TPC 315-

Sustainable Tourism

Rea Mae E. Cerilo

Course Facilitator
 Module 1
o Sustainable Tourism Development
o Introduction to Sustainable Tourism
o Forms of Sustainable Tourism
I. Sustainable Tourism Development
Definition of Sustainability
Sustainable Measures provides the following definitions of
“sustainability” from various source (Sustainablemeasures.com): “sustain”
means “to cause to continue (as in existence or a certain state, or in force, or
intensity); to keep, especially without interruption diminution, flagging, etc.;
to prolong (Webster’s New International Dictionary 1986);
“improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying
capacity of supporting ecosystems” ( The International Union for the
Conservation of Nature- The World Conservation Union, United Nations
Environment Programme, and the world wide Fund for Nature in Caring for
Earth 1991); and
 “the ‘long-term, cultural, economic and environmental health and
vitality’ with emphasis on long-term, ‘together with the importance of linking
our social, financial, and environmental well-being’,” (Sustainable Seattle
n.d.)

Despite the existence of myriad definitions, sustainability could simply

be defined as the ability of something to continue for an infinite period of
time.
 The concept of sustainability is not new even though the term
itself became a buzzword in the late 1980s (Swarbrook 1999).
The idea that everything in nature is interconnected has long
been recognized by indigenous people all over the world. Chief
Seattle, Chief of the Suquamish Indians, belong to man, man
belongs to earth. All things are connected like blood that unites us
all. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
 In the “ Register of Best Practices on
Indigenous Knowledge, “the UN Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
cite knowledge and best practices in the area of
sustainable resources management.
 Examples
 the necessity of using native tree species because they adapted more
to the harsh local condition ( Botswana)
 Examples
 traditional water harvesting and soil fertility management practices
( Burkina Faso);
Examples
 the influence of river depths on the movement of beluga whales,
Examples
 the sensitivity of sturgeon to changing water quality and river
diversions (Inuit and Cree peoples in the Hudson Bay Bioregion of
arctic and sub-artic Canada)
 Examples
 The Ifugao peoples of the Cordillera Region in the Philippines have
mastered water resources management systems and rice terrace
construction techniques using compact soils and stones. They also
created rice varieties that are adapted to the conditions in their
mountainous and environment (Kawasaki 2012).
 Definition of Sustainable Development

The Brundtland Commission (1987) define sustainable

development as “development that meets of the present generation
without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.”
Sustainable development takes into account the needs of the
future and present generation in terms of the management of the
resources, investment, technology, and institutions.
The Philippine Agenda 21 (1996) defined sustainable
development as the “harmonious integration of a sound and viable
economy, responsible governance, social cohesion and ecological
 In the Western world, the concept of sustainable development
could be traced to the nascent environmental movement in the late
nineteenth century. Environmental consciousness took root with
the recognition of the negative effects of industrialization on nature
and the equality of life residents particularly in the industrial cities
(Swarbrooke 1999).
II. Introduction to Sustainable Tourism

Tourism is one of the world’s fastest growing and most

important industries and is a major source of income for many
countries. However, like other forms of development, tourism can
also its share of problems, such as social issues, loss of cultural
heritage, economic dependence and ecological degradation.
Sustainable Tourism is tourism that minimize the costs and
maximize the benefits of tourism for natural environments and
local communities, and can be carried out indefinitely without
harming the resources on which depends
 Historical Background of Sustainable Tourism

The discussion over the definition of sustainable tourism started in the

1900s. However, its origins can be traced back to the broader concept of
sustainable development, which has been with us for centuries.

By sustainable development, we tend to mean development that meets

our needs today without risking people’s ability to meet their needs in the
future. It is thus about taking a longer-term perspective than it is typically in
human decision- making, implying the need for intervention and planning.
The concept of sustainable is clearly embraces the environment, people and
economic systems.
 The World Tourism Organization launched the Sustainable Tourism
in 2002. This initiative was launched in the context of the Millennium
Development Goals, WTO experts considering that tourism can be an
alternative source of livelihood in many regions of the world. In 2006, The
International Task Force on Sustainable Tourism Development has been
established. It was subordinated to the United Nations Environment
Programme.
 Sustainable tourism definition

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization, Sustainable

Tourism is defined as a form of tourism as that takes full account of its current
and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs
of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, sustainable
tourism should:

• Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key elements

in tourism development, maintaining essentials ecological processes and
helping to conserve natural heritage.
• Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their
built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to
intercultural and tolerance.
• Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic
benefits to all stakeholders that are distributed, including stable employment
and income-earning opportunities and social service to host communities,
and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Dimensions of Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism Guidelines and management practices

apply to all types of tourism in all types of destinations, including
mass tourism and various niche tourism segments. Sustainability
principles refer to the environment, economic, and socio-cultural
aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be
established between these three dimensions to ensure its long-term
sustainability.
Thus, sustainable tourism should:

1. Make the best use of environmental resources, which are critically

to tourism development by preserving important ecological processes
and contributing to the preservation of natural heritage and
biodiversity.

2. Respect host communities’ socio-cultural authenticity, preserve

their built and living cultural heritage, and contribution to inter-
cultural understanding and tolerance.
3. Offer enhanced economic viability by providing equitable
socioeconomic benefits to all stakeholders, including stable
employment and income-earning opportunities, as well as social
 Sustainable tourism development necessitates that informed
participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political
leadership to ensure broad participation and consensus building.
Achieving sustainable tourism is a continuous process that requires
constant monitoring of impacts and the implementation of
necessary preventive and/or corrective measure as needed.

Sustainable Tourism should also maintain as high level of

tourist satisfaction and provide with meaningful experience,
raising their awareness of sustainability issues and promoting
sustainability tourism practices among them.
The Principles of Sustainable Tourism
The World Fund of Nature and Tourism Concern outline 10 principles for
sustainable tourism. These outline below:

1. Using resources sustainability

2. Reducing over-consumption and waste.
3. Maintaining biodiversity.
4. Integrating tourism into planning.
5. Supporting local economies
6. Involving local communities.
7. Consulting stakeholders and the public.
8. Training staff.
9. Marketing tourism responsibly.
Benefits of Sustainable Tourism

1. It reduces costs, energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

2. It encourages small local activities.
3. It promotes both the culture and the products of the local area.
4. It raises awareness about the needs and issues in our environment.
5. It makes efficient use of our natural resources.
6. It promotes the development of new businesses in the tourism sector.
7. It economically revives rural areas in places where tourism takes place.
8. Part of the benefits goes towards building works of public interest.
9. It respects the socio-cultural authenticity of the communities.
10. It improves the quality of life of the local population, both economically
and socio-culturally.
Goals of Sustainable Tourism
According to UNWTO, tourism has the potential to make a contribution,
either directly or indirectly, to all of the goals.

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3.Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Quality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry Innovation & Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable cities & communities
 Assignment
Name: ________________ Score:___________
Course: _______________ Date:____________
Direction: Answer the following questions accordingly. Write your answer ½ sheet
of paper. Make your answer brief and concise as possible.

1. Define Sustainable Tourism

2. Give 5 goals of sustainable tourism
3. Enumerate 5 benefits of sustainable tourism
II. Forms of Sustainable Tourism

Tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing industries and a more

exchange and employment generation for many countries. It is one of the most
remarkable economic and social phenomena

The world tour is derived from the Latin word tornus , meaning a tool
for a circle. Tourism may be defined as the movement of the people from their
normal place making of residence to another place (with the intention to
return) for a minimum period twenty-four hours to a maximum of six months
for the sole purpose of leisure and pleasure.
Types of Tourism

1. International Tourism

• Inbound Tourism
• Outbound Tourism

2. Domestic Tourism
 Classification of Tourism
Tourism can be classified into six distinct categories
according to the purpose of travel.
These are following an
a. Recreational
b. Cultural
c. Sports/Adventure
d. Health
e. Convention Tourism
f. Incentive Tourism
 The main forms of sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism is an umbrella term for 'standard tourism", responsible

tourism, adventure tourism, ecotourism. The principles of sustainable tourism can
be applied to all tourism types:

Sustainable tourism is any form of development, improvement or tourism

activity that respects the environment, preserves in the long term the natural and
cultural resources and is socially and economically durable and equitable".

Sustainable tourism allows the development of tourism and recreation

activities in a country, region or tourist destination by taking into account the basic
principles of sustainable development, showing respect for the environment, for the
people and for the economy and the local culture of the tourist receiving region.
 The following are forms of sustainable tourism

1. Ecotourism
2. Mass Tourism
3. Alternative Tourism
4. Responsible Tourism
5. Cultural Tourism
6. Adventure Tourism
 1. Ecotourism one of the tourism industry's fastest growing
segments Before the mid-1980s, the term "ecotourism did not exist
in the English language. Long before the term 'ecotourism was
coined in the mid-1980s, it existed as both a concept and a
practice.

Ecotourism has been defined in various ways since its

inception Ecotourism is comprised of three (3) components. These
are sustainable development, environmental sensitivity, and respect
for the destination's local people and culture.
 Principles of Ecotourism

• Reduce the negative effects on physical, educational, mental, and

psychological health.
• Create an understanding of and appreciation for the environment
and culture.
• Ensure that both guests and hosts have a nice time.
• Provide direct financial incentives for environmental protection.
• Produce monetary benefits for both local residents and private
business.
 The Benefits and Reasons Why Ecotourism Has Been Growing

• Due to low-cost flights and readily available facilities, it is now easier to

reach remote ecotourism destinations.
• Many people are dissatisfied or unfulfilled with conventional tourism
destinations and events, prompting a surge of interest in more demanding
and educational tourism.
• There is a greater appreciation of the value of environmental conservation
and a desire to contribute to this cause.
• Travelers want to be seen as unique and environmentally conscious;
• Ecotourism has the potential to help protect vulnerable natural areas and
raise awareness of local environmental and social problems, as well as
provide income opportunities for local residents.
 2. Mass Tourism refers to the leisure movement of a large number of
organized visitors to traditional vacation destinations. It's a phenomenon
marked by the widespread use of standardized packaged goods and mass
consumption. This form of tourism is defined by standardized leisure goods
and experiences that are packaged for mass: tourists.
 3. Alternative Tourism includes individually organized tours to find
first-hand information about a place, local culture, and environment. It can be
for the following reasons:

• Business - It is touring for conducting business transactions, attending business

meetings, workshops, or conferences. The objective of business tourism is mainly
professional.
• Pleasure - It includes tourism for improving one's physical or spiritual well-being.
For example, vacation at a Yoga or rehabilitation center.
• Nature It is tourism at places famous for pristine nature and serene beauty. The
main objective is to experience and enjoy nature such as farms and wildlife.
• Cultural - This type of tourism has an objective of understanding the local history
of the place, foods, local productions, and local culture.
• Social- It includes tours conducted among relatives, friends, and others.
 4. Responsible Tourism reduces the negative social, economic, and
environmental consequences enhances the well-being of host communities
and provides greater economic benefits for local residents.
Responsible tourism is tourism in which:

• It reduces the negative social, economic, and environmental consequences.

• It enhances the well-being of host communities and creates greater economic
benefits for local citizens.
• It improves working conditions and industry access includes local people in
decisions that impact their lives and opportunities.
• It contributes to the protection of natural and cultural heritage thus valuing
diversity
 5. Cultural Tourism -the act of travelers visiting specific destinations in
order to observe and learn about a particular culture is known as cultural
tourism. This may include a variety of things such as going to events and
festivals, visiting museums, and sampling the local cuisine and beverages.
 Importance of Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism can also be beneficial to the economy. Tourists who

travel to a location to learn more about a culture or to visit cultural tourism
attractions such as museums or shows contribute to the local economy.
Attractions must be staffed, which creates job opportunities for tertiary
businesses like restaurants, taxi companies, and hotels.
• Positive Impacts of Cultural Tourism

o Revitalization of Culture and Art Some destinations will promote the revitalization of
local cultures and arts This could take the form of museum exhibits, the way
restaurants and shops are decorated, or the entertainment on offer, to name a few
examples. This may help revive rituals that have faded away
o Preservation of Heritage - Many visitors will travel to the location in order to see the
local heritage. As a result, many destinations will go to great lengths to maintain their
heritage.

• Negative Impacts of Cultural Tourism

o Social Change - The way society acts or behaves are referred to as social change
unfortunately, tourism has resulted in a number of undesirable adjustments. Perhaps
they've changed their tone of voice or the way they dress. They may have been exposed
to alcohol through the tourism industry, or they may have grown resentful of wealthy
 Globalization and the Destruction of Preservation and Heritage

Globalization is the process by which the world becomes more

interconnected. We are losing our individuality in favor of a sense of 'global
being, in which we are becoming more and more alike than ever before. Since
visitors and hosts usually come from diverse regional and cultural
backgrounds, globalization is unavoidable in the tourism industry. This
contact encourages us to become more similar to one another
 6. Adventure Tourism
defined as the movement of the people from one to another place
outside their comfort zone for exploration or travel to remote areas, exotic and
possibly hostile areas. Adventure tourism is a type of tourism in which tourist
do some adventures activities like as skydiving, hill climbing, and scuba
diving.