In 2004 the World Tourism Organization formulated the concept of sustainable
tourism development, the main points of which are: "The rules and practices of
sustainable tourism management can be applied to all types of tourism and directions,
including mass tourism and various niches of tourists’ segments."
The principles of sustainable development of tourist destinations include
environmental sustainability, social and cultural sustainability, and economic
sustainability.
Recognition of the tourism principles of sustainable development means the
following:
1. According to the principle of environmental sustainability:
- ecological sustainability, as the tourism development that is based on
supporting the basic environmental processes, biological diversity and biological
resources;
- social and cultural sustainability, that provides such state in which development
is combined with the preservation of cultural values and traditions, as well as the local
identity;
- economic sustainability, which ensures economic viability of development and
a state in which the chosen method of resource management makes it possible for them
to be used by future generations.
2. According to the principle of social sustainability:
- caring for the local population and preservation of steady social and cultural
situation in the destination. It is necessary to increase the attractiveness of employment
in tourism, improving working conditions, enhancing the ability of career
advancement, providing opportunities for education and further training;
- accessibility of tourist services to all citizens, including socially vulnerable
groups of the population. Social tourism contributes to the reducing of seasonal
demand and supports sustainable year-round employment. During the designing and
constructing ways of accommodation, catering, entertainment, transport infrastructure,
wherever possible, the features and needs of people with disabilities should be taken
into account.
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