27327 Tourism and Sustainability

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

This subject examines the relationship between tourism and sustainability, in particular the reasons why there are questions about the long-term sustainability of tourism and ways in which this issue can be addressed. The various meanings and applications of sustainability to tourism are explored. Tourism's major impacts on and relationships with economic, ecological and sociocultural environments are identified and discussed. Both government and industry-initiated policies and practices, designed to enhance tourism's sustainability in the context of attractions, tourism enterprises and destinations, are critically examined.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the varying interpretations of the concept of sustainability and how these apply to the management of tourism attractions, enterprises and destinations
2. demonstrate an awareness of the scope and scale of the economic, social, cultural and biophysical impacts of tourism in a variety of contexts
3. demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between tourism and its environments and the connection this has to the concept of sustainability
4. identify, discuss and evaluate government policies and industry-based initiatives intended to enhance the sustainability of tourism attractions, enterprises and destinations.

Contribution to graduate profile

Sustainability is a significant contemporary issue that affects both industry practices and the policy environment in which tourism develops. This subject explores issues associated with the long-term management of tourism enterprises and destinations and discusses ways in which tourism can be developed and managed sustainability. It considers both the ongoing commercial viability of tourism, which relies on the maintenance of its environmental asset base, as well as the contribution which tourism makes to the overall well-being of present and future generations. It thereby contributes to the development in students of significant professional skills and knowledge, as well as a sense of social responsibility and ethical behaviour.

Teaching and learning strategies

Lectures, supplemented by audio-visual presentations and guest speakers; tutorials based on discussion of prescribed readings and set practical tasks, role plays and debates; independent field work.

Content

• The concept of sustainability and its applicability to tourism
• The evolution of the concept – Brundtland, Rio and Agenda 21
• Dimensions of sustainability – the triple bottom line (economic, ecological and sociocultural)
• Underlying issues, e.g. managing tourism-environment relationships and understanding tourism's contribution to alleviating poverty
• Nature and significance of tourism's relationships with economic, physical/ecological, social and cultural environments – environmental interactions
• Environmental basis for tourist attraction and tourism development – the environment as tourism's asset base
• Economic, physical/ecological, social and cultural impacts – costs and benefits
• Factors influencing the nature and magnitude of impacts

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Essay (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Workbook/Field Project (Individual)

Assessment item 3: Examination (Individual)

Required text(s)

Holden, A, 2007, Environment and Tourism, Routledge, London, 2nd edn

Faculty of Business 1999, Guide to Writing Assignments, Faculty of Business, University of Technology, Sydney.

Indicative references

Journals and periodicals

Discussion of environmental issues has dominated the tourism journals in recent years. You will find numerous relevant articles in the following journals.

Annals of Tourism Research

Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research

Festival Management and Event Tourism

Journal of Leisure Research

Journal of Sustainable Tourism

Journal of Ecotourism

Journal of Tourism Studies

Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing

Journal of Travel Research

Journal of Vacation Marketing

Leisure Options

Leisure Sciences

Leisure Studies

Tourism Culture and Communication

Tourism Economics

Tourism Management

Tourist Review

Travel and Tourism Analyst

World Leisure and Recreation Association Journal

Websites

There are a number of websites that may contain useful information for this subject and may assist with assignment work. These include:

Australian Tourist Commission (ATC): www.atc.net.au

CRC in Sustainable Tourism: www.crctourism.com.au

Ecotravel Center: www.ecotour.org

Ecotourism Society: www.ecotourism.org

Green Globe: www.greenglobe.org

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA): www.pata.org

Sport and Tourism Division of the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources: www.tourism.gov.au

Tourism Council Australia (TCA): www.tourism.org.au

Tourism New South Wales: www.tourism.nsw.gov.au

World Tourism Organisation (WTO): www.world-tourism.org

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) (including link to ECoNETT): www.wttc.org