Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sustainable Tourism

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Economics of Tourism Destinations

Part of the book series: Springer Texts in Business and Economics ((STBE))

Abstract

The relationships among biological and anthropic phenomena stemming from the economic activity of human beings are complex, and the environment is a system in which natural and human resources (social, economic, and cultural) have to coexist. Like any other human activity, also tourism is twisted with the environment: tourism affects and is affected by the environment and in this chapter we will try to analyze in greater detail the key issues of this complex relationship.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Among the many works on the relationship between tourism and the environment, see Shaw and Williams (1990, 2002), Hardy et al. (2002), Teo (2002), Liu (2003), Farrell and Twining-Ward (2004, 2005), Miller and Twining-Ward (2005), Bramwell (2007), and Moscardo (2008). Specific case studies are analyzed, for example, by Bramwell and Lane (2000).

  2. 2.

    As previously reported in Chap. 15, two international institutions mainly promote local and global sustainability of tourism, the UNWTO (see also the Case Study 16.1), and the WTTC, an international organization of travel industry executives promoting travel and tourism worldwide.

  3. 3.

    Among the many issues developed by the specific literature (for a comprehensive survey, see Stabler et al. 2010, p. 344) see the effects of the World Bank economic policy on tourism (Hawkins and Mann 2007); the relationship between tourism and poverty (Blake et al. 2008; Scheyvens 2011; Figini and Romaniello 2012); the role of women (Scheyvens 2002); the ethical principles of tourism (Page and Dowling 2002; Fennel 2007; Wheeler 1994; Buckley 2003); and the project “debt for nature” applied to tourism (Holden 2007).

  4. 4.

    If the green innovations have an imitation effect among the destinations, they can produce a global effect: this is the so-called California effect or Porter hypothesis (Porter 1990; Huybers and Bennet 2003; Razumova et al. 2009).

  5. 5.

    The most general biotic case is where the growth rate of the resource depends on the size of its population: n = cX 2 − bX represents the growth rate of the resource according to the logistic function. Using this function would complicate the algebra without substantially changing the conclusions.

  6. 6.

    It is evident the relevance of tourism onto the degradation of the local culture, the handicraft sector, and local uses and traditions, especially in tourism destinations located in developing countries and hosting important tourism flows originating from the Western World. Doxey (1975) suggests that the impact of tourism flows on local cultures interests various Irritation Indexes (Irridex) that signal the phases of euphoria, boredom, antagonism, and saturation.

  7. 7.

    There are many case studies in the literature: marine tourism (Cater and Cater 2007; Garrod and Wilson 2003); island tourism (Briguglio et al. 1996; Robinson 2001); and community-based tourism (Stem et al. 2003; Mowforth and Munt 2003; Hall and Richards 2000).

  8. 8.

    Moreover, the consumption habits of the host population should also be added, if they compete with tourists in the use of the same resources.

  9. 9.

    Since the degree of utilization of each resource depends on the different types of hosted tourism, only a complex model of optimization can solve both the issue of identification of the binding constraints and the issue of identification of the tourism mix that maximizes profits. The problem can be formulated as a dynamic optimization program, linear or non-linear, subject to a set of constraints expressed as weak inequalities. The solution can be found by applying the Kuhn–Tucker method (Theory in Action 6.1).

References

  • Apostolopoulos, Y., Leivadi, S., & Yiannakis, A. (1996). The sociology of tourism. Abingdon: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldarelli, M. G. (2009). Le dimensioni della responsabilità sociale: riflessioni su miti e paradossi in una prospettiva economico-aziendale. Rivista Italiana di Ragioneria e di Economia Aziendale, 1–2, 59–69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bimonte, S., & Punzo, L. (2007). The evolutionary game between tourist and resident populations and tourist carrying capacity. International Journal of Technology and Globalization, 3, 73–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Black, D. (1948). On the rationale of group decision-making. Journal of Political Economy, 56, 23–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blake, A. T., Saba Arbache, J., Sinclair, M. T., & Teles, V. (2008). Tourism and poverty relief. Annals of Tourism Research, 35, 107–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boulding, K. E. (1972). Toward the development of a cultural economics. Social Science Quarterly, 53, 267–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bramwell, B. (2007). Opening up new spaces in the sustainable tourism debate. Tourism Recreation Research, 32, 1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bramwell, B., & Lane, B. (2000). Tourism collaboration and partnerships, politics, practice and sustainability. Clevedon: Channel View.

    Google Scholar 

  • Briguglio, L., Archer, B., Jafari, J., & Wall, G. (1996). Sustainable tourism in islands and small states: issues and policies. London: Pinter.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, R. C. (2003). Case studies in ecotourism. Wallingford: CABI.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Budowski, G. (1976). Tourism and environmental conservation: conflict, coexistence or symbiosis? Environmental Conservation, 3, 27–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Candela, G., Fabbri, P., & Nardini, F. (1995). I programmi di un’economia sostenibile. Rivista di Politica Economica, 85, 69–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canestrini, D. (2002). Etica e turismo: l’Associazione Italiana Turismo Responsabile. Unimondo

    Google Scholar 

  • Casagrandi, R., & Rinaldi, S. (2002). A theoretical approach to tourism sustainability. Conservation Ecology, 6, 13–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cater, C., & Cater, E. (2007). Marine ecotourism: between the devil and the deep blue sea. Wallingford: CABI.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Coccossis, H., & Nijkamp, P. (1995). Sustainable tourism development. Aldershot: Avebury.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, E. (1978). The impact of tourism on physical environmental. Annals of Tourism Research, 5, 215–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, E. (1988). Authenticity and commodization in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 15, 371–386.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, C. P., Fletcher, J., Gilbert, D., Shephard, R., & Wanhill, S. (1998). Tourism. Principles and practice (2nd ed.). New York: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, C. P., Fletcher, J., Gilbert, D., Shephard, R., & Wanhill, S. (2008). Tourism. Principles and practice (4th ed.). New York: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Costa, P., & Manente, M. (2000). Economia del turismo. Milan: Touring Club Italiano.

    Google Scholar 

  • Costa, P., Manente, M., & Furlan, M. C. (2001). Politica economica del turismo. Milan: Touring Club Italiano.

    Google Scholar 

  • Costantino, C., & Tudini, A. (2005). How to develop an accounting framework for ecologically sustainable tourism. In A. Lanza, A. Markandaya, & F. Pigliaru (Eds.), The economics of tourism and sustainable development. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dann, G., & Liebman Parrinello, G. (2009). The sociology of tourism: European origins and developments. Bradford: Emerald.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamantis, D. (1999). The concept of ecotourism: evolution and trends. Current Issues in Tourism, 2, 93–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doan, T. M. (2000). The effects of ecotourism in developing nations: an analysis of case studies. Journal of Sustainable Development, 8, 288–304.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dowling, R. K. (1990). Tourism and environmental integration: the journey from idealism to realism. In C. P. Cooper & A. Lockwood (Eds.), Progress in tourism, recreation and hospitality management. London: Belhaven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doxey, G. V. (1975). A Causation theory of visitor-resident irritants. Proceedings of the Travel Research Association. San Diego: Travel Research Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farrell, D. H., & Runyan, D. (1991). Ecology and tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 18, 26–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrell, B. H., & Twining-Ward, L. (2004). Reconceptualising tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 31, 274–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrell, B. H., & Twining-Ward, L. (2005). Seven steps towards sustainability: tourism in the context of new knowledge. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 13, 109–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fennell, D. A. (2001). A content analysis of ecotourism definitions. Current Issues in Tourism, 4, 403–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fennell, D. A. (2007). Ecotourism. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Figini, P. (2008). Impugnare il mercato dalla parte del manico. Ovvero, giocare con l’economia per imparare a difendersi. Sociologia Urbana e Rurale, 30, 57–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Figini, P., Castellani, M., & Vici, L. (2009). Estimating tourist externalities on residents: a choice modelling approach to the case of Rimini. In A. Matias, P. Nijkamp, & M. Sarmento (Eds.), Advances in tourism economics new developments. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Figini, P., & Romaniello, L. (2012). Poverty and tourism specialization. Bologna: University of Bologna. Mimeo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher, J. (1994). Economic impacts and input-output analysis. In S. F. Witt & L. Moutinho (Eds.), Tourism marketing and management handbook. Cambridge: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forrester, J. W. (1971). World dynamics. Cambridge: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garrod, B., & Fyall, A. (1998). Beyond the rhetoric of sustainable tourism? Tourism Management, 19, 199–212.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrod, B., & Wilson, J. C. (2003). Marine ecotourism. Issues and experiences. Clevedon: Channel View.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gössling, S., & Hall, C. M. (Eds.). (2006). Tourism and environmental change: ecological, social economic and political relationships. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, H., & Hunter, C. (1992). The environmental impact assessment of tourism development. In P. Johnson & B. Thomas (Eds.), Perspectives on tourism policy. London: Mansell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, C. M. (1991). Introduction to tourism in Australia: impacts, planning and development. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, C. M., & Higham, J. (Eds.). (2005). Tourism, recreation and climate change. Clevedon: Channel View.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, D., & Richards, D. (Eds.). (2000). Tourism and sustainable community development. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardin, G. (1968). The tragedy of commons. Science, 162, 1243–1247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardy, A., Beaton, R. J. S., & Pearson, L. (2002). Sustainable tourism: an overview of the concept and its position in relation to conceptualisations of tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 10, 475–496.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, D., & Mann, S. (2007). The World Bank’s role in tourism development. Annals of Tourism Research, 34, 348–363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holden, A. (2007). Environment and tourism. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hultsman, J. (1995). Just tourism. An ethical framework. Annals of Tourism Research, 22, 553–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, C., & Shaw, J. (2007). The ecological footprint as a key indicator of sustainable tourism. Tourism Management, 28, 46–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huybers, T., & Bennet, J. (2003). Environmental management and the competitiveness of nature-based resource destinations. Environmental and Resources Economics, 24, 213–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iorio, M., & Sistu, G. (2002). Sviluppo turistico e capacità di carico ambientale in Sardegna. In R. Paci & S. Usai (Eds.), L’ultima spiaggia. Turismo, economia e sostenibilità ambientale in sardegna. CUEC: Cagliari.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, R. J., & Tyrell, T. J. (2005). A dynamic model of sustainable tourism. Journal of Travel Research, 44, 124–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, R. J., & Tyrell, T. J. (2008). Tourism sustainability, resiliency and dynamics: towards a more comprehensive perspective. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 8, 14–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang, K. H., Lee, S., & Huh, C. (2010). Impacts of positive and negative corporate social responsibility activities on company performance in the tourism industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 29, 72–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuniyal, J. C. (2005). Solid waste management in the Himalayan trails and expedition summits. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 13, 391–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Z. (2003). Sustainable tourism development: a critique. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 11, 459–475.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marzetti, S., & Mosetti, R. (2004). Sustainable tourism development and social carrying capacity: a case-study on the North-Western Adriatic Sea. In: Sustainable Tourism. Southampton: Wit Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathieson, A., & Wall, G. (1982). Tourism: economic, physical and social impacts. Harlow: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meadows, D. H., Meadows, D. L., Randers, J., & Behrens, W. W. (1972). The limits to growth. New York: Universe Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, G., & Twining-Ward, L. (2005). Monitoring for a sustainable tourism transition: the challenge of developing and using indicators. London: CABI.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Moscardo, G. (2008). Sustainable tourism innovation: challenging basic assumptions. Tourism and Hospitality Research, 8, 4–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mowforth, M., & Munt, I. (2003). Tourism and sustainability: new tourism in the third world. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nash, D. (1996). Anthropology of tourism. New York: Pergamon.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (1980). The impact of tourism on the environment. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • OECD. (1994). Environmental indicators. Paris: OECD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page, S. J., & Dowling, R. K. (2002). Ecotourism. Harlow: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, D. W., & Turner, R. H. (1990). Economics of natural resources and the environment. New York: Harverster Wheatsheaf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, A. (1985). Opening address. In Tourism, Recreation and Conservation in National Park and Equivalent Reserves, A European Heritage Landscapes Conference, Derbyshire: Peak National Park Centre

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter, M. E. (1990). The competitive advantage of nations. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Razumova, M., Rey-Maquiera, J., & Lozano, J. (2009). Is environmental regulation harmful for competitiveness? The applicability of the Porter hypothesis to tourism. Tourism Analysis, 14, 387–400.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rees, W. E. (1992). Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: what urban economics leaves out. Environment and Urbanization, 4, 121–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rees, W. E., & Wackernagel, M. (1994). Ecological footprints and appropriated carrying capacity: measuring the natural capital requirements of the human economy. In A. M. Jansson, M. H. Hammer, C. Folke, & R. Costanza (Eds.), Investing in natural capital: the ecological economics approach to sustainability. Washington: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, J. (2001). Socio-cultural dimension of sustainable tourism development: achieving the vision. In H. Varma (Ed.), Island tourism in Asia and the Pacific. Madrid: UNWTO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheyvens, R. (2002). Tourism and development: empowering communities. Harlow: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheyvens, R. (2011). Tourism and poverty. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, G., & Williams, A. M. (1990). Tourism, development and the environment: the eternal triangle. In C. P. Cooper & A. Lockwood (Eds.), Progress in tourism, recreation and hospitality management. London: Belhaven.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, G., & Williams, A. M. (2002). Critical issues in tourism. Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simonicca, A. (2002). Turismo, ambiente e culture locali. Note antropologiche, Mimeo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, V. L. (1989). Hosts and guests: the anthropology of tourism. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, V.L., & Brent, M. (2001). Hosts and guests revisited: tourism issues of the 21st century. Cognizant Communication

    Google Scholar 

  • Stabler, M. J., Papatheodorou, A., & Sinclair, M. T. (2010). The economics of tourism (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stem, C. J., Lassole, J. P., Lee, D. R., & Deshler, D. J. (2003). How “eco” is ecotourism? A comparative case study of ecotourism in Costa Rica. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 11, 322–347.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swarbrooke, J. (1999). Sustainable tourism management. New York: CABI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teo, P. (2002). Striking the balance for sustainable tourism: implications for the discourse on globalization. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 10, 459–474.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tisdell, C., & Wilson, C. (2001). Wildlife-based tourism and increased support for nature conservation financially and otherwise: evidence from sea turtle ecotourism at Mon Repos. Tourism Economics, 7, 233–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UNWTO. (1999). The global code of ethics for tourism. Madrid: UNWTO.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNWTO. (2008a). 2008 tourism satellite account: recommended methodological framework. Madrid: UNWTO.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNWTO. (2008b). Indicators of sustainable development for tourism destinations. Madrid: UNWTO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varian, H. R. (1996). Intermediate microeconomics. A modern approach. London: Norton & Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wackernagel, M., & Rees, W. E. (1996). Our ecological footprints: reducing human impact on the earth. Gabriola Island: New Soviet Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • WCED. (1987). Our common future. Oxford: World Commission on Environment and Development and Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, M. (1994). The emergence of ethics in tourism and hospitality. Progress in Tourism, Recreation and Hospitality Management, 6, 647–654.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, G. (1973). Tourism: blessing or blight? Harmondsworth: Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zamagni, S. (1999). Verso il superamento della concezione economicistica del turismo. In V. Negri Zamagni, M. Mussoni, & G. Benzi (Eds.), Per un turismo autenticamente umano. Fara Editore: Rimini.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zierer, C. M. (1952). Tourism and recreation in the West. Geographical Review, 42, 463–475.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Guido Candela & Paolo Figini

Authors
  1. Guido Candela
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Paolo Figini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Candela, G., Figini, P. (2012). Sustainable Tourism. In: The Economics of Tourism Destinations. Springer Texts in Business and Economics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20874-4_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-20874-4_16

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-20873-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-20874-4

  • eBook Packages: Business and EconomicsEconomics and Finance (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation