REFLECTIVE JOURNAL

5.4 Discuss issues related to sustainable development in tourism and hospitality industry.

Sustainable development can be explained as one that meets the needs of the present time without interfering on the future generations ability to meet their own needs. Sustainable development also refers to development and consumption in a sustainable way, such that our resources are not depleted and there is nothing left for future generations. 

Ecotourism is a travel that gives or makes a positive impact on ecology and economy of a destination. Ecotourism main purposes is to protect the environment it can have a damaging effect. Natural attractions can suffer from overuse. Tourists can damage wildlife that will change the wildlife habits. There are many ecotourist destinations are in unknown places that will need a vehicle to travel that creates carbon footprints.

Ecotourism is benefit for the local community. International company and founder from outside the area go to popular destinations. Their hotels and stores take away money from the local economy. The citizen have to pay the same raised price for food and water as tourist do. Finally the corrupt government often take a large cut of the ecotourism profits.

My positive reflection is ecotourism can educate tourist about protecting efforts and research development in fragile natural areas. Ecotourist also can gain knowledge of ecosystems.

The negative reflection is tourism naturally leads to development. When natural area become a popular place, they will change the area to a hotel and tourist industry activities. The activities sometimes will disturb the local people which can do damages of the local communities integrity but prevents its member from benefiting from the economic benefits of a growing tourism industry.

To avoid any of these problems, I suggest tourist use public transportation such as train or coach, this way tourist can see more of the country when they are travelling at the same time they can reduse carbon emissions. Other than that, tourist should choose a nature friendly accommodation with this we can save up the water and energy. Lastly, tourist should visit destinations which are protected or from World Heritage sites. They have a visits and activities related to conservation projects.