Stages for Destination

Sustainable Tourism Development

Objectives

  • Understand the different stages in destination development

  • Understand sustainable tourism development and its benefits

  • Identify prerequisites of sustainable tourism development

  • Analyze roles played by various stakeholders in sustainable tourism development

Stages of Destination Development

  • Stage 1: Discovery

    • Exploration stage

    • Destination is relatively unknown

    • Initial visitors are few, constrained by limited access and facilities

    • Example: Boracay during 1970s

  • Stage 2: Development

    • Growth stage

    • More visitors discover the destination

    • Increased and improved amenities

    • Example: Boracay during 1980s

  • Stage 3: Stagnation

    • Maturity stage

    • Rapid growth towards carrying capacity

    • Involves limits due to social and environmental factors

  • Stage 4: Decline

    • Saturation and alienation stage

    • Congestion and unsustainable development

    • Original attractions degrade or disappear

    • Tourists seek less altered destinations

  • Stage 4: Rejuvenation

    • Technological and infrastructure improvements

    • Increased carrying capacity can help revive the destination

Resources for Developing Tourism

  • Categories of Resources:

    • Capital, Labor, Materials, Knowledge

  • Types of Assets:

    • Natural (e.g., wildlife, landscapes)

    • Human-made (e.g., buildings, structures)

    • Cultural and historical assets

Importance of Sustainable Planning

  • Resources are limited and finite

  • Economic activities must be prioritized, including tourism

  • Sustainable tourism can drive economic diversification

Definition of Sustainable Development

  • Achieving progress that meets present needs without compromising future needs (UN WCED, 1987)

Sustainability in Tourism

  • Quality growth without depleting natural and built environments

  • Preserving culture, history, and local communities

  • Balancing visitor numbers with environmental capacity

  • Enhancing interaction with minimal destruction

Carrying Capacity

  • Maximum number of people a destination can manage efficiently

Key Issues in Sustainable Tourism

  • Conservation of cultural and environmental resources for future generations

  • Benefits must outweigh costs politically and socially

  • Tourism must be beneficial for host destinations

  • Ongoing maintenance and renewal of tourism products are essential

Prerequisites to Sustainable Tourism Development

  • High-quality attractions

  • Robust tourism infrastructure

  • Community support and tolerance

  • Government assistance at all levels

  • Personal security and safety for tourists

  • Established code of ethics and behavior for tourists

Benefits of Sustainable Tourism Development

  • New business development

  • Job creation and expansion

  • Increased income opportunities

  • Revitalizing local economies

  • Enhancing community pride and quality of life for locals

Characteristics of High-Quality Attractions

  • Must draw visitors and offer needed experiences

  • Preservation of attractions ensures future enjoyment

Key Players in Sustainable Tourism

  • Private Sector: Operates profit-making attractions

  • Government Sector: Manages public facilities; sets guidelines

  • NGOs: Contribute to sustainable practices

Tourism Infrastructure

  • Total of facilities required for a functioning tourism industry

  • Includes transportation systems and health facilities

  • Must serve tourists and local populations effectively

Importance of Community Support and Tolerance

  • Cultural harmony is crucial to sustainable tourism

  • Cultural diffusion essential; tourism as a channel for transmitting culture

  • Security and preservation of local culture must be ensured

Government Assistance

  • National government initiates development

  • Regional/local levels break down strategies for implementation

Personal Security and Safety in Tourism

  • Key considerations include:

    • Risks from war, terrorism, political instability, and disasters

  • Adequate medical facilities and emergency preparedness is critical

  • Local governments must be equipped to handle crises

Code of Ethics and Behavior for Tourists

  • Tourists should respect local authorities and cultures

  • Awareness of local customs and behaviors is important for cultural understanding.