Sustainable tourism development

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

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.


https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Attractions/Sentosa-offerings-gets-a-boost-with-new-sustainable-tourism-activities

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/sustainable-tourism-singapore-challenges-sentosa-hotels-219891

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/technology-sustainability-tourism-sector-long-run-stb-201781



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?


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?