1. THM102: Introduction to Tourism
Lesson Objectives: Alternative Tourism & Mass Tourism (Sustainable & Ecotourism)
Be able to explain what sustainable tourism is, with description of the characteristics of sustainable tourist and examples of how it can be applied
Be able to explain Eco-tourism
Be able to describe the alternative tourism and mass tourism
Possible Exam Questions

2. Sustainable and Mass tourism
The widely accepted definition for Sustainable Tourism is “Tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future.” it has the same ideals as ecotourism but is not limited to natural areas.

3. Sustainable Tourism is simply sustainable development achieved through tourism. Sustainable development is economic development that takes a long-term view. It balances the benefits of economic development against environmental and social costs. Just as sustainable development assumes continued economic growth, so sustainable tourism assumes continued tourism growth. Sustainable tourism aims to take all impacts, positive and negative, into account.

4. Characteristics of Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism has the following characteristics;
1. Economic Prosperity
Long term competitive and prosperous tourism business
Quality employment opportunities, fair pay and conditions for all employees.
2. Social Equity and Cohesion
Tourism that improves the quality of life of local communities
Community involvement in tourism planning and management, safe, satisfying and fulfilling visitor experiences
3. Environment and Cultural Protection
Reduced pollution degradation of the global and local environment
Tourism that maintains and strengthens biodiversity
Tourism that maintain and enriches our unique and diverse culture

5. The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC)
The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) is a coalition 0f 32 organization working together to foster increased understanding of sustainable tourism practices and the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Foundation, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), launched the sustainable tourism Criteria at the world Conservation Congress in October 2008.
These criteria will be the minimum standard that any tourism business should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation

6. The Criteria are an effort to come to a common understanding of sustainable tourism, and will be the minimum that any tourism business should aspire to reach.
They are organized around four main themes:
Effective sustainability planning;
Maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community;
Enhancing cultural Heritage;
Reducing negative impacts to the environment;
Although the criteria are initially intended for use by the accommodation and tour operation sectors, they have applicability to the entire tourism industry

7. Characteristics of Sustainable Tourists
Sustainable tourists can reduce the impact of tourism in many ways, including:
Inform themselves of the culture, politics and economy of the communities visited
anticipate and respect local cultures expectations and assumption contribute to intercultural understanding and tolerance
Support the integrity of local cultures by favoring businesses which conserve cultural heritage and traditional values
Support local economies by purchasing local goods and participating with small, local businesses
Conserve resources by seeking out businesses that are environmentally conscious, and by using the least possible amount of non-renewable resources

8. UNWTO: ST- EP
The World Tourism Organization has recognized sustainable tourism development for poverty alleviation. It launched the ST-EP initiative, which was announced at the world Summit on sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002
Entitled ST-EP (Sustainable Tourism – Eliminating Poverty), the initiative focuses on enhancing the Organization’s longstanding work to encourage sustainable tourism – social, economic and ecological with activities that specially alleviate poverty, delivering development and jobs to people living on less than a dollar a day.

9. 7 Mechanism of ST-EP Employment of the poor in tourism enterprises
Supply of goods services to tourism enterprises by the poor or by enterprises employing the poor
Direct sales of goods and services to visitors by the poor (informal economy)
Establishment and running of tourism enterprises by the poor – e.g. micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), or community based enterprises (formal economy)
Tax or levy on tourism income or profits with proceeds benefiting the poor
Voluntary giving/support by tourism enterprises and tourists
Investment in infrastructure stimulated by tourism also benefiting the poor in the locally, directly or through support to other sectors

10. What is Ecotourism ?
Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a form of tourism that appeals to ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Generally speaking, Ecotourism focuses on volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet. It typically involves travel to destinations where flora n fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.
Ecotourism is a conceptual experience enriching those who delve into researching and understanding the environment around them. It gives us insight into our impacts as human beings, and also a greater appreciation of own natural habitats.

11. Meanings related to Ecotourism
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people” (ecotourism society)
Travel to relatively undisturbed areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery of its wild plants and animals as well as any existing cultural manifestation (both past and present) found in these areas
Ecologically sustainable tourism that fosters environment and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
E.g. of ecotourism: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, kenya, Madagascar, and Antarctica, ecotourism represents a significant portion of the gross domestic product and economic activity

12. Characteristic of Ecotourism
It nature based
Environmentally educative and includes interpretation features
Sustainability managed
Has small groups of educated and conscious tourists.

13. Aims of Ecotourism Minimize the negative impacts of tourism
Contribute to conservation efforts
Employ locally and give money back to the community
Educate visitors about the local environment and culture
Cooperate with local people to manage natural areas
Provide a positive experience for both visitor and host
The promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, minimize impact
Build environment and cultural awareness and respect
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
Provide financial benefits for conservation
Provide sensitivity to host countries political, environmental and social climate
Support international human rights and labor agreements

14. Alternative Tourism
Alternative Tourism is any type of travel that is not mass tourism (i.e. beach vacations or traditional sightseeing tours). This includes ecotourism, backpacking, volunteer tourism, adventure tourism, historical tourism, tornado chasing surfing or any form of travel that is atypical

15. Responsible Tourism
Responsible travel is a practical used by travelers guiding how they act in a host country. Its has roots in sustainable tourism but focuses on being respectful as guest in foreign country, such as asking permission to take photographers or enter a home, observing some of the customs, such as dress, or making an effort to learn the languages.

16. Mass Tourism
Travel of a large number of people to common tourists destinations for conventional purposes
Low budget tourists
Not highly educated and aware
No special interest

17. Difference between Alternative and Mass Tourism
Lesser number of tourists
Controlled development
Community Education
Tourists ethics
Local ownership
Long lived
Soft image
Soft impact
Conservation is goal
Control mechanism
More public sector involvement
MASS
More number of tourists
Uncontrolled development
No Education
No Tourists ethics
Outside ownership
Short lived
Loud image
Hard impact
Profit goal
Irreversible damage
More private sector involvement

18. Possible Exam Question
Explain what sustainable tourism is,
Describe the characteristics of sustainable tourists
Provide examples of how sustainable tourism can be applied
Explain what Eco-tourism is
Describe alternative tourism and mass tourism