Sustainable and Responsible Management in Tourism

This essay explores the concepts, principles and strategies for sustainable development in tourism and hospitality industry. It highlights the importance of economic, ecological, cultural and local sustainability in tourism and provides examples of sustainable strategies used by leading hospitality businesses like Hilton, Marriott and Thomas Cook.

SUSTAINABLE AND
REPONSIBLE
MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

Sustainable development in tourism and hospitality industry.
In today's fast growing modernizing world, the importance of sustainable development
has been increasing. Because with the depletion in the cultural and environment, sustainable
development plays a very significant role for conservation and preservation of the ecological and
natural heritage. It helps in using the available resources accurately and maintaining and
balancing ecological system (Chang. and Ramos, 2020). However, the sustainable and
responsible management in tourism and hospitality industry has helped in improving the quality
of lives and preservation of historic and cultural conservation. On the other hand, sustainable
tourism and hospitality encourages a balanced and better world that focuses on the social,
economical and environmental problems. It helps in mobilization, acquisition and conservation
of resources and means. The present essay focuses on the concepts, principles and strategies that
are adopted for sustainable development in tourism and hospitality. Also, it shows the various
examples of hospitality and tourism that uses different strategies in attaining sustainability and
development. The essay also highlights the link between the concepts and the principles of the
sustainable development.
Sustainable tourism refers to the development that meets the requirement of the present
without contemplating and compromising the ability for meeting the needs of future generation
(MacKenzie and Gannon, 2019). thus, sustainable tourism refers to the concept that involves
economic environmental and social concerns and accordingly addressing the needs of the host
communities in meeting their requirements in fulfilling the needs of the tourist experiences. The
concept of sustainable tourism aims towards reducing the negative effects of the tourism industry
on the environment and the community. In other words according to the WTO that is the World
Tourism Organisation has defined sustainable tourism as a tourism that leads towards the
management of resources in a way social, economical and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled with
maintaining the ecological processes, cultural integrity, life system and biological diversity. With
the growing need of sustainable there has been development in the principles of sustainable
tourism and hospitality industry. It can be analysed that these principles of sustainable
development are based on the four concepts which are as follows:
Economic Sustainability
Economic sustainability refers to an integrated part of the sustainable development that
focuses on in safeguarding and sustaining the resources for creation of long term value for

sustainability by recovery and recycling. Economic sustainability is very important that is it will
be profitable for immediate as well as long term effects (Sobaih and et.al., 2021). That is tourism
and hospitality industry should use internationally reviewed and approved guidelines for
certification and training. Also, for creation of sustainable tourism it is very important to promote
environmentally and ethically conscious behaviours of the tourists. Also, it can be evaluated that
appropriate financial incentives should be provided for adoption of sustainable principles so that
there can be diversification in the development of tourists activities.
Ecological Sustainability
Ecological sustainability refers to the restoration and maintenance of the structure,
processes and composition of the ecosystems which includes diversity of animal and plants
communities and their productive capacity (Bunakov and et.al., 2017). In other words it refers to
the development that is compatible with the ecological system and processes. To achieve
ecological sustainability it is very important that there is establishment of the codes of practices
that governs the tourist activities and guides the tourist operations. It can also be evaluated that
there should be proper monitoring and research should be conducted for analysing the impacts of
tourism on the ecological systems. And most importantly protecting the areas such as national
parks etc. so that there can be preservation of the ecological systems from the activities of
tourism.
Cultural Sustainability
Cultural sustainability refers to the increment in individual's control over its lives so that
they can be compatible with the values and cultures that affects and strengthens their community
identity (Deery and et.al., 2018). Thus, the principle applicable in this regard for sustainable and
responsible tourism management is that it should initiate with the broad community based input.
Its principle is based on conservation of cultural diversity and improving the training programs
for managing the natural and heritage tourism. However, it can be evaluated that for effective
sustainability of tourism it is very important that there is cultural and heritage sustainability in
the environment so that it can nurture and strengthen the community's ability in maintaining and
using traditional skills. Thus, one of the most important element in the making the tourism
sustainable is the cultural sustainability because in today's fast growing world with modern
aspect it becomes very important for preservation and conservation of the traditional and cultural
heritage for the future generations.

Local Sustainability
One of the other important pillar in the principles of sustainable and responsible
management of tourism is the local sustainability (Berjozkina and Melanthiou, 2021). It refers to
the sustainability of the local communities that benefits and generates income in these local
communities. Therefore, it is very important there is control over the development in tourism
activities by providing quality employment to the local residents and there is generation of
income. Thus, it can be evaluated that sustainable and responsible tourism is that which promotes
and contributes in the development of the local communities by minimising the negative effects.
However, the concept of sustainable and responsible tourism is a derivative of the general
concept of the basic sustainable development that attempts in making a low impact on the local
and environmental culture. Also that helps in generation of employment, income. Conservation
of ecosystems locally etc. it is both culturally and ecologically sensitive. On the other hand it can
be analysed that this concept of sustainable development provides a base for the development ion
the eco tourism initiatives (Fermani and et.al., 2020). In other words the concept of sustainable
tourism tends to view the pursuit of sustainable development in tourism as balancing of
economic, environmental and social goals. Their purpose is encountering the threats that are
results of unmanaged tourism. It can be evaluated that theses concepts have a triangular relation
between the tourism industry, host areas and their people and its habitats. Thus, the sustainable
tourism focuses on reconciling the tension between the three elements in the triangle and
maintains and equilibrium for long term basis (Nunkoo, 2018).. Furthermore, it aims at
minimising the cultural and environmental damage, maximising long term economic growth by
optimising the tourists satisfactions. In simple words, it refers to the balance between the
conservation requirements of the environment and the growth in potential tourism.
For rural economic regeneration tourism is considered as an agent that valorizes
conservation (Sarkar and George, 2018). However, rural environment is very fragile because of
the rapid changes in the environment that affect them. And tourism in considered a powerful
agent in this regard for change. Thus, it is considered as an important issue due to the role rural
economy plays in the countries. Rural areas act as repositories in both historic and natural
heritage. And because of this reason rurality is considered as the unique USP for tourism
industry. However, with the growth in tourism it is destroying the element of rurality with
modernization and inducing negative effects on the culture, economy and environment. Thus,

with the concept of responsible and sustainable tourism, it would serve as a powerful agent that
would counter the negative effects which are a result of tourism. It will include all the aspects
such as sustaining culture, host communities, habitats, landscapes etc.
Principles of Sustainable Tourism
Principles are considered very important because it guides the tourism industry towards
sustainable development (Truong, Liu and Yu, 2020). There are various principles that are
derived by different analyst for development in sustainable tourism. These principles are as
follows:
According to Lane and Bramwell, there are four basic principle of sustainable tourism
that are lined with the concept of sustainable development. Holistic strategy and planning Conservation of ecological processes which are essential. Preservation of biodiversity and human heritage as well. Development that ensures higher productivity for future generation in long term.
However, on the other hand the Tourism Concern have developed sustainable principles
for eco tourism in alliance with the WWF (World wildlife fund) for nature (Arrobas and et.al.,
2020) Sustainably using of resources. Maintenance of biodiversity. Reduction in wastage and over consumption. Integrating planning into tourism. Involvement of local communities. Support to local economies. Consulting public and stakeholders. Marketing sustainable tourism. Undertaking research.
 Training and development of staff.
Altough these principle suggests appropriate planning, monitoring and care of sustainable
tourism destinations (Roxas and Gutierrez, 2020). These measures includes conserving
environmental resources from damages, acting as an agent force for conservation, implementing
sustainable environmental policies in every area of tourism, installation of systems that

minimises the effects of pollution from tourism, adhering to precautionary principles,
establishment , research, respecting the needs and rights of the local communities, supporting
and protecting the historical and cultural heritage worldwide, carrying the sustainable practices
ethically and in a responsible manner. However, supporting local conservation and economies
have different forms and the benefits derived from it are numerous like employment, foreign
exchange income, development of infrastructure, economic stability and diversification.
On the other hand, it can be critically evaluated that if physical appearance and
biodiversity are altered then sustainable tourism will loose its resilience and the ability of their
communities in absorbing the impacts (Qian and Law, 2018). These perspectives on eco tourism
development advocate to a holistic approach in management of environment so that it can avoid
the incrementalism tyranny. The view of these sustainable tourism principle is that resources are
being used sustainably that is reducing the waste and over consumption. Also, it inculcates the
maintenance of social, natural and cultural diversity which integrates the sustainable tourism into
development policy of nations. However, the concept of sustainable tourism is the one concept
where the new development will not have any damage to the social, cultural, natural and
economic diversity. That is eco tourism imbibes in the sustainable tourism development as a
means that helps in maintaining cultural, social, natural environment of the society. It aims at
creating understanding and awareness about the local environments and cultures with
participation of local residents.
However, it can be evaluated that sustainable tourism differs from conventional tourism
and the strategies also differ accordingly. The plans of conventional tourism are mostly based on
the growth requirement in the tourism industry (Mandić, 2019). It consists mostly of the capital
investment and the marketing plans that usually increases visitor number, traffic and job creation
and turnover. That is they exploit the community and natural resources with giving a little
consideration to culture, enterprise and community. However, strategies in sustainable tourism
are based on more holistic, wider and regional analysis. These are the plans which are developed
on the concepts that are tried and tested in many places. Their hallmarks are:
 Analysing the economic, cultural, ecological and social needs of an area.
 Analysing the constraints in tourism development and area's tourist assets.
 Using of best tools and techniques for economic, culture, ecological and social tourism
practices.

 Local community participation in the formulation of plans and on going processes.
 Considering the visitors capacity, scale and type of sustainable development suitable for
an area.
Therefore, it is important that strategies of sustainable development should be developed
keeping in mid the key issues. That is formulation of these strategies should not only be for
sustainable development but with keeping in view social, economical and cultural aspects
(Tasci, 2017). It is very important that there is proper consultation with all the interest groups
such as business, trade, transport, custodians, administration of the historical and natural assets
of the region. Because tourism heavily relies on local goodwill rather than other industries. It is
very important that local communities are happy with the tourist visiting and that these tourists
will net increase their housing cost and overwhelm their lives. Therefore, openness is very
important in sustainable tourism. It can be evaluated that the strategy making of sustainable
tourism process must be evolving with time that copes with the changes and adopt to
shortcomings. Thus, with the inclusion of key issue, these strategies will provide rewarding
results and will benefit the sustainable tourism.
However, it can be evaluated that there are various different strategies that are used by
different hospitality businesses in sustainable business and development (Tomassini and
Cavagnaro, 2020). For example, Hilton is considered one of the leading hotel in inclusion of
sustainable techniques for conservation of environment. Hilton is a global brand with around
3900 hotels in 90 different countries with 30000 employees. It strives in maximising its
operations in reducing the waste output. With their sustainable management techniques and
systems they evaluate around 222 indicators that helps in sustainable development and
management. It inculcates waste management programs that offers cost savings and reduces the
impact on the environment and the local communities. Hilton worldwide is working with the
global soap project that are managing in soap waste. That is they recycle and recovers soaps and
distributes it to the population in developing countries for improving the hygienes of the
vulnerable population. On the other hand, the Marriott international has been reforming its
operations for higher growth in the sustainability of its brand (Moyle and et.al., 2020). It operates
in more than 30 countries with approximately 890 hotels. Its aiming at decreasing its food
wastage and landfill wastage. Also, its sustainability strategies include using of renewable

techniques that will reduce carbon intensities. Also, it is one of the brand in the hospitality
industry that has 100% hotels who have recognised as the standards for sustainability.
On the other hand, Thomas cook is a major market tour operator. They provide their
consumers with accommodations and flights and ancillary services. It has been contributing t=in
the sustainable development of the tourism industry by creating inbound and outbound tourism
in The UK economy. They have also integrated with the Hilton worldwide in accommodation of
rooms and thus, increasing the sustainable development.
From the present essay it can be concluded that responsible and sustainable development
are two important element in the tourism and hospitality industry. Because it helps in meeting
current requirement without compromising the future generation needs. There four major pillars
on which the concepts of sustainable tourism has been based. It can also be concluded that these
pillars help in development of the concepts so that there can be effective implementation of the
policies and plans of sustainability in the tourism and hospitality industry. Furthermore, there are
various principles that govern the sustainability if the hospitality and tourism industry. These
principles provide the base for development and helps in ensuring the local, culture, ecological
and environmental conservation. However, at the end it can be concluded, that there are various
strategies that are implemented by different organization in achieving sustainability and
development. So that it can benefit the industries as well as the environments and communities.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Chang, C.L., McAleer, M. and Ramos, V., 2020. A charter for sustainable tourism after COVID-
19.
MacKenzie, N. and Gannon, M.J., 2019. Exploring the antecedents of sustainable tourism
development. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.
Sobaih and et.al., 2021. Responses to COVID-19: The role of performance in the relationship
between small hospitality enterprises’ resilience and sustainable tourism
development. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 94. p.102824.
Bunakov and et.al., 2017. Improoving the training system as a basis for improved management
of sustainable development of tourism. Man in India. 97(3). pp.275-283.
Deery and et.al., 2018. Work life balance for sustainable tourism development. Collaboration
for sustainable tourism development. pp.151-167.
Berjozkina, G. and Melanthiou, Y., 2021. Is tourism and hospitality education supporting
sustainability?. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes.
Fermani and et.al., 2020. Sustainable tourism and facilities preferences: The sustainable tourist
stay scale (STSS) validation. Sustainability. 12(22). p.9767.
Sarkar, S.K. and George, B., 2018. Social media technologies in the tourism industry: an
analysis with special reference to their role in sustainable tourism
development. International Journal of Tourism Sciences. 18(4). pp.269-278.
Truong, D., Liu, R.X. and Yu, J.J., 2020. Mixed methods research in tourism and hospitality
journals. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.
Roxas, F.M.Y., Rivera, J.P.R. and Gutierrez, E.L.M., 2020. Mapping stakeholders’ roles in
governing sustainable tourism destinations. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism
Managemen. 45. pp.387-398.
Qian, J., Shen, H. and Law, R., 2018. Research in sustainable tourism: A longitudinal study of
articles between 2008 and 2017. Sustainability. 10(3). p.590.
Mandić, A., 2019. Nature-based solutions for sustainable tourism development in protected
natural areas: A review. Environment Systems and Decisions, pp.1-20.
Tasci, A.D., 2017. Consumer demand for sustainability benchmarks in tourism and
hospitality. Tourism Review.
1

Tomassini, L. and Cavagnaro, E., 2020. The novel spaces and power-geometries in tourism and
hospitality after 2020 will belong to the ‘local’. Tourism Geographies. 22(3). pp.713-
719.
Moyle and et.al., 2020. Are we really progressing sustainable tourism research? A bibliometric
analysis. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 29(1). pp.106-122.
Arrobas and et.al., 2020. Measuring tourism and environmental sciences students’ attitudes
towards sustainable tourism. Journal of hospitality, leisure, sport & tourism
education. 27. p.100273.
Nunkoo, R. ed., 2018. Handbook of research methods for tourism and hospitality management.
Edward Elgar Publishing.
2