Impact of tourism development upon environmental sustainability: a suggested framework for sustainable ecotourism

Abstract

The empirical research investigated the relationship between tourism development and environmental suitability to propose a framework for sustainable ecotourism. The framework suggested a balance between business and environmental interests in maintaining an ecological system with the moderating help of government support and policy interventions. The study population encompasses tourism stakeholders, including tourists, representatives from local communities, members of civil administration, hoteliers, and tour operators serving the areas. A total of 650 questionnaires were distributed to respondents, along with a brief description of key study variables to develop a better understanding. After verifying the instrument's reliability and validity, data analysis was conducted via hierarchical regression. The study findings revealed that a substantial number of people perceive socio-economic benefits, including employment and business openings, infrastructure development from tourism development, and growth. However, the state of the natural and environmental capital was found to be gradually degrading. Alongside the social environment, social vulnerability is reported due to the overutilization of land, intrusion from external cultures, and pollution in air and water due to traffic congestion, accumulation of solid waste, sewage, and carbon emissions. The study suggested a model framework for the development of sustained ecotourism, including supportive government policy interventions to ensure effective conservation of environmental and natural resources without compromising the economic viability and social well-beings of the locals. Furthermore, the variables and the constructs researched can be replicated to other destinations to seek valuable inputs for sustainable destination management elsewhere.

The Influence of Local Business Behaviour on Community Participation, Social Capital, Economic Costs, and Environmental Costs in Controlling the Environment Towards Sustainable Ecotourism

“…The social capital in question is in the form of mutual aid and deliberation as a form of local wisdom (30). Business people who can listen to the aspirations of the community are shown by the action of involving villagers as their business workforce (32). Thus, community participation to support ecotourism management and planning can be achieved (33).…”

The Circular Economy and Natural Capital in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

“…Thirdly, Baloch et al (2022) argued that development for tourism infrastructure and land use often burdens NC through over-consumption, leading to soil erosion, augmented pollution, loss of natural habitats, and endangered species. More specifically, in a study of 'over-tourism' in Venice, Seraphim et al (2018) suggested that economics and culture are inextricably linked to the conflict between human and natural capital.…”

Sustainable development goals perspective: nexus between Christians’ religious tourism, geopolitical risk, and CO2 pollution in Italy

“…Despite the benefits, it is evident that an overwhelming rise in tourism (i.e., RTM) may have detrimental effects on a country (Razzaq et al, 2023 ; Yang et al, 2023 ). For example, environmental damage resulting from the exploitation of tourism resources (Baloch et al, 2023 ) and/or increase in energy consumption and human-induced production, transportation, rapid urbanization, and industrial development are widely recognized negative consequences of unrestrained RTM growth (De Siano & Canale, 2022 ; Shinde & Olsen, 2022 ; Tabash et al, 2023 ). Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the extent to which tourism, specifically the RTM, assures a good contribution and the point at which it begins to conflict with development.…”