Sustainability and Tourism

Abstract

The importance of tourism world-wide can hardly be over-estimated and is constantly growing¹, particularly in Europe². Economic activities such as tourism have direct consequences for delicate ecosystems. In a fragile and densely populated environment such as the Southern European coastal one, neglect of the consequences can be catastrophic. Short-term concern for pressing economic imperatives, and, often, limited environmental awareness, result in continuing environmental deterioration and hinder tourism in Southern Europe. ¹ Some recent data from the World Tourism Organization encapsulate it: “Tourism is the world’s largest growth industry with no signs of slowing down in the 21st century. Receipts from international tourism have increased by an average of 9 per cent annually for the past 16 years to reach US$423 billion in 1996. During the same period, international arrivals rose by a yearly average of 4.6 per cent to reach 594 million in 1996. WTO forecasts that international arrivals will top 700 million by the year 2000 and one billion by 2010. Likewise, earnings are predicted to grow to US$621 billion by the year 2000 and US$ 1,550 billion by 2010.” (WTTO 1998) ² Europe is the international leader in terms of arrivals, and the industry is growing at a sustained rate. See Environmental Law Review, May 1996: 150.