BharatNotes
Sustainable Tourism
/səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈtʊərɪzəm/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 — it seeks to achieve a balance between economic growth, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural integrity, ensuring that tourism benefits are equitably distributed and natural and cultural resources are preserved for future generations.
Context & Background
The UNWTO emphasises three pillars: economic viability, social equity, and environmental sustainability; related concepts include ecotourism (nature-focused), responsible tourism (community-focused), and carrying capacity (the limit beyond which tourism degrades a destination).
UPSC Exam Relevance
GS1 (Geography, Cultural Heritage) & GS3 (Environment). Tested in the context of overtourism at Indian destinations (Shimla, Goa, Ladakh), government schemes (Swadesh Darshan 2.0), and the Kerala Responsible Tourism model.
