Sustainable tourism, which includes tourism and associated infrastructures both now and in the future, is that which: operates within natural capacities for the regeneration and future productivity of natural resources; recognises the contribution that people and communities, customs and lifestyles make to the tourism experience; accepts that people must have an equitable share in the economic benefits of tourism; and is guided by the wishes of local people and communities in the host areas. This entails: Using resources sustainably: the conservation and sustainable use of resources natural, social and cultural is crucial and makes long-term business sense. Reducing overconsumption and wastes: avoids the costs of restoring long-term environmental damage and contributes to the quality of tourism. Maintaining diversity: maintaining and promoting natural, social and cultural diversity is essential for long-term sustainable tourism, and creates a resilient base for the industry. Integrating tourism into planning: tourism development which is integrated into a national and local strategic planning framework and management plans, and which undertakes environmental impact assessments of projects, plans and policies, increases the long-term viability of tourism. Supporting local economies: tourism that supports a wide range of local economic activities, and which takes environmental costs and values into account, both protects those economies and avoids environmental damage. Involving local communities: the full involvement of local communities in the tourism sector not only benefits them and the environment in general but also improves the quality of the tourism experience. Consulting stakeholders and the public: consultation between the tourism industry and local communities, organisations and institutions is essential if they are to work alongside each other and resolve potential conflicts of interest. Training staff: staff training which integrates sustainable tourism into work practices, along with recruitment of local personnel at all levels, improves the quality of the tourism product. Marketing tourism responsibly: encouraging tourists to visit sites during off-peak periods to reduce visitor numbers, and when ecosystems are most robust. Marketing that provides tourists with full and responsible information increases respect for the natural, social and cultural environments of destination areas and enhances customer satisfaction. Undertaking research: ongoing monitoring by the industry using effective data collection and analysis is essential to help solve problems and to bring benefits to destinations, the industry and consumers. Better information provision: providing tourists with information in advance, and in situ (eg, through visitor centres), about tourist destinations. Source: WWF, 1992
Source: WWF, 1992