Sustainable Tourism Development

Unit aims

The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of the need for sustainable tourism and the role of the planning process to ensure future developments are sustainable for the host communities and their environments. Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of best practice. They will use their knowledge to review the sustainability of a destination and make recommendations to preserve its environmental and social fabric.

Learning Outcome

1. Understand the planning process in relation to tourism development

1.1 Assess the objectives of planning for tourism development

1.2 Explain the roles of different stakeholders, agencies and organisations involved in the planning process

1.3 Evaluate the different approaches to planning

1.4 Evaluate the tools used to inform  the planning process

2. Understand the need for the sustainable development of tourist destinations

2.1 Justify the concept of sustainable tourism development

2.2 Analyse the impacts of tourism on destinations

2.3 Explain why business decisions can create conflict with local people

3. Understand best practice in terms of sustainable development

3.1 Evaluate how negative environmental impacts can be minimised

3.2 Evaluate how negative socio cultural impacts can be minimised

3.3 Evaluate how positive economic impacts can be maximised

3.4 Evaluate how ethical practices can benefit business and customers

4. Be able to review the sustainability of destinations

4.1 Present viewpoints of those involved in destination developments, including host communities

4.2 Make recommendations to preserve the environmental and social fabric of a destination

4.3 Justify your recommendations, using examples of best practice