Environmental Objectives in Tourism Management
Tourism development can bring significant economic benefits to a country or region, but it often comes with environmental costs. Governments around the world are increasingly setting environmental objectives to ensure that tourism development is sustainable and doesn't damage the natural resources that attract visitors in the first place.
Key Definitions:
- Environmental objectives: Goals set by governments to protect natural resources and minimise the negative impacts of tourism development.
- Sustainable tourism: Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.
- Carrying capacity: The maximum number of people that can visit a tourist destination without causing unacceptable damage to the environment or decreasing visitor satisfaction.
🏠 Why Governments Set Environmental Objectives
Governments establish environmental objectives for tourism because:
- Natural attractions are often the main reason tourists visit
- Environmental degradation can destroy tourism potential
- Sustainable practices can create long-term economic benefits
- Public pressure and international agreements require action
- Protection of biodiversity and ecosystems is increasingly valued
📈 Common Environmental Objectives
Most governments focus on these key areas:
- Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity
- Reducing pollution and waste from tourism
- Managing water resources sustainably
- Limiting carbon emissions from tourism activities
- Preserving landscapes and natural beauty
Conservation Strategies and Protected Areas
One of the most important environmental objectives for governments is the creation and management of protected areas. These designated spaces help preserve natural environments while still allowing for controlled tourism activities.
🌲 National Parks
Large natural areas set aside for conservation and recreation. Tourism is permitted but strictly managed to minimise environmental impact.
Example: The Lake District National Park in the UK balances tourism with conservation through zoning and visitor management.
🌊 Marine Reserves
Protected ocean areas where fishing and other extractive activities are limited. Often allows for ecotourism activities like diving and snorkelling.
Example: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia uses zoning to protect coral while allowing tourism.
🏕 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Places of outstanding natural or cultural importance that receive special protection and management.
Example: The Jurassic Coast in southern England has strict management plans to protect fossil sites while promoting tourism.
Sustainable Tourism Development Approaches
Governments use various approaches to ensure tourism development meets environmental objectives. These strategies help balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
Before approving new tourism developments, many governments require an Environmental Impact Assessment. This process evaluates the potential environmental effects of a proposed project and identifies ways to minimise negative impacts.
Key components of an EIA:
- Baseline study of existing environmental conditions
- Prediction of potential impacts on ecosystems, water, air and land
- Assessment of alternatives to reduce environmental damage
- Public consultation with local communities and stakeholders
- Monitoring plans to track environmental changes after development
Carrying Capacity Management
Governments often establish limits on visitor numbers to prevent environmental degradation and maintain quality experiences. This can be done through:
- Entry limits: Capping daily visitor numbers (e.g., Machu Picchu in Peru limits daily visitors)
- Timed entry: Spreading visitors throughout the day
- Seasonal restrictions: Closing sensitive areas during breeding seasons
- Price mechanisms: Using higher fees during peak periods to manage demand
Case Study Focus: Bhutan's "High Value, Low Impact" Tourism
Bhutan has implemented one of the world's most distinctive approaches to tourism management with clear environmental objectives:
- All tourists must pay a daily sustainable development fee (currently $200 per day)
- Visitors must travel with licensed guides and follow pre-approved itineraries
- The country measures success through "Gross National Happiness" rather than just economic growth
- Tourism development is carefully controlled to preserve cultural heritage and natural environments
- The policy has helped Bhutan maintain over 70% forest cover and become carbon negative
This approach demonstrates how a government can use tourism as a tool for sustainable development rather than allowing uncontrolled growth that damages the environment.
Balancing Economic and Environmental Objectives
One of the biggest challenges for governments is finding the right balance between economic development through tourism and environmental protection. Different approaches include:
💰 Economic Incentives
Governments can encourage environmentally friendly tourism through:
- Tax breaks for eco-certified businesses
- Grants for renewable energy in tourism facilities
- Lower fees for tour operators following best practices
- Marketing support for sustainable tourism providers
📛 Regulations and Standards
Governments also use legal frameworks to protect the environment:
- Building codes that limit development in sensitive areas
- Waste and water management requirements for hotels
- Mandatory environmental certification schemes
- Fines and penalties for environmental violations
Community Involvement in Environmental Management
Many governments now recognise that involving local communities in tourism management leads to better environmental outcomes. This approach includes:
- Co-management: Sharing decision-making power with local communities for protected areas
- Indigenous knowledge: Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into management plans
- Community-based tourism: Supporting locally-owned tourism businesses that have a stake in environmental protection
- Education programmes: Training local people as guides and environmental stewards
Case Study Focus: Costa Rica's Ecotourism Success
Costa Rica has become a global leader in ecotourism through strong government environmental objectives:
- Over 25% of the country's land is protected in national parks and reserves
- The government implemented a Payment for Ecosystem Services programme that rewards landowners for forest conservation
- A national certification programme (CST - Certification for Sustainable Tourism) rates tourism businesses on their environmental practices
- Tourism marketing focuses on the country's biodiversity and conservation efforts
- The country aims to become carbon-neutral, with tourism playing a key role
As a result, Costa Rica has transformed its economy from one dependent on deforestation and agriculture to one where sustainable tourism is a major income source, all while increasing forest cover and protecting biodiversity.
Future Challenges for Environmental Management in Tourism
Government environmental objectives will need to address several emerging challenges:
- Climate change: Adapting tourism destinations to changing conditions and reducing tourism's carbon footprint
- Overtourism: Managing increasing visitor numbers at popular destinations
- New technologies: Regulating impacts of drones, social media-driven tourism and other emerging trends
- Plastic pollution: Addressing single-use plastics in the tourism industry
- Post-pandemic recovery: Rebuilding tourism in a more sustainable way after COVID-19
Governments that successfully balance environmental objectives with tourism development will be better positioned to create sustainable destinations that benefit both visitors and local communities for generations to come.
