4. Key challenges for sustainable tourism

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization the tourism industry faces five major global challenges (WTO, 2005). By describing them, this section illustrates the range of impacts and opportunities that relate to tourism as well as the many reasons why companies should pay attention to its sustainable development.

Managing Dynamic Growth

The increase in international tourist movements predicted for the next years will bring considerable pressures. In order to avoid damaging the resources on which tourism depends, this growth must be well managed. This will require careful planning of the location and types of new development, improved environmental management practices and influencing consumption patterns. In this sense, certain types of location (e.g., marine and coastal environments, historic towns and cities, cultural heritage sites, fragile natural environments …) are particularly vulnerable to pressure.

Climate Change

This phenomenon is a major issue for the long term sustainability of tourism in two senses: climate change will have consequences for tourism and tourism is a contributor to climate change. The effects of climate change (e.g., rising sea levels, increased frequency and energy of surges and storms, beach erosion, coral bleaching…) are threatening many coastal destinations. Mountain resorts will also suffer from rising snow lines and shortening winter sports seasons. Changes in temperature will affect market appeal in most parts of the world. Some of these impacts are already being felt. It is estimated that tourism may contribute up to 5.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transport accounting for about 90% of the world´s total use of fossil fuels and up.

Poverty Alleviation

Halving world poverty by 2015 is the foremost UN Millennium Goal. The potential for the tourism industry to contribute to its reduction is increasingly recognized, partly because it is one of the few sectors in which poor countries´ socio-cultural and natural resources give them an economic advantage. The development of tourism provides a good opportunity to help alleviate poverty because it is often a new source of revenue in rural areas (where 75% of the world´s poor are to be found). The challenge is to find better ways of channeling tourist spending towards poor people.

Support for Conservation

The need for more financial resources to support conservation is a worldwide issue, although this problem varies from country to country. Protected areas in developing countries receive less than 30% of their basic funding needs. Tourism makes a major contribution to income for protected areas and heritage sites through entry fees, permits … and this can be extended. Moreover, this industry can become a force for more sustainable land management by providing an additional alternative form of livelihood for rural communities that are dependent on well maintained natural resources.

Health, Safety and Security

Uncertainty about the health and safety of travel of certain destinations has caused significant fluctuations in tourism flows in recent years. Although this may be a short term phenomenon and recovery is often fast, it should be regarded as a global issue for the sustainability of tourism. There are policy implications for image and management of information and for specific measures to improve the safety and security of tourist.