THT2114: Reflecting on Sustainable Operations and Destinations

This essay is a reflection on the THT2114 course, focusing on sustainable tourism operations and destinations. The student shares their learning experience, particularly concerning the challenges faced by Uganda's tourism industry, including issues with service delivery, infrastructure, and the commo...Read More

Running head: SUSTAINABLE OPERATION AND DESTINATION
Sustainable Operation and Destination
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1SUSTAINABLE OPERATION AND DESTINATION
3B. Reflection
My experience of studying THT2114 was quite interesting. I have learnt a lot about
sustainable tourism development and the importance of its proper management along with the
responsible practices that are necessary to implement in the host destination. From the
Uganda: Sustainable Tourism I have learnt much about the key issues and challenges that the
country is facing at present in terms of sustainable host communities. This study has changed
my view about the tourism sector of Uganda as because of the fact that earlier I used to think
this place to be one of the most beautiful, easily accessible and are with great management
for tourist handling. I never thought of this that this place is undergoing such challenges
within its tourism industry. I have learnt that the delivery services, especially in the hotels of
Uganda too have been greatly affecting the tourism industry of this destination. This is the
result of the poor handling and management of the tourists and the visitors while they come
here for their safaris. Also, there is a lack of national carrier and physical infrastructure as
well. However, through this course I have learnt many things. I have recognised the global
challenges of reducing the economic and the social inequalities as well as the importance of
new partnership in increasing the tourism business and productivity (Gossling, 2015). I have
also been aware of the guidelines for the sustainable tourism in the vulnerable ecosystem that
are being developed in the framework of Convention on the biological diversity. I have learnt
what sustainable consumption and production is in true terms. The course have made me
understand that sustainable consumption and production is all about promoting the energy
and resource efficiency along with sustainable infrastructure. I also means providing the
access for the basic services, decent jobs, eco-friendly work as well as better quality of life. It
is to state that Uganda is lacking in most of these aspects of sustainable consumption and
production. The course has taught me the benefits of the implementation of all these aspects
for achieving the overall development plans, reducing the future economic, social and

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environmental costs and for strengthening the economic competitiveness as well as for
reducing the poverty of the host destination. Furthermore, I have also acquired some
knowledge about how the tourism is perpetuating the commodification of the orphanages. I
have learnt about the concept of this. As stated by Proyrungroj (2017), orphan tourism was
born with the best intention keeping in mind. The manner in which it is being promoted to the
prospective visitors includes how life changing and rewarding the experience would be for
the volunteers and they could make a difference in the lives of the children who are need.
Moreover, throughout this course I felt that my ability of sustainable practices in the future
would be influenced by the cultural background, education background and my life
experiences. As stated by Crane & Matten (2016), culture of different countries varies and
they plays a very significant role in determining the corporate sustainability practices. The
political, social and the economic aspects influences these actions and so will be mine as
well. However, I will try my best to overcome all these aspects to achieve my goal of
sustainability practices. Furthermore, the responsible consumption too influences the
behaviour of the distributors, retailers as well as the manufacturers and could encourage he
decision makers for adopting the policies which protect the environment as well as the rights
of the citizens. I have learnt that for limiting the social and negative environmental
externalities and for providing the markets for sustainable products it is very important to
practice responsible consumptions. I am sure enough to implement all of these knowledge
that I have gained from this course in my future practices.

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References:
Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and
sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Gössling, S. (2015). New performance indicators for water management in tourism. Tourism
Management, 46, 233-244.
Proyrungroj, R. (2017). Orphan volunteer tourism in Thailand: Volunteer tourists’
motivations and on-site experiences. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism
Research, 41(5), 560-584.