Sustainable tourism, environmental protection and natural resource management: Paradise on earth?

Tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the world. It is an increasingly important source of income, employment and wealth in many countries. International tourism now accounts for a larger share of foreign exchange receipts and export earnings than any other industry in the world. But, while tourism provides considerable economic benefits for many countries, regions and communities, its rapid expansion has also had detrimental environmental and socio-cultural impacts. Natural resource depletion and environmental degradation associated with tourism, for example, are often serious problems in tourism-rich regions. The paper argues that the promotion of sustainable tourism development is essential for maximizing its socio-economic benefits and minimizing its environmental impact. Paper submitted to the International Colloquium on Regional Governance and Sustainable Development in Tourism-driven Economies, Cancun, Mexico, 20-22 February 2002.