Sustainable Tourism in Developing Countries: An Alternative Viewpoint

HOSPITALITY
‘Given environmental concerns, tourism in the developing
world is unsustainable’: (Report: an alternative view point)
Student Name
INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION(S) |

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Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
Research aims and objectives......................................................................................................................3
Discussion....................................................................................................................................................3
Benefits of tourism for the environment.....................................................................................................4
Relationship between environment and tourism........................................................................................6
Sustainable tourism concept.......................................................................................................................7
Recommendations.......................................................................................................................................8
Conclusions..................................................................................................................................................9
References.................................................................................................................................................11

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Introduction
Tourism is an activity where a person or a group travels to different places, out of their
usual environment for leisurely or business purpose. The development of tourism industry
involves diverse actors comprising governments- which influences development through
intervention of policies, and infrastructure - the key players like private organizations who
participate in developing tourist spots (Pavlic, et al., 2013). These include various large and small,
local and international enterprises that provides services and supplies such as restaurants, hotels,
transport, local guides and other leisurely and entertainment services. Unlike other sectors that
are inherently enclaved such as manufacturing and construction sector, tourism creates links
across economic sectors and therefore is expected to contribute more in economic
diversification. Kilipiris & Zardava (2012) argues that growth in tourism creates negative impact
at destinations assuming that mass forms of tourists are largely responsible for increase in
environmental issues especially in developing nations. However, Briedenhann & Wickens (2004)
argues that, “the clustering of activities and attractions, and the development of rural tourism
routes, stimulates co-operation and partnerships between local areas”. Although diverse activities
and environmental concerns increase challenges for creating sustainable tourism in developing
world, the fact that tourism contributes to much needed revenues for creating infrastructure to
protect the environment must not be overlooked.

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Aims and objectives
The basic objective behind preparing this report is to identify key opportunities that can
be addressed in regards to contributions of tourism for sustainable development. This report will
access direct and indirect challenges and opportunities in tourism sector while arguing against
the aforesaid topic. This report has been prepared after making considerable research on potential
impacts of tourism industry on local economies along with stating its potentiality in role for
inclusive growth and poverty reduction, especially in developing countries. Tourism sector not
only creates awareness about environmental issues but also act as environmental watchdogs
(Kent, 2003). This report will make recommendations to the tourism companies management after
examining environmental concerns in tourism sector about how they can develop this industry in
more effective manner so that its sustainability is not hindered.
Discussion
The phenomenon of hospitality and tourism is particularly complex due to diversified
activities and implications in political, social and economic structures in operating countries
(Asadzadeh1 & Mousavi, 2017). The complexity and volume in offerings to tourist services have
made the travel and tourism sector more developed. The tourism phenomenon can be regarded as
an individual branch where range of activities are combined in tourism industry contributing in
economy and development of nations. According to Bunghez (2016), “This branch stimulates the
development of other branches of the economy by the object of its activity”. The author argues
that tourism in this 21st century has become an essential activity that act as an active participant