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Sustainable Tourism for Development Guidebook: enhancing capacities for sustainable tourism for development in developing countries

“Tourism has many characteristics that make it especially valuable as an agent for development. As a cross cutting sector, it stimulates productive capacities from trade and the provision of jobs linked to the tourism value chain. In particular, it thrives on assets, such as the natural environment, a warm climate, rich cultural heritage and plentiful human resources, in which developing countries have a comparative advantage. However, tourism can also be a source of environmental damage and pollution, a heavy user of scarce resources and a cause of negative change in society. For these reasons, it is imperative for it to be well planned and managed, embracing the principles of sustainable tourism, defined as “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.”” (p.10)

“The purpose of the study is to enhance common understanding and commitment about Sustainable Tourism and to demonstrate how it is a vehicle to foster economic and social growth, through the achievement of development imperatives, while minimizing negative social, cultural and environmental impacts.” (p.12)