The Definitive and Operational Scope of Sustainable Tourism. Presenter: DR. RAY MUTINDA, UNECA SRO-EA ……………………………………………………………………. UNECA REGIONAL TOURISM MEETING FOR EASTERN AFRICA 1ST -3RD JUNE, 2016 Kigali, Rwanda

A series of definitions for Sustainable tourism… 1. the NGO Forum for Environment and Development, Sustainable Tourism is tourism that “Fulfills social, cultural, ecological and economic compatibility criteria. In the long-term, with regard to current and future generations, sustainable tourism is ethically and socially equitable, culturally compatible, ecologically viable and economically appropriate and productive” This definition considers sustainable tourism as a long-term process that is multidimensional in nature and supports the integrity of a place.

UNEP and UNWTO (2005) -sustainable tourism is tourism that "Takes full account of its current and future economic, social - cultural and environmental impacts, addressing the needs and concerns of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities" This particular definition looks at Sustainable tourism from the perspectives of interests of the host community (people), environment (planet) and enterprise (profit), both in the immediate and long-term outcome of their operations and involvement.

the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2012) ST as “satisfying current tourist and host community needs, while protecting and improving future opportunities.” Rather than being a type of product, it is an ethos that underpins all tourism activities. As such, it is integral to all aspects of tourism development and management rather than being an add-on component.

Thus the overall objective of ST is... To retain the economic and social advantages of tourism development while reducing or mitigating any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic, cultural or social environment. This is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with those of the destination. ST is seen as a guide in managing all resources, in such a way that economic, social, and aesthetic needs may be met, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems.

This toolkit adapts the UNEP and UNWTO definition Sustainable tourism is one that should Achieve a balance between the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development so as to guarantee long-term benefits to recipient communities. Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity  Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserves their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contributes to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance  Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation   Maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensures a meaningful experience for the tourists, raising their awareness about sustainability issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices amongst them. To achieve this, sustainable tourism should embrace three core values i.e. quality, continuity and balance …

Core values of Sustainable Tourism

Principles of sustainable tourism Source: White et al. (2006)

Definitive parameters for Sustainable Tourism Development . Source: adapted from UNWTO (2013)

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