Sustainable tourism: myth or reality?

Question 1

What is sustainable tourism?

Answer 1

“Tourism that does not destroy what it sets out to explore.”

1987 UN report.

Question 2

How can tourism cause major environmental problems?

Answer 2

Tourism costs can outweigh benefits.
E.g. overuse of small land areas.
Areas vulnerable to damage.
Examples: National Parks, historical monuments.

Question 3

How can tourism be damaging?

Answer 3

Golf courses - farmers lose land - scarce water supplies.
Coral reefs - damaged by water sports.
E.g. Lingayen Gulf (Philippines) - scuba divers/sports fishermen.

Question 4

What did the 1987 UN ‘sustainable tourism’ report include? 10

Answer 4

1. Waste minimisation - recycling.
2. Energy efficiency.
3. Freshwater management.
4. Waste-water management.
5. Hazardous management.
6. Transport.
7. Land-use.
8. Community involvement in environmental issues.
9. Sustainability designs.
10. Sustainable development partnerships.

Question 5

What is the ‘sustainable tourism checklist?’ 4

Answer 5

1. Operates for the regeneration/future productivity of natural resources.
2. Recognises local/cultural contributions.
3. Acceptance of these people having a fair share of the economic benefits.
4. Guided by the local wishes in the destination area.

Question 6

How can individual tourists help the aims of sustainable tourism? 7

Answer 6

1. Being informed of the culture, politics and economy.
2. Respecting local culture’s expectations.
3. Contributing to intercultural tolerance.
4. Favouring businesses that conserve cultural heritage/traditional values.
5. Supporting local economies - buying local goods.
6. Seeking out environmentally conscious businesses.
7. Using the least possible amount of local resources - particularly non-renewables.