Sustainable Tourism Development Report

This report examines sustainable tourism development in the Philippines, analyzing its economic contributions and challenges. It explores the benefits of tourism planning for various stakeholders, including local communities, the government, and private businesses. The report also discusses publ...Read More

Sustainable Tourism
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Benefit to stakeholders from planning in tourism developments..........................................4
1.2 Public/Private sector tourism planning partnerships.............................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Tourism development planning at different levels................................................................6
2.2 Interactive planning systems..................................................................................................7
2.3 Methods for measuring tourism impact.................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Poster.....................................................................................................................................9
3.2 Poster.....................................................................................................................................9
3.3 Leaflet....................................................................................................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Conflict resolving methods..................................................................................................11
4.2 Implications of balancing supply and demand....................................................................12
4.3 Ethical and moral issues of enclave tourism........................................................................13
TASK 5..........................................................................................................................................14
5.1 Current issues related with...................................................................................................14
5.2 Recommendations for future developments........................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
2

INTRODUCTION
Travel and tourism industry is one of the greatest contributors in the country's economy.
The concept of sustainability arose when tourist destinations faced several issues regarding
environmental damages, ineffective waste management, etc. Sustainable tourism development
begins with proper knowledge regarding current stakeholders and their contribution for
achieving this level of business. It is important for every organization to achieve certain
sustainability in their working standards. Continuous efforts are required while aiming
sustainable tourism. Stakeholders experience greater duties when sustainability aims and
objectives are laid by travel and tourism industry.
This report aims to provide information regarding sustainable tourism development with
case of Philippines. The country has been facing both growth and deterioration in working
methods of travel and tourism industry. With a sustainable approach and proper planning
techniques which will be described ahead, Philippines can be developed as a sustainable nation.
Efficient resource utilisation and a deep understanding about impacts of tourists on this industry
will be depicted. Strategic plans can only be made when proper analysis of contributing factors
and limiting agents is provided. This concept will be briefly introduced in this report. In addition
to these facts, several issues and factorial impact on tourism development plans will be
demonstrated in the final section of this assessment.
3

TASK 1
1.1 Benefit to stakeholders from planning in tourism developments
Philippines is known for its attractive tourism destination sites including beaches,
rainforests, islands, mountains and diving spots. Tourism industry provides employment
opportunities to local community people and Filipinos gets good working advantages in this
sector. Tourism sector planning will render some significant benefits for the stakeholders and
positive gains will be reaped due to it. Planning of tourism development will support for
attracting more number of people from all across the world to visit the nation (Chon, 2013).
Travellers will get chance to visit more number of tourism destination sites and their satisfaction
level will enhance. People living in local community area will get good employment and income
opportunity and Filipinos living in coastal and rural area will get benefited due to it.
President of nation, Macapagal-Arroyo has mentioned the need for sustainable tourism
development during his visit. Increase in tourism activities will support for enhancing revenues
and taxes that are received from tourism sector and economic growth of nation will be ensured.
Government will get benefited due to increase in tourism activities and GDP of country will also
increase due to it (Fletcher, 2014). Tourism service provider companies that are operating in
nation will also get benefited and their business will increase with planning of tourism
development. Financial revenues and profitability of enterprise will enhance and expansion of
existing business operations will become possible (Ballantyne and Packer, 2013). Visitors will
get opportunity for exploring new and attractive tourism destination sites and it will enhance
tourism activities in nation. All prominent stakeholders will get befitted from planning of tourism
development and long term growth of industry will be ensured.
Different stakeholders in tourism industry are as follows :-
Tourists :- Travelers comes for visiting the nation and planning in tourism development supports
for providing better services and amenities to tourists. They will get chance for visiting more
number of places and better transportation and infrastructure facilities will be availed by them.
Local community :- Planning in tourism will support for enhancing the economic and living
standard of people and they will get chance for making improvements in their living conditions.
4

Employment opportunities will increase for local community people and they get chance to earn
better money by engaging themselves in tourism business.
Government :- government will reap positive and long term benefits will be gained through
planning in tourism sector. Financial revenues will be gained by government by imposing taxes
on tourism industry and it will help for increasing the revenues that is earned by government.
Infrastructure and economic conditions of nation will improve and long term growth and success
of the country can be ensured.
Private business :- private business will get chance for offering services to large number of
people. Planning in tourism industry will help for attracting more number of consumers to visit
Philippines and private business will get chance to earn financial revenues and profitability by
providing tourism services to large number of people.
1.2 Public/Private sector tourism planning partnerships
Public private partnership :- it is defined as an approach that is being used for making
cooperative arrangements among two or more private and public sector organizations. It can be
done for short duration of time and for longer duration of time. Partnership between private and
public sector supports the government for achieving their objectives by involving positive
Public and private sector partnership will support for development of tourism sector in Philippine
and growth and success of industry will be ensured. Optimum utilization of resources will be
made possible and better services will be delivered to visitors (Middleton and Clarke, 2012). In
addition to that more funds can be collected for developing tourism sites and enhancing level
standards of services. More employment and income opportunities will be created for people and
number of tourism destination sites will also be increased. Objective of sustainable tourism will
be gained and it will aid in making significant improvements in activities of tourism industry
(Swarbrooke and Horner, 2012). Technical expertise of private sector can be utilized and it will
aid for rendering superior quality services to people whom comes for visiting Philippine.
Financial expertise of private and public sector will also enhance and it will help in
collecting more revenues for developing tourism destination sites. Visitor experience will
improve and income of local community people will increase (Theobald, 2013). Positive
5

improvement in sustainable tourism will be made possible and protection of biodiversity will
also be ensured. Mutual cooperation made by private organizations, non-profit organizations and
government bodies will support for ensuring long term growth and success of tourism industry of
Philippines. Economic opportunities will increase for private institutions and government and
common goal will be achieved by joint effort made by private and public sector.
Better to use table
Advantages Disadvantages
Optimum utilization of resources will be made
possible and better services will be delivered to
visitors (Middleton and Clarke, 2012)
Sometimes it becomes difficult to fulfil terms
and conditions of contract that are signed
between public and private sector organization
More funds can be collected for developing
tourism sites and enhancing level standards of
services.
Performance enforcement becomes difficult if
there is lack of proper coordination.
More employment and income opportunities
will be created for people and number of
tourism destination sites will also be increased.
Political acceptability of public and private
sector partnership is low.
Objective of sustainable tourism will be gained
and it will aid in making significant
improvements in activities of tourism industry
Technical expertise of private sector can be
utilized and it will aid for rendering superior
quality services to people whom comes for
visiting Philippine
Economic opportunities will increase for
private institutions and government and
common goal will be achieved by joint effort
made by private and public sector.
6

TASK 2
2.1 Tourism development planning at different levels
Growth and development is not guaranteed without planning. To exhibit overall
development, tourism industry has to implement efficient planning systems on all levels that are
international, national and regional. Marketing strategies are a reflection for tourism
development plans (Swarbrooke and Horner, 2012). From avoiding cross border complications
in achieving international recognition, tourism development plans must be designed by every
country.
1. International planning: Tourists visit internal destinations for recreational and leisure
purposes. Transportation, scheduling, accommodation, etc. operations have to be
efficiently planned as well as administered. Often business organisations neglect this fact
which ruins the corporate image of Philippines. Major tourist attractions, promotional
programs, advertisements, locomotion and hospitality facilities for tourists are some
components of international planning process (Theobald, 2013). For instance, within
international planning it requires Philippine government to promote the destination
around the world using nature and wildlife tourism and enhance tourists.
2. National planning: Government of the country has to take responsibility in conducting
national planning of tourism development. Policies, infrastructure, quality of facilities as
7

well as development of basic facilities at major destinations has to be strategically
developed. Philippines attract tourists from all over the world. When tourism facilities for
the country will be planned and designed exclusively in consideration with consumer
demands, then sustainable tourism development can be achieved. For instance,
government of Philippine aim to undertake effective national level planning so that
hotels, restaurants and other recreational facilities could be developed in order to develop
the country.
3. Regional planning: Regions or functional blocks are structured in country's governance
strategy. It helps in better implementation of strategies with greater effectiveness.
Regional policies, educational programs, transportation facilities, socio-cultural factors,
etc. have to be controlled and organised for tourists. People plan their vacations at various
destinations as an investment for extra income. Regional planning helps in tourism
development at the regional level which has an indirect impact on national level
strategies (Liburd and Edwards, 2010). For instance, it is essential for country to develop
its regional level planning and thus improve the cultural and social factors so that tourism
can be promoted.
4. Local level planning- Further, improving tourism planning at local level also helps in
improving tourist activities within local level. Therefore, it is essential for Philippine
government to enhance the locality and provide best experience to tourists coming from
all around the world. For instance, it is essential for local community to plan proper
tourism activities and thus enhance tourist experience.
2.2 Interactive planning systems
Many a times, proper planning structures are not so useful in attracting tourist. The led
backing factor behind failure of strategies is lack of interactive planning systems. When
destinations which are attraction points for tourists are developed, local people face lot problems
in their daily routines. This can be excessive traffic jams, improper waste management,
overcrowded areas, etc. In order to maintain a balance between local citizens and tourists,
interactive planning systems are initiated. Although conventional planning systems are
8

successful in many countries but Philippines must consider interactive systems so that
environmental balance and tourism economy of the country is managed with efficacy (Buckley,
2012).
Tourism planning is an integral part of interactive planning systems. It is not essential
that tourism plans cannot be successful without interactive planning systems. To cope with
negative effects of a proposed plan, a collaborative effort is made with help of communities and
local people residing in those regions. An important feature of interactive planning is unity with
diversity. Since, decisions are made by gathering opinions from diverse variety of people; a more
effective system is implemented. The country takes a step forward on the path of sustainable
tourism through interactive planning systems.
Major destinations that have been source of income for Philippines are potentially
developed and managed through this planning system. Infrastructural disturbances dominantly
affect the tourists and citizens. When authorities communicate the purpose behind these
developmental changes then certain amount of cooperation will be received from the spectators.
Interactive planning helps in overcoming various issues which can cause environmental
degradation, negative impact on culture or society; as well as helps in fighting limiting agents of
sustainable development (Palacios, 2010).
2.3 Methods for measuring tourism impact
Majority of tourists groups do not consider their responsibility towards touring nations.
Sustainable tourism development intends to inform both service givers and takers to perform
their duties without negligence so that no negative impact is felt on destinations and its
surrounding environment. Following methods can be adopted by travel and tourism industry
organisations for measuring the tourist impact.
1. Economic measures: Economic prosperity can be experienced only when development
plans are effective. Large number of tourists definitely contributes in economic stability
of the country. Philippines must take appropriate economic measures in terms of policies
and reforms which will be helpful in earning more profits and recognitions. Marketing
strategies contribute largely to the economic growth (Angelevska-Najdeska and
9

Rakicevik, 2012). For estimating valuable inputs and impacts of tourists on economic
structure of country, several models like STEAM, Cambridge models, etc. are used.
2. Social assessment: Tourism Intensity Rate and Travel Intensity Index are two methods
through which the impact of tourists on social and cultural backgrounds of country or
place can be measured. Although, influences on beliefs and thoughts of an individual are
based on quality rather than quantity, these two techniques help in better evaluation. The
number of visitors per 1000 population is measured in these ratios. Proportional numbers
give a rough idea about the influence tourists have on native citizens (Hunter, 2012). But
being a part of sustainable tourism development, plans and strategies of Philippines must
not violate cultural balance of the country for earning huge profits.
3. Environmental assessment: The amount of damage or development caused to
environment due to tourist activities is an important figure for travel and tourism
industry. EIA or environmental impact assessment tool is used for this purpose. All
activities are tracked and recorded with the help of this tool.
TASK 3
3.1 Poster
3.2 Poster
3.3 Leaflet
Stages in planning for sustainability
Stage 1: Operations
managements
Operations is the
basic task that is to be
managed before
implementing any strategy.
It forms the foundation of
Stage 4: Monitoring and
evaluation
People commit certain
actions without considering
their consequences or
aftermaths. This reduces
accountability for that particular
10

business organisation. When
travel and tourism industry
will be plan their operations
in such a way that no harm is
caused to environment or
people, then sustainability
can be perceived.
Stage 2: Measuring
activities
After applying all
operations to their respective
functions, it is significant to
measure validity and
feasibility. Actions have
both negative and positive
impacts. Sufficient
measuring tools and
techniques must be
implemented to measure
impact of operational
activities. Certain tools and
techniques have been
discussed previously in this
Stage 3: Product/service
strategy
Since, many small-
scale industries are engaged
with travel and tourism;
products and services must be
strategically planned.
Transportation, food, clubs,
pubs, entertainment houses,
leisure activities, etc. must be
planned with a motive to
educate them about severe
consequences. This will help
in planned actions and
strategies for using products
and services.
action. Hence, monitoring and
evaluation is needed. This helps
in tracking unfair practises
which can hinder the process of
sustainable tourism
development. Philippines had a
different case. The president
who visited the country had
pictured herself with a coral
reef. It was a violation of ethical
law but could have been
handled better if government
would have provided certain
details about culture and society
of the country (Waligo, Clarke
and Hawkins, 2013).
11

report for measuring the
impact tourists have on the
destinations they visit. Such
methods can be adopted for
measuring impact of
operational activities
according to sustainability
criteria.
TASK 4
4.1 Conflict resolving methods
The main conflict faced within Philippine is related to identifying the interest so that it can make
sure that future well being of developing tourism destination in relation to hotel industry and
wildlife based tourism. Therefore, it is essential for Philippine government ot undertake effective
method for resolving the conflict such as providing proper supply and demand and thus
undertake effective steps in relation to conserve the wildlife and nature so that tourists can be
attracted. Also, government need to place notice boards so that instruction could be provided to
tourists to not affect the environment.
Competition gives birth to rivalry which in turn gives support to conflicts and clashes.
Often business organisations face a lot of conflicts in its internal and external environment.
Philippines government has to manage and resolve these conflicts timely so that tourists do not
face severe consequences (Mowforth and Munt, 2015). Cultural and social differences become
causes of various disputes. People belonging to different regions and continents have a separate
12

set of beliefs and thoughts. At the time of execution of operational plans, organisations have to
make sure that no tourists get involved in any such conflicts which hurt cultural sentiments of
local people and communities. This can create barriers in their stay and make their experience a
disheartening one.
Limited resources also become source of major disputes. People fight over acquisition of
land, property, money and other valuable possessions. Authorisation causes conflicts and may
even lead to serious war like situation when comparing at national and international level. More
demand and less supply is a major issue in tourism and travel industry of Philippines. People
want to experience best in class services without paying much money (Sharpley and Telfer,
2014). This cannot be possible in every situation. Hence, disputes occur in such situations.
Government or any authorised personnel has to take make proper strategies and plans in order to
fight disputes.
Wellbeing of a travel and tourism destination is ensured when people residing and
visiting the place are at peace. Legislations and judicial strictness is just not sufficient in
maintaining a wellbeing. Tourists destinations must be developed in such a manner that morales
and beliefs of any particular individual are not hurt or violated. Business organisations must train
their customers to respect local beliefs and sentiments. Sensible measures must be taken by them
in case of battered dignity (Kolk and Van Tulder, 2010).
4.2 Implications of balancing supply and demand
It can be assessed that balance between demand and supply side of tourism witin hotel industry
and wildlife tourism. However, it is essential for firm to undertake proper recruitment process so
that skilled staff could be selected in order to assess the current issue and become responsible
towards nature and wildlife in order to maintain standard within workplace. Further, it is also
essential to maintain balance between demand and supply in hotel and wildlife basdd tourism so
that public could be attracted effectively and efficiently. Also, it is considered as the combine
effort of government and general public in order to maintain balance between demand and
supply.
Demands and supply are two factors completely dependent on consumer interests.
Businesses cannot function in situations where high demand and low supply is attributed or vice
versa (Fennell, 2015). Hence, a balance between supply and demand is quite necessary for steady
13

growth and smooth functioning. Philippines travel industry can face certain implications when
this balance is kept at stake. These are mentioned as follows:
1. Demands are seasonal in travel and tourism industry. There are certain times in the
business cycle when peak load is experienced. This is a situation of excess demands.
Consumers from all over the world aether at certain destinations to spend their holidays.
In this situation, organisations have to be prepared for supplying appropriate facilities
without compromising in quality or comfort of tourists (Hall, Daneke and Lenox, 2010).
2. Off-season experiences are not so pleasant for this industry. Supply is moderate and
demands are limited. This causes imbalance in demand and supply of services and
resources.
3. Resource allocation strategies are disturbed when balanced demands and supply are not
gathered by the industry. Moreover, competition struck organisations are worst faced by
this imbalance. Government of Philippines has to develop certain successful marketing
strategies for attracting customers during off seasons.
4. Irregular supply also causes an implication on travel and tourism industry. This can be
due to bad climatic conditions or outburst of sudden natural calamities. Companies and
tourism department of the country have to be prepared in disaster prone areas so that loss
of life is minimum.
Sustainable tourism development plans can be formulated for controlling these
implications with an interactive system perspective. This will help in managing demand and
supply when imbalance is experienced.
4.3 Ethical and moral issues of enclave tourism
Philippines has major contribution from tourism sector. It is impossible for this country to
recover its expenses without tourism and travel industry. With development, certain ethical and
moral implications are also experienced by every governing body. The ethical and moral
dilemmas in enclave travel and tourism is setting up of resorts. Consumers are highly attracted to
such policies which doesn't involve any extra effort of travelling and exploring things by
themselves. They just book a resort and spend their disposable income in at this place. Major
14

resorts are owned and manufactured by foreign investors and companies that wish to expand
themselves in global markets (Tom, 2016). This situation is not feasible for corporate
governance of the country.
Leakage of income is a big ethical issue in enclave tourism. When tour operators propose
certain eye candy packages for holidays which include an all-inclusive pricing strategy then
customers do not think even once before grabbing the offer. The major drawback of such offers
is felt by local vendors or businesses which function on tourist investments. The complete
economy goes out of Philippines without even knowledge to consumers and investors. Hence,
this ethical issue is termed as leakage of income.
Enclave tourism uses resources and benefits of the country in which they reside. This
foundational step is followed by overlapping with local businesses and tourists spot activities.
The tour packages that are planned for foreign visitors include a set of activities which will be
conducted by fortunate company. This causes a loss of opportunity for domestic businesses to
earn. Indirectly such a practise is immoral and unethical. Not only poor people suffer but overall
economic stability of the country is disturbed.
TASK 5
5.1 Current issues related with
Issues Thailand Philippines
Economic factors Low cost and high quality
services in travel and tourism
sector of Thailand makes it the
most desirable destinations in
Philippines has bit non-
negotiable economic policies.
The taxes which are paid by
tourists and travellers is too
15

the world. The economic
policies set by Thailand
tourism department are in
coordination with consumer
demands and expectations.
high. This makes the
destination less profitable and
feasible by considering
consumer perspective.
Technological factors Information technology has
been focused by the country
for enhancing travel
experiences of foreign
customers. The country is
developing its infrastructure in
accordance with developing
technology.
Wireless communication
networks and free internet
services to travellers from any
part of the world has been
attracting lot of tech savvy
customers (Sharpley and
Telfer, 2014). Being an
emerging destination, the
country has been focusing on
providing safety features with
help of technology.
Environmental issues Thailand is suffering from
inflation problems. This has
caused a turmoil in the
domestic environment of the
country. Moreover, tourism
industry is facing an
employment problem in this
sector.
Poor travelling conditions have
been experienced by tourists in
Philippines. This has been due
to low maintenance of ecology
and environment. This has led
to declining number of tourists
in this country.
5.2 Recommendations for future developments
16

Scope of future developments in tourism
industry
Economic growth is highly facilitated by tourism and travel industry of Philippines and
Thailand. Although Thailand is a developing country while Philippines is an emerging
destination. Functioning status of both the countries is clearly visible with help of current issues
faced by them. Technology is an important factor in today's world. People do not want to face
any sort of inconvenience due to lack of technology. Hence, travel and tourism can flourish in
Thailand if smart technology is inculcated at every tourist’s spot of the country.
Philippines on the other hand can create stronger economic policies for developing in
travel sector. Heavy taxes is a major repelling factor for consumers. Nobody wants to dispose
their income in taxes rather than luxury. Government of the country has to focus on developing
flexible tax policies and better foreign exchange rates (Hall, Daneke and Lenox, 2010). This
will not only attract more consumers but also provide a good economic contribution to the
country.
Both Philippines and Thailand must focus to lessen the impact of enclave tourism so that
economic stability is achieved without unethical money leakage.
CONCLUSION
Travel and tourism industry has to be managed and guided by path of sustainability so
that ecological imbalance is not caused. Moreover, there has to be certain legitimacy in operating
the organisations related with this industry. Hence, the concept of sustainable tourism emerged.
Philippines is one such country where ecological balance and tourism development go hand in
hand. With reference to case study provided, culture and ethics play a vital role in handling
sustainable development. Stakeholders are significant part of this development process. Be it
private or public sector organisation, both have to contribute equally in achieving an
17

environmental friendly status. This assessment is helpful in planning activities in tourism
industry with help of interactive systems which involve participation of all stakeholders.
Sustainability is not just a concept but an integral part of everyday existence. Fighting
various barriers of sustainability and providing an appropriate plan for achieving the same must
be designed by government. This will help in solving conflicts and other ethical issues which
occur during tourism development process. Hence, Philippines must develop its future strategies
in such a way that both citizens and tourists become an indirect source to reach sustainability
limits.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Angelevska-Najdeska, K. and Rakicevik, G., 2012. Planning of sustainable tourism
development. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 44. pp.210-220.
Buckley, R., 2012. Sustainable tourism: Research and reality. Annals of Tourism Research,
39(2), pp.528-546.
Chon, K. S., 2013. Tourism in Southeast Asia: A new direction. Routledge.
Ballantyne, R. and Packer, J., 2013. International handbook on ecotourism. Edward Elgar
Publishing.
18

Fennell, D. A., 2015. Ethics in Tourism. In Education for Sustainability in Tourism (pp. 45-57).
Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Fletcher, R., 2014.Romancing the wild: Cultural dimensions of ecotourism (p. 264). Durham,
NC: Duke University Press.
Hall, J. K., Daneke, G. A. and Lenox, M. J., 2010. Sustainable development and
entrepreneurship: Past contributions and future directions. Journal of Business Venturing.
25(5). pp.439-448.
Hunter, C., 2012. Aspects of the sustainable tourism debate from a natural resources perspective.
Sustainable tourism. A global perspective, edited by R. Harris, P. Williams, T. Griffi n,
New York: Routledge. pp.3-23.
Kolk, A. and Van Tulder, R., 2010. International business, corporate social responsibility and
sustainable development. International business review. 19(2). pp.119-125.
Liburd, J. J. and Edwards, D., 2010. Understanding the sustainable development of tourism.
Oxford: Goodfellow.
Middleton, C. T. V. and Clarke, R. J., 2012. Marketing in Travel and Tourism. Routledge.
Mowforth, M. and Munt, I., 2015. Tourism and sustainability: Development, globalisation and
new tourism in the third world. Routledge.
Palacios, C. M., 2010. Volunteer tourism, development and education in a postcolonial world:
Conceiving global connections beyond aid. Journal of sustainable tourism. 18(7). pp.861-
878.
Sharpley, R. and Telfer, D.J. eds., 2014. Tourism and development: concepts and issues (Vol.
63). Channel View Publications.
Swarbrooke, J. and Horner, S., 2012. Business Travel and Tourism. Routledge.
Theobald, F. W., 2013. Global Tourism. Routledge. Stone, P., 2013. Dark tourism scholarship: a
critical review. International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research. 7(3).
pp. 307–318.
Waligo, V. M., Clarke, J. and Hawkins, R., 2013. Implementing sustainable tourism: A multi-
stakeholder involvement management framework. Tourism management, 36, pp.342-353.
19

Online
Sustainable tourism development. 2016. [Online]. Available
Through:<http://hopineo.org/en/sustainable-tourism-providers-marketing-challenges/>.
[Accessed on 20th January, 2017].
Tom, 2016. Ethical Issues and CSR in the Travel and Tourism Industry. [Online]. Available
Through:<https://tomstravelsite.wordpress.com/2016/03/09/ethical-issues-and-csr-in-the-
travel-and-tourism-industry/>. [Accessed on 20th January, 2017].
20