Blog Post: S. Fazal Daoud Firdausi
In the backdrop of increasing conflicts between host and the guests at the tourist destinations. It has now become very important for the tourism practitioners, administrators and planners to revisit key principles of sustainable tourism development as outlined under United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the most important pillars of sustainable tourism development is the involvement of local communities in planning and policy making. It is also essential to consult the local stakeholders before implementing any regulation or law concerning tourism development. Doing the same may help the authorities to gain the desired support from the locals and reduce the conflict.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has also specified that
Why is the Social Dimension of Tourism most ignored?
Culture is not a fixed reality (Hunter, 2001) but evolves in the range of influences, including tourism. Social dimension of tourism has received less attention because most social and cultural beliefs are much less amenable to direct observations (Stephen Williams, 2009). It is mostly assumed that communities will be able to adapt to the socio-cultural changes brought by tourism due to its economic benefits, which finally leads to antagonism between the hosts and the guests.
It is very important:
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has also specified that
“sustainable tourism development requires informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building”.
UNWTO
Dimensions of Tourism Sustainability
Environmental Dimension: It is about protection, conservation and preservation of natural resources.
Economic Dimension: It includes economic cost and economic benefits of tourism.
Social Dimension: It includes the social impact of tourism on the host communities.
Economic Dimension: It includes economic cost and economic benefits of tourism.
Social Dimension: It includes the social impact of tourism on the host communities.
Why is the Social Dimension of Tourism most ignored?
Culture is not a fixed reality (Hunter, 2001) but evolves in the range of influences, including tourism. Social dimension of tourism has received less attention because most social and cultural beliefs are much less amenable to direct observations (Stephen Williams, 2009). It is mostly assumed that communities will be able to adapt to the socio-cultural changes brought by tourism due to its economic benefits, which finally leads to antagonism between the hosts and the guests.
What needs to be done?
It is very important:
- That the benefits of tourism be equitably distributed among the local communities.
- Respect should be given to the cultural identity and authenticity of the local communities.
- Informed participation of all stakeholders in tourism planning and decision making.