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Economic, Social and Environmental sustainability
1. Economic sustainability
a) tourism development should continually provide employment opportunities and income growth
b) tourism development should result in more social services that raise local standards of living
2. Social and environmental sustainability
a) tourism development should respect authenticity of local communities, practices and art forms; and contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance
b) tourism development should maintain essential ecological processes and conserve natural heritage and protect biodiversity
3. Sustainable tourism development
a) achieved when sustainability principles are applied to the economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism development
b) all three dimensions are balanced to guarantee tourism’s long-term sustainability
What are some ways in which tourism can contribute to the SDGs?
For example, sustainable tourism development, through job creation for locals and promoting locals to set up small businesses, can contribute to the eradication of poverty (SDG 1). Tourism receipts can be used to invest in health care services for locals, improving their health and well-being (SDG 3).
Find out more about how tourism development can help to achieve sustainable development.
https://www.unwto.org/tourism-in-2030-agenda
Economic Sustainability
Tourism contributes to economic sustainability in many ways, but the generation of employment is often viewed as its most direct and immediate impact. However, tourism revenue can also be used to improve social services such as education and healthcare, which in turn raise living standards and lead to more sustainable, long-term economic benefits.
Tourism creates a wide range of direct and indirect employment opportunities, providing stable sources of income for many people and helping to reduce poverty. Direct employment occurs in hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, and attractions. Indirect employment arises in supporting industries such as agriculture, handicrafts, and construction. For example, in Bali, Indonesia, about one-third of the workforce is employed in tourism-related activities such as guiding tours, driving, and working in hospitality. These jobs provide steady incomes that support families and improve living standards, especially in rural areas where alternative jobs are limited. Similarly, in Thailand, tourism accounts for nearly 20% of GDP and provides millions of jobs. This makes employment generation a major driver of economic sustainability, as it ensures a continuous flow of income and supports local businesses.
Beyond employment, tourism also brings in substantial government revenue through taxes and foreign exchange earnings. Governments can reinvest these funds into social services such as education, healthcare, and public infrastructure, which have far-reaching impacts on economic sustainability. For instance, in Singapore, tourism revenue has helped support investments in public transport, urban planning, and education. With improved access to higher education and training, local residents are able to acquire new skills and move into higher-paying jobs, not just within the tourism industry but across other sectors. Similarly, in Costa Rica, the government channels eco-tourism earnings into funding schools and conservation education. This raises the overall human capital of the population, leading to better employment prospects and higher income levels in the long term.
Thus, while tourism initially generates jobs, the reinvestment of tourism revenue into social development ensures long-term, large-scale economic sustainability that goes beyond short-term employment benefits.
Let's look at other countries' sustainable tourism efforts
https://www.dontforgettomove.com/responsible-tourism-destinations/
Sustainable tourism in Singapore
https://gulfbusiness.com/how-singapore-became-a-beacon-for-sustainable-tourism/
Greening businesses - Sustainable Tourism in Singapore
Sentosa is the first island destination in Asia to be certified as a sustainable tourism destination. Some of Sentosa’s most recent sustainability initiatives include the SkyHelix, the first carbon-neutral attraction on the island; the large-scale installation of solar panels to generate renewal energy; a series of nature tours aimed at inculcating in travellers a sense of respect for the natural environment; and the focus on greening MICE offerings that includes reducing disposable and increasing locally-sourced produce.
Use of technology in sustainability Sentosa, Singapore
Ecotourism in Singapore
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/turn-pulau-ubin-into-ecotourism-spot
Watch this video on Conservation for tourists or local? Reflect on the following questions:
Where are the places featured in the video?
When was the issue raised?
Who are involved?
Why is there a concern about the development of tourism in Little India?
What are the ways in which tourism can be sustained?
Read up more on it and watch another video from talking point @- http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/little-india-s-chaos-conservation-that-keeps-it-real/3438170.html
Watch the video below on how tourism return to the island of Boracay in the Philippines. The island was closed to tourists in 2018 as there was severe pollution.
Do you think the negative impacts of tourism are well managed?
Watch the video on how the Philippines deal with the challenges of tourism.
What are the negative impacts of tourism on the island?
How did the government and people fixed the problems?
Why is it important to promote sustainable tourism?
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