Integrating sustainability in destination management plans and policies of a post-Soviet state

Abstract

Little is known about sustainable tourism transformations in post-Soviet countries. This particularly concerns the former Soviet Union Republics where no research has attempted to assess how/if the principles of sustainability have been embedded into destination management policies and plans (DMPPs). This study has critically evaluated the scope for integration of sustainable tourism in DMPPs in Kazakhstan, a former post-Soviet country in Central Asia. By interviewing key tourism stakeholders, it has shown limited embracement of the principles of sustainability. The lack of -(1) an understanding of the sustainability concept by the national government, destination managers and industry practitioners; (2) subjectspecific expertise in managing sustainable tourism projects; (3) community engagement in sustainable tourism planning and development; and (4) stakeholder collaboration -has been identified as a prime reason. A multi-level, multi-stakeholder action framework is proposed to aid the tourism industry of Kazakhstan in its advancement towards the sustainable (tourism) development goal.

Stakeholder collaboration for solid waste management in a small tourism island

“…To minimise this hindrance, one stakeholder should take the lead while other stakeholders need to accept this leadership and follow the roles assigned [ 64 ]. In developing and transition economies public sector organisations i.e., municipal authorities in the current study, often choose to lead on sustainability projects [ 55 ]. However, if a public sector organisation takes the lead, it is critical to ensure it follows so-called ‘responsible leadership’ in that, for example, there is no corruption and unequal treatment involved [ 82 ].…”

“…For example, by building and reinforcing trust, stakeholders can reduce such barriers as restricted leadership and limited communication [ 89 ]. Likewise, the balance of power can strengthen reciprocal relationships and increase stakeholder interest in collaborating with one another [ 55 ]. Therefore, facilitating conditions need to be created to ensure the enablers of stakeholder collaboration for sustainability are reinforced in Koh Phayam.…”

“…For example, the imbalance of power has been shown detrimental to stakeholder collaboration for sustainability in former Soviet Union states [ 54 ]. Here, public organisations have historically exerted more influence in partnerships, also in the tourism context [ 55 ].…”