Showing papers in "Journal of Sustainable Tourism in 2003"
TL;DR: In this paper, a brief critique of some of the weaknesses in the sustainable tourism literature is presented, focusing on the role of tourism demand, the nature of tourism resources, the imperative of intra-generational equity, the importance of tourism in promoting sociocultural progress, the measurement of sustainability, and forms of sustainable development.
Abstract: Sustainable tourism has become an increasingly popular field of research since the late 1980s. However, the sustainable tourism debate is patchy, disjointed and often flawed with false assumptions and arguments. This paper is a brief critique of some of the weaknesses in the sustainable tourism literature. In particular, it explores six issues that are often overlooked but must be addressed in research: the role of tourism demand, the nature of tourism resources, the imperative of intra-generational equity, the role of tourism in promoting sociocultural progress, the measurement of sustainability, and forms of sustainable development. Finally, it is argued that in order to transform research on sustainable tourism to a more scientific level, a systems perspective and an interdisciplinary approach are indispensable.
962 citations
TL;DR: A survey of tourism consumers from the Destinations Travel Show in the UK in 2000 showed that consumers are already making decisions based on environmental, social and economic quality for day-to-day products and are keen to transfer these habits to the purchase of tourism products.
Abstract: This article presents the results of a survey of tourism consumers from the Destinations Travel Show in the UK in 2000. Four hundred and eleven tourism consumers were interviewed over four days at the show on the type of information that they used in the selection of their holiday destination. This article posits that the power of the consumer can be a major force for progress towards greater sustainability by the tourism industry, acting as a rationale for change, which is often missing from more traditional planning, management or regulatory techniques. The research shows consumers are already making decisions based on environmental, social and economic quality for day-to-day products and are keen to transfer these habits to the purchase of tourism products. Recommendations are made, highlighting the need for the tourism industry to capitalise on this demand for a wider range of product information and so promote moves towards greater levels of sustainability in the industry.
174 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a comparative study in Costa Rica and found that direct employment in ecotourism was associated with pro-conservation practices, but indirect benefits showed stronger associations in genera...
Abstract: Ecotourism's appeal as a conservation and development tool rests in its potential to provide local economic benefits while maintaining ecological resource integrity through low-impact, non-consumptive resource use. Some, however, question its contribution to conservation and community development, citing negative impacts, such as solid waste generation, habitat destruction, and sociocultural ills. This paper, based on a comparative study in Costa Rica, explores some of these issues. Study findings were mixed regarding ecotourism's effectiveness as a conservation and community development tool. Survey respondents saw legal restrictions as more influential than tourism in prompting declines in deforestation and hunting rates. Likewise, respondents did not feel tourism operators were significant players in raising environmental awareness. The research also revealed that direct employment in ecotourism was associated with pro-conservation practices, but indirect benefits showed stronger associations in genera...
163 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an empirically based qualitative insight into the attitudes and response of a sample of small tourism firms in a UK national park to the challenges of sustainable tourism is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents an empirically based, qualitative insight into the attitudes and response of a sample of small tourism firms in a UK national park to the challenges of sustainable tourism. The findings offer some explanation for the limited action taken by firms of this kind to improve their environmental performance and suggest that firms can be categorised according to their attitudes to sustainability. A conceptual model is developed to encapsulate the complex range of factors that underpin the different behaviour of individual firms. Implications for policy makers committed to a policy of encouraging voluntary action on sustainability are offered.
162 citations
TL;DR: In the face of growing pressure placed on the natural environment from increased tourism, the authors considered the role of interpretation in achieving sustainable tourism development in natural areas used for tourism and found that interpretation added to visitor's knowledge of the site and encouraged visitors to see how they could change their behaviour to be more respectful of the environment.
Abstract: In the face of growing pressure placed on the natural environment from increased tourism, this study considers the role of interpretation in achieving sustainable tourism development in natural areas used for tourism Knowledge gain, attitude change and behaviour modification were used as key indicators in the assessment of the interpretive effectiveness of the High Moorland Visitor Centre in Dartmoor National Park, UK Through comparing responses to questionnaires from pre- and post-visit samples, this study found that interpretation added to visitor's knowledge of the site This increase in knowledge encouraged visitors to see how they could change their behaviour to be more respectful of the natural environment This indicates that there is indeed scope for interpretation, to help modify the behaviour of tourists through increased knowledge and awareness Attitude change did occur as a result of interpretation in the centre, but only to a limited extent Participant observation carried out at the centr
157 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a system of sustainability indicators is developed that can be applied to Torrevieja, a Spanish Mediterranean destination that is notable for the size of its tourism indu...
Abstract: The debate on sustainable tourism development usually focuses on small-scale tourism practices, such as rural tourism or ecotourism, inappropriately referred to as 'alternative' tourism, judging by the problems they start to create. Mature destinations in the Mediterranean are a classic example of inappropriate environmental practices and of disregard for the principles of sustainability, which had been present in scientific discourse long before the 1992 Rio Summit. However, the restructuring processes in traditional destinations led to a more complex reality in which sustainability has become an inescapable reference, both as a competitiveness factor and as a growing social demand. This paper uses an operative definition of sustainable tourism development that makes possible the effective application of its principles. From this basis, a system of sustainability indicators is developed that can be applied to Torrevieja, a Spanish Mediterranean destination that is notable for the size of its tourism indu...
143 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the impacts of intensive coastal tourism growth on the development of rural regions in particular and national development in general, and concluded that spatial concentrations of mass tourism investment induced by tourism incentive policies in relatively developed coastal regions have increased disparities among regions and classes.
Abstract: The introduction of international tourism as an economic growth strategy in Turkey is relatively recent, and Turkey has experienced rapid tourism growth in terms of volume and value. Despite the significant progress in these respects, tourism has contributed little to development. Instead, it has increased the rate of economic growth at the expense of equality among regions and classes. This paper examines the impacts of intensive coastal tourism growth on the development of rural regions in particular and national development in general. It concludes that spatial concentrations of mass tourism investment induced by tourism incentive policies in relatively developed coastal regions have increased disparities among regions and classes.
139 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a theoretical framework drawing on literature in the field of sustainable tourism management and integrated coastal management (ICM), plus Kooiman's sociopolitical theory of governance.
Abstract: This paper draws on the results of an EU research project into the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems in the southern Mediterranean. The paper focuses on the implications of the governance systems in Morocco and Tunisia for the effective management of coastal tourism. It asks the question, to what extent can coastal tourism be developed and managed in a sustainable and integrated way in countries with centralised governance systems and a deficit of local democracy? The work develops a theoretical framework drawing on literature in the field of sustainable tourism management and integrated coastal management (ICM), plus Kooiman's sociopolitical theory of governance. One of the key elements of ICM has been the importance of involving local communities in the management of coastal resources. The paper builds on the questions posed by Sorensen who queried how ICM would apply in non-democratic states. The research contrasts two sites in Morocco and Tunisia and identifies key stakeholder groups and th...
136 citations
TL;DR: This paper explored the relationship between authenticity and commodification based upon empirical research on the aboriginal bamboo-beating dance on Hainan Island, China, and found that the original meaning of the aboriginal dance has been converted into a celebration.
Abstract: The creation of authenticity is important to tourism since touristic consciousness is motivated by a desire for authentic experiences. Aboriginal dance performance opens a window of opportunity for tourists to appreciate its culture and traditions. This paper explores the relationship between authenticity and commodification based upon empirical research on the aboriginal bamboo-beating dance on Hainan Island, China. The findings suggest that the original ritual meaning of the aboriginal dance has been converted into a celebration. The dance acquired a new meaning and has become an important part of aboriginal cultural identity. Tourism development has created 'cultural involution' that turned the commodified dance performance into an 'authentic' aboriginal cultural expression. These changes were influenced by four key players: (1) governments; (2) tourism businesses; (3) aboriginal communities; and (4) tourists.
109 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that despite its inherent dependency, tourism has proved to be an effective vehicle of development and that it is the development of mass tourism as a modernising growth pole that has contributed to the remarkable socioeconomic development of the island since the mid-1970s.
Abstract: The role of tourism as an agent of development in small island states is virtually universal. Indeed, for many islands, tourism is the principal source of employment and foreign exchange earnings and the dominant economic sector. Nevertheless, many commentators suggest that island tourism is characterised by dependency, a condition which, according to development theory, restricts development. As a result, sustainable tourism development is widely seen as a solution to the problem of island tourism. This paper, however, argues that this is not necessarily the case. Based on a case study of Cyprus, it demonstrates that, despite its inherent dependency, tourism has proved to be an effective vehicle of development. Moreover, it is the development of mass tourism as a modernising growth pole that has contributed to the remarkable socioeconomic development of the island since the mid-1970s. Therefore, it suggests that, far from being a solution, the current policy for promoting sustainable or 'quality' tourism...
106 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the usefulness of visitor impact management frameworks and associated resource and social indicators, both of which have a rich history of application to wilderness and backcountry management, for performance reporting on natural area tourism management was evaluated.
Abstract: Environmental performance reporting is being increasingly demanded of many sectors of society, including those responsible for managing natural area tourism. Recent approaches include corporate reporting, state-of-the-environment reporting, and environmental management systems. This paper evaluates the usefulness of visitor impact management frameworks and associated resource and social indicators, both of which have a rich history of application to wilderness and backcountry management, for performance reporting on natural area tourism management. The evaluation draws on a recently developed evaluation framework for protected area management, plus detailed criteria, to address today's environmental performance reporting needs. Against these criteria, the visitor impact management frameworks rated well, with the Limits of Acceptable Change rating the highest. Resource and social indicators also showed great potential for performance reporting provided they are meaningful to senior managers, politicians an...
TL;DR: Zhang et al. as discussed by the authors examined trampling impacts on vegetation and soil as well as visitors' perception of these impacts in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China.
Abstract: This paper examines trampling impacts on vegetation and soil as well as visitors' perception of these impacts in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China. Results indicate that visitor usage is proportionate to trampling impacts, with the two most used trails–Yellowstone Village Trail and Gold Whip Stream Trail–having the highest values in Soil Impact Index (SII) and highest rate of scarred trees. Vegetation and soil near 'Treasure Box for Celestial Books' are the most impacted with the Impact Vegetational Index (IVI) being 87.50% and SII being 2.27, respectively. This spot has the highest level of unacceptability. However, visitors' perceptions of the impacts on their hiking satisfaction are not always consistent with the actual physical deterioration. The unacceptability level for 'Gold Whip Crag' was much higher than 'The General Rock' despite the latter having higher IVI values than the former. It is argued that visitors' perceptions of recreation impacts could be influenced by the interaction of IVI, ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the thermal performance, energy-saving, indirect emissions and financial feasibility of using heat pumps for hotel out-door swimming pools in subtropical climates.
Abstract: Based on energy-related measurements, this article evaluates the thermal performance, energy-saving, indirect emissions and financial feasibility of using heat pumps for hotel out-door swimming pools in subtropical climates. A rooftop pool of a city-centre hotel was investigated. It was found that the average coefficient of performance (COP) was around 2.0. The measured electricity consumption was 24.6 MWh and the total heat output was 49.1 MWh for the heating season studied (mid-December to the late April). Compared with conventional electric boilers and gas-fired condensing/non-condensing boilers, the total energy savings during the heating season ranged from 26.5 to 32.5 MWh. Greenhouse and noxious emissions can also be indirectly reduced by about 12,000 kg. A discounting approach was adopted to compute the net present value of fuel costs over a lifecycle of 10 years. It was found that, over a 10-year lifecycle, the energy cost could be reduced by HK$226,400 when a heat pump with an average COP of 2.0 ...
TL;DR: The acceptance and effects of fees depend on the historical, political, legal, economic and social context as mentioned in this paper, and two issues are particularly significant: (a) equity between various social groups; and (b) control and use of funds raised.
Abstract: Many public protected areas worldwide charge fees for entrance, overnight camping, and commercial tour permits. These visitor or user fees raise revenue and may also influence visitor behaviour. Many protected areas are forced to charge fees because government funding is inadequate for conservation and visitor management in the face of rapidly rising visitor numbers and demands. Acceptance and effects of fees, however, depend on the historical, political, legal, economic and social context. Two issues are particularly significant: (a) equity between various social groups; and (b) control and use of funds raised.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the development of tourism in Lakshadweep islands within the context of sustainability, and identify specific development and management patterns, if any, and explore potential strategies for promoting sustainability-oriented tourism.
Abstract: Lakshadweep archipelago, off the south-western coast of India, is a relatively little known island tourism destination. With a very fragile environment, traditional society and marginal economy, and almost entirely dependent on the mainland, Lakshadweep has been developing tourism as an important economic activity. With its geographical and environmental limitations, sustainability is a major issue in Lakshadweep tourism. However, the islands seem to have turned these limitations to their advantage by developing and managing tourism in a controlled manner. This paper considers the development of tourism in Lakshadweep islands within the context of sustainability. Examining the structural and developmental features of Lakshadweep tourism, the paper seeks to identify specific development and management patterns, if any, and explores potential strategies for promoting sustainability-oriented tourism in Lakshadweep.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze two issues that have characterised tourism development in Greek insular and coastal areas in the period 1970-2000, focusing on the role of the family, social mobility issues, the social role of specific groups, and consequences for the manners, customs and traditions of the local population.
Abstract: The paper analyses two issues that have characterised tourism development in Greek insular and coastal areas in the period 1970–2000. The first issue concerns the socioeconomic and cultural changes that have taken place in these areas and led to rapid – and usually unplanned – tourism development. The second issue consists of the policies for tourism and tourism development at local, regional and national level. The analysis focuses on the role of the family, social mobility issues, the social role of specific groups, and consequences for the manners, customs and traditions of the local population. It also examines the views and reactions of local communities regarding tourism and tourists. There is consideration of the new productive structures in these areas, including the downgrading of agriculture, the dependence of many economic sectors on tourism, and the large increase in multi-activity and the black economy. Another focus is on the characteristics of mass tourism, and on the related problems and c...
TL;DR: In this article, a broad-brush, integrated analysis of tourism and local development in Crete in three time periods since the late 1960s is presented, and its impacts are evaluated with a con...
Abstract: Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest Greek island, is a highly heterogeneous region which has experienced rapid tourism development since the mid- to late 1960s when the growth in international tourism and broader socioeconomic changes disturbed past equilibrium patterns. Tourism has become a leading economic sector but has also caused several unwanted economic, environmental and sociocultural impacts and, currently, it appears to threaten the island's sustainability. The principal goal of official development plans is the achievement of sustainable development and the promotion of tourism in the island. To make realistic suggestions for the transition to sustainability it is essential, however, to identify the two-way relationship between tourism and the context within which it develops. The paper offers a broad-brush, integrated analysis of tourism and local development in Crete in three time periods since the late 1960s. It presents its impacts, evaluates them with a con...
TL;DR: Whale-watching in Scotland is shown to have potential for growth but a need to be regulated and managed from within the industry to ensure environmental and economic sustainability into the future.
Abstract: Scotland's tourism trade grosses £2.5 billion annually and supports 180,000 jobs; whale-watching is an important part of this activity. Whales and dolphins are the country's number one wildlife attraction and with 11,770 km of coastline the potential for the Scottish industry is huge. In rural areas it can provide as much as 12% of local income. During the tourist season of 2000, questionnaires and telephone interviews were used to investigate the sustainability of Scottish whale-watching. 48 operators cooperated providing economic and environmental information. Most operators were found to be local people (72.4%), supporting five or less full-time equivalent jobs (86.4%). Over half of those questioned (63.2%) had alternative incomes and no formal training in wildlife tourism or business management (70.8%); 89.5% of respondents stated that they follow a code of conduct. The East Coast and Western Isles show the best-perceived trends in tourist numbers. Whale-watching in Scotland is shown to have potential...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine coastal management policies in southern Spain in the context of the state's role in the promotion of sustainable development practices, focusing on both physical protection of the coast through erosion control programmes and urban planning policies.
Abstract: This paper examines coastal management policies in southern Spain in the context of the state's role in the promotion of sustainable development practices. It recognises the critical importance of the coast as a landscape resource for both visitors and residents and, in addition, the latter's rights to enjoy access to it as public property. Attention is directed at both physical protection of the coast through erosion control programmes and urban planning policies, with special emphasis on the 1988 Shores Act that attempts to treat coastal planning in a more integrated manner than has historically been the case. The underlying rationale to introduce a more environmentally sensitive treatment of the coast is discussed together with the attempts to confront illegal occupancy through re-establishment of public ownership and control of land-use in the coastal zone. Positive achievements in beach management, and changing attitudes to the law, are seen as evidence that the message of sustainability is beginning...
TL;DR: In this article, a comparative analysis of post-conflict tourism policies of the former Yugoslav republics bordering on the eastern Adriatic is presented. And the authors conclude that challenges, tensions and conflicts of sustainability reveal both similarities and contrasts for each of the three 'countries' under review.
Abstract: Employing a comparative perspective, this paper offers a critical evaluation of the post-conflict tourism policies of the former Yugoslav republics bordering on the eastern Adriatic. Policies for destination rejuvenation and national re-imaging are evaluated. The role of coastal areas within national policy is examined. Two aspects are emphasised: variations in ability to diversify and upgrade coastal destinations; and the capacity to diversify, at a national level, away from coastal dominance. The extent to which tourism imagery articulates national identity is assessed. This analysis is set within the context of the region's trajectory away from a period of bitter conflict and from the heritage of a state socialist past. The paper concludes that the challenges, tensions and conflicts of sustainability reveal both similarities and contrasts for each of the three 'countries' under review.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assessed the profiles of independent nature-based tourists in the Central Coast Region of Western Australia and found that nature tourists are not a homogeneous group and that group characteristics vary seasonally.
Abstract: Profiles of independent nature-based tourists were assessed in the Central Coast Region of Western Australia. The research was required to determine seasonal resource use as well as to identify any potential groupings within a population of nature-based tourists. The research was based on information collected from 702 self-administered visitor surveys. Data were statistically analysed using non-parametric tests. Results confirm that nature-based tourists are not a homogeneous group and that group characteristics vary seasonally. Visitors in the summer were casual coastal nature tourists. Their activities were spatially concentrated along the coast and included various forms of recreation. Visitors in the spring were wildflower tourists who travelled predominantly in hinterland areas and their activities focused more on nature appreciation. Coastal tourists were younger, travelled in larger groups and stayed longer at the destination. Coastal tourists are likely to require more facilities than wildflower ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined visitors to fresh-water springs in north central Florida and found that three of the four groups indicated an interest in developed services and facilities (e.g., visitor centres and museums) to provide learning opportunities for all visitors.
Abstract: With the increase of nature-based tourism and recreation on public lands in the United States, recreation and tourism planners have an opportunity to provide environmental education to a wide diversity of people. However, recreationists visit natural areas to attain a variety of experiences and benefits, which might or might not include learning. Through an examination of visitors to fresh-water springs in north central Florida, this study identified (1) the recreation benefits visitors to fresh-water springs most desire, (2) the role learning plays in recreationists' motivations to visit water-based recreation areas, and (3) the recreation opportunities (i.e. facilities and services) that will best provide learning opportunities for all visitors. Respondents were divided into four groups according to where they were surveyed and whether or not they had a strong interest in learning. Three of the four groups indicated an interest in developed services and facilities (e.g. visitor centres and museums) to p...
TL;DR: This paper examined attitudes towards the resort town of Rotorua as a short-break destination with specific reference to the role that Maori culture plays in the formation of perceptions of the city.
Abstract: This paper reports findings from a survey of 763 Auckland residents. The research examined attitudes towards the resort town of Rotorua as a short-break destination with specific reference to the role that Maori culture plays in the formation of perceptions of Rotorua. The Te Arawa Maori people have been closely associated with tourism for over 140 years and this is recognised by the domestic market. However, the Maori component of Rotorua is found not to be an attraction. Rather, tourists are drawn to other facets of the product. While this is evidence for the fact that Rotorua is a multi-use product in tourism, given the role that travel is supposed to play in bridging gaps between cultures, tourism seems to be failing in this respect. It is suggested that an emphasis upon 'traditional authenticities' aimed at certain overseas segments misses the contemporary vibrant nature of Maori music and dance performance that might in fact have a wider appeal, including the domestic tourism market.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the recent development of tourism on the coast of Andalucia to the east of Malaga city in the light of explicit assertions of the adoption of sustainability principles by the Spanish tourism authorities.
Abstract: This paper examines the recent development of tourism on the coast of Andalucia to the east of Malaga city in the light of explicit assertions of the adoption of sustainability principles by the Spanish tourism authorities. Using a simple model of sustainable tourism and comparing the eastern coastal area with the earlier developed Costa del Sol, it is concluded that any progress towards more sustainable forms of tourism activity in the east are, at best, superficial. An examination of two major proposed developments, at Maro and Retamar, demonstrates the continuing growth-oriented strategy of tourism in the region and a clear failure to engage with the environmental, sociocultural and political contexts of sustainable tourism development.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on a subject which has historically received little attention in tourism studies, namely, the place of Indigenous heritage in a major metropolitan centre, in Australia.
Abstract: This paper reports on a subject which has historically received little attention in tourism studies, namely, the place of Indigenous heritage in a major metropolitan centre. In Australia, a dominan...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on how the rapidly growing global casino industry connects with, mediates and is mediated by, the existing local gambling culture in Cyprus, and consider the implications for the way in which social controls on gambling are exercised.
Abstract: Taking the case of northern Cyprus, this paper moves beyond a 'social impact' approach to casino tourism to focus on how the rapidly growing global casino industry connects with, mediates and is mediated by, the existing local gambling culture. Gambling has an ambivalent place within the cultural values and traditions of Cyprus. On the one hand, it is seen as a disreputable and somewhat shameful activity with potentially anti-social (and, particularly, anti-family) consequences. On the other hand, when viewed in terms of qualities of risk-taking, daring and recklessness, it is celebrated in some ideals of Cypriot masculinity and the rebellious, independent and individualistic spirit of 'Cypriotness'. This ambivalent attitude produces a tension, which can be perceived, for example, in gender-differentiated attitudes to and participation in gambling and in the manner in which social controls on gambling are exercised (both formal/legal and informal controls). The paper considers the implications for the way...
TL;DR: In this article, tourism and sustainable development in an economic Downturn are discussed. But the authors focus on sustainable tourism and do not consider the economic impact of tourism on sustainable development.
Abstract: (2003). Tourism and Sustainable Development in an Economic Downturn. Journal of Sustainable Tourism: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 1-2.
TL;DR: The Journal of Sustainable Tourism as discussed by the authors focuses on tourism's socioeconomic and environmental impacts in the Mediterranean and on selected policy responses there towards the tourism industry and towards the concept of sustainable tourism, which is of significant interest to coastal tourism regions throughout the world.
Abstract: International mass tourism came of age in the coastal areas and islands of the Mediterranean in the decades after the late 1950s. First, many of the coastalareas of Spain and Italy, then, in the late 1960s, of Greece, Malta, Cyprus and former Yugoslavia all began attractingunprecedented numbers of tourists.From the 1970sonwards, mass tourism also developed on the Mediterranean’s southern shores, notably in Morocco and Tunisia. The Mediterranean has become a byword for summer mass tourism. Changes in tourism practice and policy around its shores are, therefore, of significant interest to coastal tourism regions throughout the world. This theme issue of the Journal of Sustainable Tourism focuses on tourism’s socioeconomic and environmental impacts in the Mediterranean and on selected policy responses there towards the tourism industry and towards the concept of sustainable tourism.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the results of the 2002 National Sustainable Tourism Conference on Golf Course Development Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, 28-30, 2002.
Abstract: (2003). Egypt's National Sustainable Tourism Conference on Golf Course Development Sharm El Sheikh, October 28–30, 2002. Journal of Sustainable Tourism: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 84-87.