5.4 Discuss issues related to
sustainable development in tourism and hospitality industry
a) Provide the writers’ discussions
and critiques based on your understanding
Sustainable development refers to development and
consumption in a sustainable way, such that our resources are not depleted and
there is nothing left for future generations. Hence, the concept of sustainable
development is premised on two key factors: the environment and the society
(Danilov-Danil’yan & Igor 2009). Three major issues usually emerge with the idea of
sustainable development are economic, ecologic and social
issues.
Economic sustainability is premised on the theory of
capital convertibility alongside the concept of maximum income, acquired
through saving essential capital resources for future generations to benefit
from it. Due to
rural poverty and over
exploitation, it has been suggested that
environmental resources be regarded as important economic assets in the name of
natural capital. As such,
sustainable development may translate to better quality of life for many while
necessitating a reduction in resource consumption.
Economic analysis and valuation is
therefore guided by issues of generational equity, uncertainty of long-term
outcomes and environmental change.
In ecology, sustainable
development seeks to preserve the diversity of essential ecosystems, biological
species and ecological processes. In this regard, the exuberance of sub-systems is important to a
critical perspective of a worldwide stability of the total ecosystem. Thus, the
importance of preserving biological diversity is emphasized in order to ensure
a balanced nature, global elasticity of ecosystems and their adaption to a
dynamic biosphere, as well as securing future possibilities.
The concept of social-cultural sustainability reflects
the interrelation between development and fundamental social norms and seeks to
uphold the stability of social systems. Social sustainability aims at reducing vulnerability and
maintaining health (in terms of vigor, resilience and organization) within
social and cultural systems. Social sustainability
requires the preservation of some vital components of social capital, in light
of the society’s ability to solve economic, social and environmental problems,
as well as being active in the development of the entire system. Responsibility
for our world depends on global solidarity and consolidation, based on holistic
thinking, systematic approach to the reality, visualizing humanity and the
biosphere as one system, and a global cultural basis.
b) Further, you are required to forward your arguments
about the authors’ views
More regions and countries develop their
tourism industries, these areas will experience significant impacts on their
natural resources, consumption patterns, pollution levels, and social systems. Sustainable tourism has become the new buzz word for tourism
operators, so as to incorporate a suitable balance between the three dimensions
of tourism development, such as, the environmental, the economic, and the social cultural. This balancing act aims to guarantee the long-term
sustainability of tourism.
Sustainability is about more than just
looking after the natural environment, but it is about considering the social and
economic impact of what we do and how we do it.
Environmental Sustainability
The environment is obviously important to tourism. Both
the natural environment (such as beaches, forests, waterways) and the built
environment (such as historic buildings and ruins) must be preserved for an area
to be environmentally sustainable. Environmental sustainability means making
sure resources in an area (whatever they may be) can be preserved for use by
future generations. It’s much more than just being “green.”
Social cultural Sustainability
When an area starts being visited by tourists, there are
bound to be some social and cultural impacts of those tourists on the host
community. The need to respect the social cultural authenticity of host communities, so as to conserve their
built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and to contribute to
inter-cultural understanding and tolerance. Locals may see
increased congestion and overcrowding in towns and cities, perhaps an increase
in crime, the introduction of new languages and values, and perhaps even an
influx of migrant workers to be employed in the tourist industry. Social cultural sustainability, then, means minimizing these
negative impacts and focusing on more positive ones, such as promoting cultural
exchange and preserving local traditions. This can usually be achieved by getting the locals
involved in the tourism industry. Having
the community involved will not only offer visitors a more genuine experience,
but the locals will be more likely to see tourism in a positive light because
they will be proud of it.
Economic Sustainability
The main factors of
economic sustainability encompass enhancing the local economy by purchasing
local products and using regional services. The goal is to sustain the
financial gains within the community by involving the members of the area
within the tourism industry. Flourishing tourism creates jobs both
directly and indirectly by offering goods and services. Small businesses thrive
in such environments and significantly improve the local economy. The expansion
of the retail and transportation section of tourism creates more jobs; whereas,
small business services produce additional tax revenues that can be used for
schools, hospitals, housing and community services.
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