Effects of green tourism on sustainable development
2013
Aldous, D.E.
Tourism is one of the 21st century’s fastest growing industries. Estimates from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) have suggested that tourism, by 2012, will contribute to 12% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ 10.6% of the total workforce. Tourism that incorporates SE Asia accounts for some $US2 trillion in economic activity, as well as providing significant employment opportunities and value-added services. Ecotourism, in the strictest sense of the word, only accounts for 3-7% of the total tourism market. Ecotourism needs to be viewed differently from the “green tourism” sector where has been consistent consumer demand over the last decade. Reasons for growth in this sector have been the people’s appreciation of nature and the increasing awareness that green open space can make in conserving the earth’s natural resources, improving the levels of biodiversity, protecting the planet against the agents of climate change and contributing to the economic, social and environmental development of the triple bottom line. The purpose of this paper is to describe green tourism, and discuss the challenges and solutions facing this dynamic sector of the industry as it moves towards a more sustainable operating base.
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