Framework:
Sustainable tourism is essentially a concept that seeks
to implement a balanced interaction of the appropriate
use of natural and cultural resources, the improvement
in the lives of the local community and the economic
success of the activity which would also contribute to
the National development. Sustainable tourism is not
just a response to demand, but rather an indispensable
condition for successful competition now and in the
future. (Certification for Sustainable Tourism, 1997)
Sustainable tourism can be dissected and classified
using a simple four category system;
•
Physical-biological parameters:
The
interaction between the company and its surrounding
natural habitat. This would include the use of
environmentally friendly products, the recycling of
waste, the use of technology to minimize contamination
and responsible conservation efforts of its immediate
environment.
•
Infrastructure and services:
The
management policies and the operational systems within
the company and its infrastructure. This would include
its purchasing policies, categorization and diagnosis
and remedy of its practices, pro-active expenditures as
well as employee involvement in the development of the
company
• External
clients:
The
interaction of the company with its clients in terms of
its limits while inviting the client to be an active
contributor to the company's policies of sustainability.
This would include educational material, a transparent
policy for growth and change and the education of its
employees regarding good sustainable practices. The
imparting of cultural and historical knowledge is also
crucial for successful long term sustainability.
• Socio-economic environment:
The
interaction of the company with the local communities
and the population in general. This would include the
recycling of profits back into the community via the
local purchases and hiring practices
Mission;
The
approach of this seminar/workshop would cover four
important areas;
1] Visiting cultural and historical sights and
diagnosing their adherence (or lack thereof) to good
sustainable practices. Documentation will take place as
reference material to create a benchmark for analyzing
the present situation and the prognosis for the future.
All will be done with constructive criticism as the tool
for the analysis.
2] Inspection of 4 hotels of varying quality levels (ie.
number of stars or levels) with a comprehensive review
and diagnosis of the current practices with a subsequent
walk through with the owners/general managers to create
awareness of the their present situation in terms of
sustainability and good practices. The priority will be
to create a model for financial sustainability and how
to cultivate positive economic results.
3] Presentations by the key speakers which will be
informative, enlightening, entertaining and can be used
as tools for gaining a financial and marketing edge
using sustainability as the foundation. The topic will
be
“WHY
GAMBLE ON SUSTAINABILITY?”
4] A final assessment of the hotels inspected with
charts, evaluations and constructive advice on how to
create positive financial bottom line while improving
the sustainability of the business.
Key Participants
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