International Tourism Policy

The sustainable tourism development concept is in continuous discussion concerning the development phenomenon for protecting environment related and sensitive lands engaged in tourism purpose. The chief vision behind implementation of sustainable tourism operations in international and supranational organisations is to provide economic growth as well as providing environmental protection so that tourism industry remains sustainable in future years (Asadzadeh1 & Mousavi, 2017). In contemporary standings, tourism can be placed under complex, dynamic, multifunctional and multidimensional category that proves significant for national and international organisations. Therefore, it becomes necessary to analyse and consider the concept of tourism and tourist along with finding out its essence, structure and types in which it exists in environmental and economic perspectives. Although internationalisation is relatively new concept in tourism business, it refers to those opportunities where individual national economies adds to world economies due to mutual cooperation along with following legal barriers, if applicable (Wee, 2017).

According to a recent report, forecast for the year 2020 has been predicted that growth in tourism around the globe will be seen strongly, especially in developing nations. Although America, Europe and East Asian along with Pacific countries accounts for total of 80% arrivals, they continue to dominate the tourism market in relation to the volume. Whereas, international tourist arrival in African countries is also forecasted to grow in about 5.5%growth per year during which Asian countries might expect annual growth of 6% (World Tourism Organisations, 2011). However, international travelling is only one side of tourism industry. In various countries, domestic tourism outshines international arrivals in relation to volumes and revenues generated through it. This is again expected to get doubled in upcoming years. Tourism not only provides recreational and business opportunities, but also act as a major foundation for employment opportunities. According to WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) tourism alone supports 74 million jobs directly and 215 million jobs to those who works for tourism business indirectly. Overall, it represents US$4,218 billion of GDP contributing 10.4% of world’s total. It shows the significance of travel and tourism particularly in international trade.

Sustainable development in tourism will not only create better lifestyle for people but also provide with those ways through which resources can be used to benefit nature as well as human beings in every possible manner. Contemporary tourism organisations are in a special position providing contribution in making sustainable development while coping with challenges present in tourism business. This is due to the dynamism and growth in tourism sector which makes most of the countries and local destination contributing in nations economic development (Mat Som, Mohamed, & Yew, 2006). Successful tourism organisations are important only if they deliver tangible profits to host mass public. Despite growth in international tourism market, there are many organisations still struggling and therefore a considerable turnover can also be seen in this sector. Many tourism operators may be micro or small and medium-sized (MSMEs) that possess limited skill and access to tourism market. However, there are various examples of other organisations also, especially in developing countries who projects in delivering sustainable tourism services but fails due to lack of business assessment and proper planning of policies. In Australia and Costa Rica great potential through appropriates work influence have been seen through tourism development tools while Bulgaria developed National Ecotourism policies in alignment with 12 regional tourism companies therefore, forming a two-way process (United Nations Environment Programme, 2005).

Tourism’s Economic and Social Significance

In literature, there are various theories that support sustainable tourism concept. One of them is Resource efficiency theory that is used considerably by international organisations in which they try to minimise using of non-renewable and scarce resources for operational and development of tourism services and facilities (GhulamRabbany, Afrin, Rahman, Islam, & Hoque , 2013). For example, Mexico National Tourism policies is based on framework and their procedures that are established on national level reflecting country’s utmost concern for nature and environment. Whereas, in South Africa, Tourism White Paper articulates principles based on ‘responsible tourism’. This has provided SA with directions though which country have started functioning in more strategic process for establishing standard tourism operations. However. Countries like Calvia, Spain has shown more inclination towards participatory process for bringing country’s stakeholders together (Muhanna, 2006).

Sustainable tourism development highly depends on cautious management so that availability of natural resources is ensured for present as well as for future generations. These includes fresh water, sensitive lands, fossil fuels, minerals, forests, etc. Tourism is significant for economic contribution in many countries along with well being of society and maintaining global resources. The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) is one of the prime travels and tourism organisation that serves global platform for tourism related policies and challenges. Presently there are 153-member territories and countries including more than 350 affiliate members that represents research institutes, government, tourism associations and private sector companies. With headquarters in Madrid, Spain, WTO is entrusted by UN towards promoting and developing tourism. With this, the organisation stimulates economic growth and preservation of heritage destinations while promoting armistice among member nations. The basic objective behind formation of the organisation was to improve living standards of people residing in member nations through increased trade of services between them. By enabling the concept of sustainable tourism development, WTO ensured optimum utilisation of natural resources worldwide along with promoting the concept of sustainable development (World Tourism Organisations, 2011).

Biological diversity is another theory most commonly discussed in international tourism business. This concept supports conservation of wildlife and habitat while minimising any damages made. In fact, this concept is mostly debated for its negative and positive approach in regards to tourism impacts. The tourist destinations that attracts visitors falls under vulnerable position (GhulamRabbany, Afrin, Rahman, Islam, & Hoque , 2013). For instance, coastal areas development had led to dune and habitat destruction. Along with it, marine creatures like coral reefs have also been damaged in recent years due to overuse and ill managed diving operations. On the other hand, income perceived from tourist activities have acted as major contribution in preservation of many national parks as well as wildlife sanctuaries (Eastwood, 2015). Therefore, it can be said that physical integrity can prevent destruction of environment if supported by well managed tourism activities like UNEP. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is an international organisation situated in United Nations that coordinates environmental actions by assisting and developing member countries policies and frameworks regarding sustainable tourism development. Established in the year 1972, UNEP has gained much reputation by undertaking responsibility of elimination of specialised issues like deforestation, climatic issues, etc. In short, UNEP aims in promoting developed and sustainable ecosystem through managing them in international level. By implementing strategies and policies, accessibility to database, and involving major countries in management, UNEP has been able to manage sustainable tourism practice in remarkable manner. By synthesizing educational programs for public and private stakeholders, awareness regarding climatic issues and environmental hazards has made more people engaged in environment friendly programs including sustainable tourism operations.  According to UN, “sustainable development is the idea that development can meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. However, effective sustainable tourism development challenges have made UNEP consider important issues seriously for which the organisation implements innovative and creative proposals before its member nations, keeping in mind their financial and political constraints (Wynen & Goel, 2017).

Examples of Sustainable Tourism Practices

Environmental purity is one of the terms highly associated with international tourism. This theory supports minimisation of environmental pollution like air, water and land. Maintaining environmental purity means to reduce harmful emissions and waste to enter into environment for preserving nature so that human life and biodiversity remains sustainable. Actions taken by successful international tourism organisations addresses every aspects of pollution prevention through creation of thought-out lifecycle of tourism activities by after usage of facilities along with reducing tourism impacts (Asadzadeh1 & Mousavi, 2017). Although environmental purity may be depended on other communities’ activities also, the tourism industry also adds to them due to its significant participation in managing global environment. Here, it can be said that governmental role and responsibility are more significant so that trade policies are made in such a manner that provides aids to environmental purity. Since global pollution impacts tourist destinations adversely, many tourism organisations have come up with special policies within management that supports environmental purity to ensure sustainable tourism development ( Kilipiris & Zardava, 2012).  WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) is another member based international organisation that represents world leaders in global travel and tourism industry. WTTC is the only group that represents private companies from different parts of the worldwide companies dealing in tourism industry where the government of each member country are encouraged to adapt policy frameworks that supports sustainable tourism developments. The basic reason behind its formation was to establish a system and set of policies in an international level that renders sustainable development, considering it as core responsibility in every decision within tourism sector. By identifying necessary measures, WTTC formulated self-regulation strategies so that sustainable tourism goal becomes primary objective behind member countries (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2018).

Internationally, although policies and frameworks on tourism sustainability continues to evolve, there have been many international and supranational organisations that are well-known to encourage sustainable tourism by understanding environment impacts and world economy in better ways. Tourism industry remains no more indifferent to challenges related to sustainable development presently. This becomes the reason behind formation of international organisations like WTO, UNEP and WTTC who focusses on deployment policies and frameworks to incorporate sustainable tourism operations in member countries. Conclusions drawn from the above essay along with policies and tools identified in literature and through various destination examples, it can be said that contemporary practices for sustainable tourism development cannot be achieved solely and thus international organisation plays a significant role in sustainable tourism development.

References

Asadzadeh1, A., & Mousavi, S. S. (2017). The Role of Tourism on the Environment and Its Governing Law. Electronic Journal of Biology, 13(02), 152-158.

Eastwood, K. (2015). Should we rethink national parks? Retrieved from https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2015/06/should-we-rethink-national-parks/

GhulamRabbany, M., Afrin, S., Rahman, A., Islam, F., & Hoque , F. (2013). Environmental Effects of Tourism. American Journal of Environment, Energy and Power Research, 01(07), 117-130.

Kilipiris, F., & Zardava, S. (2012). Developing sustainable tourism in a changing environment: issues for the tourism enterprises (travel agencies and hospitality enterprises). Social and Behavioral Sciences, 44, 44-52.

Mat Som, A. P., Mohamed, B., & Yew, W. K. (2006). Tourism in Protected Areas: Constraints and Challenges. TEAM Journal of Hospitality & Tourism, 03(01), 11-18.

Muhanna, E. (2006). “Sustainable Tourism Development and Environmental Management for Developing Countries”. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 04(02), 14-30.

United Nations Environment Programme. (2005). Making Tourism More Sustainable. Retrieved from https://www.unep.fr/shared/publications/pdf/dtix0592xpa-tourismpolicyen.pdf

Wee, c. H. (2017). Emerging Trends in Tourism: Opportunities, Challenges and Implications. Journal of Tourism & Hospitality, 06(06), 1-5.

World Tourism Organisations. (2011). Policy and Practice for Global Tourism. Retrieved from https://www2.gwu.edu/~iits/Sustainable_Tourism_Online_Learning/Mullis/Policy_Practices_UNWTO_book_feb.pdf

World Travel & Tourism Council. (2018). About WTTC. Retrieved from https://www.wttc.org/about/

Wynen, K., & Goel, P. (2017). United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved from https://canimun.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/UNEP-Background-Guide-2017.pdf