Sustainable tourism strives to balance cities and natural spaces.
Sustainable tourism research is the cornerstone of a growing global initiative. Sustainable tourism development promises to provide more meaningful tourism experiences along with social and economic growth in undeveloped and disadvantaged nations and communities. Sustainable tourism research extends beyond the boundaries of tourism to include every facet of contemporary society.
Types
Eco-tourism promotes wilderness experiences.
Sustainable tourism research focuses on a broad spectrum of sustainable development and management practices across tourism types and destinations. Sustainable development surrounding tourism includes infrastructure, building and business, along with environmental and cultural resources. Eco-tourism is sometimes used interchangeably with sustainable tourism but often refers specifically to tourism that focuses on cultural, environmental, educational and experiential travel.
Significance
Local stakeholders are critical in sustainable tourism research.
Sustainable tourism research focuses on assessing current conditions, identifying critical stakeholders, tourism planning, implementation methods and methods for gathering and reviewing results data. Sustainable destination research locates successful case studies that can serve as models for the development of sustainable tourism initiatives. Sustainable tourism research focuses on available assets and current unsustainable practices and conditions.
Benefits
Sustainable tourism development builds economies.
Sustainable tourism research reveals increased economic benefits from the development of sustainable tourism. Tourism receipts in developing nations increased from $50 billion in 1990 to $205 billion in 2005. Eco-tourists spend money directly in local economies, where it immediately benefits local stakeholders. Eco-tourists spend money across a broad spectrum within sustainable destinations and consume a variety of goods and services throughout their stay. The influx of eco-tourism dollars can lead to the creation of small businesses in struggling economies and increase local involvement in environmental and cultural preservation.
Effects
Sustainable tourism manages growth and development to preserve resources.
Sustainable tourism research uncovers a range of potential positive and negative impacts to consider. Positive effects include economic growth, infrastructure development, preservation of natural and cultural resources and the potential to improve socioeconomic conditions in developing communities and nations. Negative impacts include potential degradation of natural and cultural resources resulting from unrestrained growth and development and the potential for clashes between local stakeholders, tourists and developers.
Potential
Rural tourism continues to grow as people seek to escape from crowded urban areas.
Sustainable tourism research continues to expand beyond the boundaries of ecological, cultural and heritage sites to include the rising popularity of adventure tourism, rural and farm tourism and philanthropy tourism. Sustainable tourism development increasingly encompasses the larger community and promotes sustainable infrastructure, waste management and reduction, environmental protection, building standards, clean energy, clean water and sustainable business practices.
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