Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and local communities while maximizing positive impacts. It involves responsible use of natural resources, respect for local cultures, and support for local businesses. Examples of sustainable tourism practices include staying in locally-owned guesthouses, eating at restaurants that use local ingredients, and participating in activities that promote cultural exchange.
Sustainable tourism is important because it helps to protect the environment, preserve local cultures, and support local economies. It can also help to promote peace and understanding between different cultures. The historical context of sustainable tourism can be traced back to the 1970s, when concerns about the environmental and social impacts of tourism began to grow. In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development published the Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition has been widely adopted by the tourism industry, and it has helped to shape the development of sustainable tourism practices.