OBSERVATORIES (INSTO)
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The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a

network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism
at the destination level.

ONE PLANT
When responsibly planned and managed, tourism has demonstrated its capacity to support
job creation, promote inclusive social integration, protect natural and cultural heritage, conserve
biodiversity, generate sustainable livelihoods and improve human wellbeing. As the sector is
experiencing tremendous growth, collective efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability are essential.

RESILIENCE OF TOURISM
UNWTO, through the program of Sustainable Development of Tourism, assists members to
assess and mitigate risks related to tourism. Furthermore, to develop and implement crisis
management systems that will reduce the impact of and assist in the recovery from crises, the activities
and projects are guided by the relevant provision in the Global Code of Ethics of Tourism.

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN TOURISM

The report aims to inspire stakeholders and encourage them to advance the
implementation of the SDGs through sustainable tourism.

SMALL ISLANDS DEVELOPING STATES (SIDS)

Small Islands Developing States face numerous challenges. For a significant number, their
remoteness affects their ability to be part of the global supply chain, increases import costs – especially
for energy – and limits their competitiveness in the tourist industry. Many are increasingly vulnerable to
the impacts of climate change – from devastating to the threat of sea level rise.

TRAVEL FACILITATION
Travel facilitation of tourist travel is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be
a tool to foster increased demand and generate economic development, job creation and international
understanding.

UNGA SUSTANAIBLE TOURISM RESOLUTIONS

The World Tourism Organization is regularly preparing reports for the General Assembly of
the United Nations providing updates on sustainable tourism policies both from UNWTO member
States and State Members of the United Nations, as well as relevant agencies and programs of the
United Nations system.

RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY
The smartest companies in the world have effected a remarkable change in attitudes towards
big business. These companies have effectively positioned themselves at the forefront of the
responsible business movement – delivering not only profitability for their shareholders, but also the
promise of a potent combination of environmental protection and social justice in the locations in which
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they operate. The allure of this promise has attracted a powerful band of followers to the responsible
business movement including policy makers, voluntary sector organizations and consumers.
Large hotel groups are able to put significant resources behind their environmental and
corporate social responsibility programs. However, being small can be sometimes an advantage.
There can be no doubt that the corporate social responsibility programs of large hotel groups
have a substantial reach and impact on the local and global environmental and upon surrounding
communities worldwide. But the collective efforts of smaller scale establishments are no less
significant.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CONTROL MEASURES

Visitor Flow Management

Control on littering
Establish litter bins in strategic places. Signs reminding people on litter control are also
effective tools for this aspect. A tourist attraction or facility should have a set up on how to control or
manage visitors.

Adequate drainage system

This would prevent unwanted flooding and possible damage to trails and roads.

Land use zoning

Adequate road and transportation system
This would prevent road clogging and unnecessary waste of fuel and increased pollution level.
It prevents conflicts between industries and communities.

Appropriate design control standards

Use of proper solid waste disposal techniques which should
include the 3-R’s
In order to maintain the environmental integrity of the
site, standards for design are required. Reuse, Reduce and
Recycle!

Moderate rate of tourism development

Suitable architectural designs
Installation of efficient utilities
Control on provision of open spaces and parks
One example is that waste water would be properly disposed of to prevent pollution both the
local environment and the facility. This means that only small areas will be disturbed both by
development and tourists visiting the sites. This would ensure the quality of the facility and prevent
damage to the environment. Provide a destination with cleaner air and habitats for local wildlife.
Control on:
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 Collection of marine plants and animals (shells, corals, fish)

 Spear fishing
 Mining of beach sand and corals for construction
 Cutting of trees and mangroves
 Feeding of wild animals.

Proper maintenance of tourist vehicles

Control on boat wastes
Local marina managers often impose fines and penalties to help control dumping of dirty
waters into their harbors. A properly maintained tourist vehicle should emit low levels of air pollutants.

GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CRITERIA

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria serves as the global baseline
standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. The Criteria are used for education and awareness-
raising, policy-making for businesses and government agencies and other organization types,
measurement and evaluation, and as a basis for certification.
They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in
tourism. They are arranged in four pillars:
 Sustainable management
 Socioeconomic impacts
 Cultural impacts
 Environmental impacts (including consumption of resources,
reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity and landscapes)

Two sets of GSTC Criteria:

1. GSTC Industry Criteria (for hotels and tour operators)
This set of Criteria related to the sustainable management of private sector travel
industry, focusing on Hotels and Tour Operators.
2. GSTC Destination Criteria
This set of Criteria relates to sustainable management of Tourism Destinations.

What does the GSTC do?

 Developing International Standards – the GSTC Criteria
 Serving as the Accreditation Body for Sustainability in Travel and Tourism
 Making Destinations Sustainable
 Promoting Market Access
 Increasing Knowledge

We had just finished the discussion on Sustainability and Development of Tourism. Let’s
now move on to the next higher level of activities or exercises that demonstrate your
potential skills/knowledge of what you have learned.
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V. ANALYSIS, APPLICATION AND EXPLORATION:

Name: GUILING, JENNILYN Year and Section: BSHM-1139

Using the Internet, explore the relative current issues and reports on sustainable tourism. Write
comments regarding the current issues / reports and incorporate its relevance to your course or
programme. You may choose only one topic. You may also use extra sheet of yellow paper, if needed.

 World Economic Forum – The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report

 UNWTO e-library – Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals – Journey to 2030
 UNWTO – A Conceptual Definition of Sustainable Tourism
 WTTC – Sustainability Reporting in Travel and Tourism available

- As the leading international or ganizational in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes

tourism as A driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustain
ability and offers Leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and
tourism policies world wide. UNWTO encourages the implementation of the Global Code
of Ethics for Tourism, to maximize Tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimizing
its possible negative impacts, and is Committed to promoting tourism as an instrument in
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), geared to towards reducing
poverty and fostering sustainable development World wide. UNWTO generates market
knowledge, promotes competitive and sustainable Tourism policies and instruments,
fosters tourism education and training, and works to make Tourism an effective tool for
development through technical as sistance projects in over 100 countries around the world

Finally, let’s WRAP UP the lesson regarding what we had discussed

today!
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VI. GENERALIZATION:

Name: GUILING, JENNILYN Year and Section: BSHM-1139

1. How tourism can contribute to environmental conservation?

- The time of a society based mainly on agriculture is over. If it wasn’t for tourism, many natural
landscapes would lose their value. Sustainable Tourism can actually add value to nature and small
communities and their cultures. Tourism, as said in the beginning of this article, brings money. By
employing local staff also professional training and education will be supported. This means for
developing countries a rising of educational level and job opportunities.

2. From the lesson on Sustainability and Development of Tourism, I realized that…

- By clearing the polluted area, less population, banning the plastics, etc. We need to clean the
environment because it can damage the ozone layer, the beauty of the (ocean water, the land, and the
air), our health, the animals, etc. Avoid throwing rubbish to bring back the beauty of the world.

GOOD JOB!
You have come to an end of Module 8.
OOPS! By the way, you still have an assignment to do. Here it is…
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VII. ASSIGNMENT:

Name: GUILING, JENNILYN Year and Section: BSHM-1139

1. How the tourism sector is contributing to key sustainability goals?

- Consequently, by promoting sound and long-term investments in sustainable energy sources,
tourism can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change and contribute to
innovative and new energy solutions in urban, regional and remote areas.

2. Defend your stand: “Is Eco-tourism a sustainable model for the environment?”
- Ecotourism offers benefits for local residents, conservation, development and
educational experiences. Ecotourism is a sustainable form of natural resource-based
tourism. Natural and cultural landscape values form a basis for ecotourism.

After your long journey of reading and accomplishing the module,

let us now challenge your mind by answering the evaluation part of this
module.
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VIII. EVALUATION:

Name: GUILING, JENNILYN Date: _____________________

Year and Section: BSHM-1139 Score: ____________________

TRUE OR FALSE: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. A Achieving sustainable tourism is a shattered process and it does not require constant monitoring
of impacts.
A. True
B. False
2. B The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) defines sustainable tourism as tourism that meets
the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the
future.
A. True
B. False
3. A Maintaining and promoting natural, social and cultural diversity is essential for long term
sustainable tourism and creates a resilient base for the industry.
A. True
B. False
4. A Tourism makes use of a range of natural resources, and in many cases, the core attraction of a
destination’s product includes clean air, land, mineral waters, and the water in lakes and seas.
A. True
B. False
5. A The farmed environment has a number of dimensions such as land-based mammals and reptiles,
flora, birds, insects, fish, and marine mammals.
A. True
B. False

6. A One key step in promoting sustainable tourism is increasing your carbon footprint.
A. True
B. False
7. A The development of ecotourism at the community level certainly contributes to socioeconomic
growth, especially in the remote areas.
A. True
B. False
8. A Tourism is highly vulnerable to climate change while at the same time contributing to it.
A. True
B. False
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9. A Use of proper solid waste disposal techniques should include the 3-R’s: Reuse, Recycle and
Reform.
A. True
B. False
10. A The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria serves as the global baseline
standards for sustainability in travel and tourism.
A. True
B. False

CONGRATULATIONS on reaching the end of this module! You

may now proceed to the next module. Don’t forget to submit all the
exercises, activities, portfolio, etc. during face to face.