Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility in Galapagos Tourism

This report provides an overview of tourism management in the Galapagos Islands, focusing on sustainable tourism, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and responsible tourism practices. It defines sustainable tourism and contrasts it with responsible tourism, emphasizing the latter's effectiveness due to its inclusion of the host community. The report explores CSR in the Galapagos, highlighting the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism and the Galapagos National Park Directorate's efforts to promote environmentally friendly tourism. It explains how CSR contributes to regional development, benefits the tourism sector, and supports conservation. The report also discusses the importance of CSR, its role in preserving cultural heritage, and the government's influence. It includes maps, photos, and figures on tourist numbers. The report provides recommendations for improving CSR in tourism, such as ensuring transparency, active community involvement, and supporting local businesses, and it draws examples from other destinations like Kenya to illustrate CSR practices. The conclusion stresses the importance of CSR for the success of tourism businesses and the need for tailored approaches.

Running head: TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Tourism Management
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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Executive Summary:
The report discusses about management of tourism in the Galapagos Island. To explain this,
there is a discussion in sustainable tourism and responsible tourism. There is also discussion on
corporate social responsibility in tourism and its importance. Through the report, one can also get
an overview of how its adoption of corporate social responsibility can contribute to
sustainability. There are also images and pictures provided in the report and discussion on how
the dealing of corporate social responsibility done in a present scenario. The importance of
government intervention in corporate social responsibility discussed. Further, there are
recommendations provided on improving corporate social responsibility through learning of
good practices of other destinations.

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
1. Sustainable Tourism....................................................................................................................4
2. Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism in Galapagos Island...............................................5
a. Explanation of CSR in Contributing to Regional Development..............................................5
b. Why CSR is Chosen.................................................................................................................6
c. Why CSR is important and Justifications................................................................................7
d. Maps and Photos Showing the Galapagos Island....................................................................8
e. Figures of the Number of People visiting the Galapagos Island............................................10
3. a. How Corporate Social Responsibility dealt currently...........................................................11
b. Role of Government and Corporate Social Responsibility....................................................11
c. Example of Destination and their Dealings with Corporate Social Responsibility...............11
4. a. Recommendations on CSR Perspective made better in Tourism..........................................12
b. Learning from the good practice from Other Destinations, Business or Places....................13
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................13
References......................................................................................................................................14

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Introduction:
The report gives an overview of tourism management on Galapagos Island. In doing so,
there have been discussions on the definition of sustainable tourism and why responsibility
becomes more effective compared to sustainability. The report also discusses about the corporate
social responsibility in Tourism in Galapagos Island. There is also discussion on whether the
issue of corporate social responsibility of tourism has a regional or global importance. Moreover,
there are discussions and justifications on why the issue chosen and its importance. There are
also maps and photos provided to support the discussion. The report also gives a figure of the
number of people visiting the Galapagos Island. There is also discussion on how the issue dealt
by stakeholders and the government. The report also put across an example of another
destination and its dealings with the issue under discussion. Further, the report also puts forward
recommendations that put across a clear perspective how the corporate social responsibility in
tourism made better. Recommendations also mentioned on the good practices of other places,
destinations or business.
1. Sustainable Tourism:
Sustainable Tourism helps in establishing a proper balance between environmental,
socio-cultural and economic aspects meant for development of tourism and at the same time
plays a vital role in the conservation of bio diversity. Environmental aspects of sustainable
tourism refers to the preservation of both built that includes ruins and historic buildings and
natural environment that includes waterways, forest and beaches for the use of future generations
(Buckley 2012). On the other hand, the socio-cultural aspects refer to minimizing the negative

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impacts and maximizing the positive ones that includes promotion of cultural exchange and
preservation of local traditions. However, the economic aspects of sustainable tourism refer to
reducing the leakages and building the linkages meant for ensuring economic benefits to the
community as a whole.
Sustainable Tourism considered not enough since it provides a narrow focus on the
concept of tourism as a whole. Moreover, this concept provides limited attention to the impacts
of tourism (Bramwell and Lane 2013). The concept of sustainable tourism mainly focuses on the
economic factors with occasional acknowledgement of the environmental issues. Further, the
concept also failed in determines the impact of tourism on other activities of the destination. The
concept also adopted business strategic planning as one of the vital tourism framework. The
concept of sustainable tourism did not take into account the needs of the tourist or the placement
of the market and the expectations that will act as the core drivers of tourism for a particular
destination. Through the concept of sustainable tourism, the residents of the destination also have
a limited role to play (Willson 2015).
However, in recent times the idea of responsible tourism has been more effective
compared to sustainable tourism because it involves the host community in the tourism
governance. Moreover, responsible tourism also seeks to actively minimize every negative
impact and help in generating economic benefits for not only the locals but also natural and
cultural heritage (Leslie 2012). This also helps in enhancing the overall well- being of the host
community and makes it accessible for everyone. Further, responsible tourism also provides
meaningful experiences to the tourists thereby ensuring better understanding of environmental,
social and cultural issues. Thus, responsible tourism leads to assessment of tourism according to
quality of life and well-being.

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2. Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism in Galapagos Island
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Tourism in the Galapagos Island refers to a
concept where integration of environmental and social concerns takes place in the business
operation of the tourism sector and in the interaction of the stakeholders on temporary basis
(Epler Wood 2016.). However, CSR makes a substantial contribution in the maintenance of
sustainability in the Island.
a. Explanation of CSR in Contributing to Regional Development
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism and the Galapagos National Park Directorate
(GNPD) have made sure that the tour providers must plan to make the tourism business
environment friendly as far as possible. Therefore, they must undertake measures for
conservation of energy and water, recycling and treatment of waste material, ensure sourcing of
locally made products and ensure hiring of local employees, providing them with additional
training and providing fair wage. Thus, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR)
came into the scenario that not only contributed to sustainability but also helped in benefiting the
tourism industry of Galapagos (Steurer, Martinuzzi and Margula 2012). Henceforth, the CSR
help the tourism sector of Galapagos Island by the following means:
1. The influence of the CSR ensures the well-being of the organizations through creation
of building opportunities in the tourism sector. This also helps in ensuring a working
environment that is sustainable and at the same time accountable.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility also enables the contribution of local communities of
the Galapagos Island.

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3. Through adoption of CSR, the Island is also able to support conservation program
locally meant Corporate Social Responsibility for preserving the fauna and flora.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility also helps in the development of workshop for the
local handicraftsmen and thereby ensure sale of local products
5. CSR also aids the local farm to not only fertilize their crops but also sell the products
back to the resorts for tourist.
b. Why CSR is Chosen
This is a time when managing a business in the tourism sector is no longer limited to
fundamentals of service and operation. In this regard, not only quality of tourism have become a
top priority but there is also a need for maintaining the responsibility of the participants on the
tourism industry for recognizing the abilities and needs of the communities in Galapagos for
supporting , supplying, co-existing and at the same time providing experiential travel expected
by the travelers (Hilson 2012). This is because travelers of the new age not only wants to add
meaning to their vacation but also wants to have a lasting experience with the memories of the
Island. However, this partnership and connection brought through corporate social responsibility
(CSR).
c. Why CSR is important and Justifications
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is important since it ensures responsible usage of cultural
and natural resources, minimization of waste and pollution and the conservation of landscape of
the Galapagos Island. CSR also helps in maintaining the cultural heritage and biodiversity (Coles
Fenclova and Dinan 2013). Moreover, the CSR policy also helps in the maintenance of
biodiversity and cultural heritage along with responsible and fair treatment of the guest, suppliers

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and employees. Further, CSR also ensures fair usage of the local services and products and the
cooperation and involvement of the local communities in the Island. Therefore, the concept of
Corporate Social Responsibility has become an integral part of the corporate strategies for the
tourism business. The international tourism sector focuses on not only environmental protection
but also the welfare of the local communities. Moreover, CSR also helps the tourism sector in
dealing with their employees.
d. Maps and Photos Showing the Galapagos Island
Figure 1: Maps of Galapagos Island
Source:

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Figure 2: Photo of Galapagos Island
Source: (Aguilera, Málaga and Gibbs 2013)

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Figure 3: Photo of Galapagos Island
Source: (Aguilera, Málaga and Gibbs 2013)
Figure 3: Photo of Galapagos Island
Source: (Newsome, Moore and Dowling 2012)
e. Figures of the Number of People visiting the Galapagos Island
As per the semiannual report put forward by Galapagos National Park Directorate, an
overall 224,755 tourist visited the Island in the recent years that also counts for an increase in 4%
of the total tourist from the year 2014. However, out of these tourists 70,451 were nationals
whereas 154,304 counted as foreign visitors (Newsome, Moore and Dowling 2012).

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3. a. How Corporate Social Responsibility dealt currently
The corporate social responsibility in tourism sector refers to a mechanism of self-
regulation for actively monitoring a society, an environment, global trends, legal standards and
ethical principles (Font et.al 2012). Thus, CSR in the tourism seen to support the core mission of
tourism and dealt currently by the stakeholders that includes tourists, tour operators and
destination management organizations. Thus, the corporate social responsibility helps in
fostering actions that positively affects the society be it environmentally, community wise and
people wise. However, government can play a role as a secondary stakeholder in dealing with the
situation.
b. Role of Government and Corporate Social Responsibility
The government must also play a vital role in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility.
This will encourage the tourism sector in advocating socially and environmentally conscious
measures (Campbell 2012). For instance, under the government undertaking the tourism sector is
also encouraged to undertake sustainable development. The government intervention in the
corporate social responsibility also ensures smooth and peaceful running of the tourism
operations.
c. Example of Destination and their Dealings with Corporate Social Responsibility
In the context of Corporate Social Responsibility, the example of Kenya is drawn. The
corporate social responsibility in Kenya based on the cultural context that helps in reflecting the
social responsibility and community self-reliance (Arnold and Valentin 2013). Moreover, Kenya
treats CSR as add on peripheral to its core business and they primarily refers to philanthropic
approaches. Further, Kenya does not have an evaluation of adherence policy instead; it involves
leadership at a corporate level.

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4. a. Recommendations on CSR Perspective made better in Tourism
The corporate social responsibility considered as a vital tool for the success of business in
the tourism sector. However, the social responsibility chosen may vary across destinations,
business or places (Camilleri 2014). An effective corporate social responsibility can not only
help in improving the operations of the sector in accordance with boosting the morale of the
people that in a way helps in reducing cost and gain a competitive edge. Thus, by following the
practices mentioned below the tourism sector can improve its CSR.
1. Ensuring Transparent Practices: Maintenance of transparency is very important while
adopting CSR is of utmost importance (Crane, Matten and Spence 2013). One can ensure such
services by encouraging the sector in adopting the best of practices
2. By Playing an Active Role in the Community: Apart from decisions meant for having a
global impact, it is necessary for focusing on the immediate surroundings and ensure the active
participation in the local community
3. Supporting the Local Community: To ensure the improvement of CSR perspective in
tourism it is also necessary for supporting and spreading the business of the community
(Lähdesmäki and Suutari 2012). There should also be enough encouragement for ensuring
purchase from the local suppliers. Moreover, every opportunity utilized used for supporting the
community
4. Through Encouragement of Innovation: One must actively work for creating an
ambience that provides enough encouragement of the people working in the tourism sector to put
forward their ideas meant for the CSR in the sector.

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b. Learning from the good practice from Other Destinations, Business or Places
The corporate social responsibility of the Galapagos Island can be improved by learning
the good practices adopted by other countries in improving the corporate social responsibility in
tourism though it must be remembered that each of the places are governed by different
governance, cultural groups, power, wealth and level of poverty (de Grosbois 2016.). However,
the good practices adopted spread of literacy in the community by working in communication
with the local community, transformation of the exits structures into residential complexes and
resorts, supporting various environmental programs.
Conclusion:
The report ends by recommending ways for improving the corporate social responsibility
(CSR) of tourism in terms of the Galapagos Island. There is also discussion about the learning
from the good practices adopted by other business, destinations and places. The report also puts
forward an example of a destination and then goes on to talk about the dealings of the CSR.
There is also discussion about the role of the government on undertaking the corporate social
responsibility. Moreover, the report puts across maps and pictures of the Galapagos Island and
goes on to explain the dealings of the CSR. Through the report, one can also get an idea about
the number of people visiting the Galapagos Island. The issue of corporate social responsibility
in the Galapagos Island discussed with focus on impact of CSR on regional development and
CSR importance. Further, the report discusses sustainable tourism and mentions about
responsible tourism.

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