In: Operations Management
Question: In a sustainable tourism what destinations do to implement or develop tourism in a sustainable manner?
Answer:
Definition of Sustainable tourism:
Sustainable tourism is the notion of visiting somewhere as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy. It means being careful with the environments you explore and respecting the communities you visit.
Two major components of sustainable tourism
1. Eco-tourism
2. Ethical tourism
Eco-tourism involves reducing impacts on the natural environment.
Ethical tourism involves measures to preserve and enhance local economies and communities.
Sustainable tourism in USA and the destinations
The sustainability of the tourism in USA depends on maintenance of the resources, education of the people and suppliers and good business strategies and operations. The demand for tourism depends on life-style changes, affluences etc. Demand of tourism is increasing in USA in certain destinations and is influenced by the promotional activities of local, regional and state tourist agencies, which includes tourism advertisements.
The major destinations for sustainable tourism in USA are:
a. Alaska - Tourism offers adventures to explore glaciers, mountains, wilderness of the landscape, etc.
b. Hawaii – Tourism offers beach activities, surfing, scuba diving, etc.
c. Montana – Tourism offers two national parks, seafood, resorts, etc.
And many other destinations.
What destinations do to implement or develop tourism in a sustainable manner?
Destinations perform the following activities to implement or develop tourism in a sustainable manner:
a. Following environmental integrity: supporting and maintaining the environment.
b. Doing social justice to the location: giving environment a fair treatment and clear air, water, no pollution etc.
c. Promoting economic development: promoting the growth of the local individuals.
d. Accountability and Responsibility: Tourism, individuals, organizations and businesses are asked to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences of their actions.
e. Achieving goals: everyone involved in tourism – government, product owners and operators, transport operators, community services, NGOs, transport operators etc, are responsible for achieving the goals of responsible tourism.
f. Protecting tourism as an industry.
g. Focusing and planning on sustainable development.