Tourism and sustainable development: an analysis of policy and guidelines for managing provision and consumption

This paper reviews some of the literature and guidance provided for businesses considering responses to the environmental aspects and impacts of their tourist activities. It concentrates on the role of individual business organizations within the tourism industry and examines both supply-side (production) and demand-side (consumption) policies. In its review of a number of guidelines the paper attempts to make recommendations for improving both the provision of tourism services through supply chain management and destination management, and the education of the consumer in ways which make tourism more consistent with the concept of sustainable development. This emphasizes the need for businesses involved in tourism provision not only to look at the supply side and the demand side of their activities but also to provide stronger signals between the two parts so that more meaningful progress is made towards sustainable tourism. It places considerable emphasis on the role of intermediaries in bridging the gap between demand and supply. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.