Today, tourism industry develops rapidly and without a doubt puts increasing stain on environmental, economic, social and cultural elements/environments. Together with its growth, negative impacts of tourism development can gradually devastate many of the resources on which it depends. Since the early 19th century, sustainable tourism concept begun to spread out, until now it developed to become largely important for the industry and the mankind.
Therefore, it became considerably difficult to manage the reputation of any organization in today’s environmentally conscious world. The environmental movement “became a real force in the world” and now is considered as a big threat by various organizations from all industries, especially tourism. However, the businesses who realize the power and the advantage of being green and environmentally conscious are tend to use this as a powerful tool of gaining respect amongst public and enhancing their reputation.
For example the Six Senses, a luxury resort and spa management and development company which has a reputation of being one of the market leaders in supporting sustainability. It places sustainability on the first place and proudly demonstrates it to the public. Six Senses proved to the world that luxury lifestyle and environmental responsibility can go together co-operatively.
Six Senses is a large and respected organization which manages various resorts under such famous brand names Soneva Fushi, Six Senses, Six Senses Spas, and others. Established in 1995 it now has their resorts and spas all around the world, in Maldives, various places in Thailand, Vietnam and other exotic destinations. The company has high aspirations for its environmental reputation, as can be seen by this quote from Six Senses web site:
“Six Senses is committed to reducing the environmental and social impact of our activities; our core purpose is to create innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment. We are committed to sustainable development; specifically protection and regeneration of both the environment and communities in which we operate.” (Six Senses, Sustainability Policy)
Sustainable tourism is tourism and associated info structures that, both now and in the future:
1. Operate within natural capacities for the regeneration and future productivity of natural resources; 2. Recognize the contribution that people and communities, customs and lifestyle, make to the tourism experience;
3. Accept that these people must have an equitable share in the economic benefits of tourism;
4. Are guided by the wishes of local people and communities in the host areas.
Is Sustainable Tourism ever truly achievable? And why?
1. Operate within natural capacities for the regeneration and future productivity of natural resources; 2. Recognize the contribution that people and communities, customs and lifestyle, make to the tourism experience;
3. Accept that these people must have an equitable share in the economic benefits of tourism;
4. Are guided by the wishes of local people and communities in the host areas.
Is Sustainable Tourism ever truly achievable? And why?
