Tuesday, 1 October 2019

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL


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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