Sustainable Tourism

Introduction

  • Mass Tourism: large numbers visit a single place at once; often economically attractive but environmental and social pressures arise.

  • Tourism Tripod: economy, environment, society; sustainable tourism balances these three.

  • Sustainable tourism development: balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

  • Learning outcomes: distinguish sustainability from sustainable development; recall history and paradigm; understand Philippines context.

Definition of Sustainability

  • Etymology: sustainable + ity (from

  • Sustainability involves keeping something at a certain level; sustaining the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of ecosystems.

  • Regenerative view: health, resilience, and adaptability of the planet enable life to flourish.

Definition of Sustainability and Sustainable Development: What’s the Difference?

  • Sustainability focuses on maintaining a level or pattern in the present.

  • Sustainable development: long-term vision; meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

  • Philippine Agenda 21 defines sustainable development as harmonious integration of viable economy, responsible governance, social cohesion, and ecological integrity.

Goals of Sustainable Tourism

  • Economic prosperity: viable products, employment, livelihoods, fair procurement.

  • Social equity: respect for local traditions, protection of indigenous communities, non-exploitation of vulnerable groups.

  • Environmental conservation: safeguard ecosystems; responsible behavior by industry and visitors.

Sustainable Tourism and its Principles

  • UNWTO (1988) definition: management of resources to meet economic, social, and aesthetic needs while maintaining cultural integrity, ecological processes, biodiversity, and life support systems; addresses needs of visitors, industry, environment, and host communities.

Elements of Sustainable Tourism

  • Informed participation of relevant stakeholders.

  • Strong political leadership for participation and consensus.

  • Continuous monitoring of impacts with preventive/corrective actions.

  • Maintain high tourist satisfaction and meaningful experiences.

  • Raise awareness about sustainability issues and practices.

Principles of Sustainable Tourism

  • Enhances well-being of communities where tourism occurs.

  • Protects and enhances natural and cultural resources.

  • Recognizes importance of product quality and tourist satisfaction for economic success.

  • Adopts adequate management and monitoring measures.

Requisites for Sustainable Tourism

  • Sustainability means ongoing ability to continue indefinitely.

  • Avoid “ningas cogon” booms; plan for long-term maintenance.

  • Key questions (DOT, 2014):

    • Is the area safe?

    • Are the attractions unique?

    • Do attractions have social/cultural value?

    • Is it accessible?

    • Is there political support?

    • Is the community supportive?

    • Are there funds for the project?

    • Are utilities/infrastructure available?

    • Are there onsite facilities?

    • Is the area open for development?

    • Is the area conducive for tourism development?

History of Sustainable Tourism Concept

  • 1948: IUCN founded (later IUCN–IUCN Resources).

  • 1954: Harrison Brown’s The Challenges of Man’s Future (early sustainable development themes).

  • 1961: WWF established.

  • 1962: Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring highlights environment-economy-wellbeing links.

  • 1970: Earth Day.

  • 1972: UN Conference on the Human Environment; UNEP established.

  • 1973: George Young’s Tourism: Blessing or Blight draws attention to negative impacts.

  • 1980: IUCN World Conservation Strategy.

  • 1982: UN World Charter for Nature.

  • 1987: Brundtland Report (Our Common Future) on sustainable development; Philippines drafts PSSD (1989).

  • 1988: UNWTO defines sustainable tourism.

  • 1991: The Good Tourist (Wood & House) to influence tourist behavior.

  • 1992: Rio Conference; Agenda 21; CBD; Framework on Climate Change; etc.; Local Agenda 21; Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

  • 1993–1998: Local authorities’ tourism guidance; local sustainability frameworks.

  • 1995: WTO World Conference on Sustainable Tourism; Canary Islands resolution.

  • 1997: Kyoto Protocol (climate change relevance).

  • 1998–2000s: Local-level guides; MDGs; 2000 Millennium Summit; voluntary initiatives for sustainable tourism.

  • 2004–2008: Indicators, policy guides, climate awareness.

  • 2012–2015: SDGs adopted; global sustainable development framework and goals.

Tourism Development Paradigm in the Philippines

  • 1970s: Mass tourism; sun, sea, and sand focus; high volume, standardized products; aim to boost arrivals.

  • 1980s: Tourism managed like a corporation; master plan; clustering, airports, deregulation, market diversification.

  • 1990s: Emergence of sustainable development as paradigm; planning integration.

  • Circa 2000: Environmental dimension gains prominence; National Ecotourism Strategy; rural/agritourism initiatives.

  • 2009: Republic Act 9593 (Tourism Act): tourism as indispensable to the economy; sustainable, ecologically sound, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for local communities.

  • Three dimensions (or Ps): economy, environment, equity (or profit, planet, people).

  • Focus: integrate sustainable development into national socio-economic development.

Three Dimensions of Sustainable Development

  • Three components: economy, environment, culture/equity (often framed as three Es).

  • Alternative framing: three Ps – profit, planet, people.

  • People are central, driving balance among the three dimensions.

Connelly’s Venn Diagram

  • Viable: balance between environmental and economic goals.

  • Equitable: balance between economic and social goals.

  • Livable: balance between environmental and social goals.

The 2030 Agenda: Tourism and Sustainability Paradigm in the Philippines

  • Development weights among social, economic, political goals vary by country.

  • Goals achieved by aligning government, business, media, academia, and NGOs toward improving lives by 2030.

  • SDGs provide a universal framework for sustainable tourism development.

Philippines Context: Status and Paradigm

  • Philippine tourism policy links to sustainable development principles.

  • RA 9593 formalizes sustainable tourism within economic development, environmental stewardship, and social equity.

  • Emphasis on ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, and culturally sensitive tourism that benefits local communities.