Sustainable Tourism

Worldwatch Live Online Discussion

Lisa Mastny: Senior Editor

February 8, 2002 - 1:00pm EDT

This week's guest will be Lisa Mastny, author of Chapter 5, "Redirecting Tourism." She will answer your questions about the promises and pitfalls of tourism, and talk about some of the more exciting ways that governments, the tourism industry, and travelers themselves are helping to move tourism in a more sustainable direction. By some accounts, travel and tourism have become the world's largest industry, bringing governments significant revenue and creating millions of jobs, particularly in the developing world. But tourism also has its downside--with impacts on culture, on the environment, and on local economies.

Dick Bell, Worldwatch: Thanks for joining us today for the fourth in our series of discussions with authors of State of the World 2002. Today we are joined by Lisa Mastny, who has written about the complex interactions between tourism and sustainable development. Thanks for joining us, Lisa.

Lisa Mastny: Thanks, Dick. I'm excited to share the results of my research and to hear what other people have to say about the sustainability of tourism. It's been a fascinating research topic for me.

Hannover, Germany: Tourism to the benefit of local people What do you think about the proposal to exempt small-scale labor-intensive services for tourists from taxes and other burdens? In countries like Germany or Poland where fiscal authorities turn (more or less) a blind eye to small Bed & Breakfast places a larger part of the local community benefits from tourism; in countries like Italy where the approach is different, prices in such B & B places is much higher, therefore they only play a marginal role - accommodation is almost exclusively left to big business (with the labor-intensive parts often being done by immigrant workers).

Lisa Mastny: I think that exempting small-scale tourism businesses from taxes and other financial burdens is an excellent way to encourage more locally-based tourism, not only in Europe but around the world. In many developing countries in particular, large internationally-owned tourism businesses are starting to crowd out local operators, with negative effects on local economies aand often resulting in a homogenization of local culture.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Do you think wintersports pose a threat to Alpine Environments? Or are they advocats of eco/sustainable tourism?

Lisa Mastny: I think winter sports definately pose a threat to local environments, especially if these activities are not planned with consideration of their larger ecological impacts. In many places, from the Alps to the Himalayas, deforestation to build lodges and create ski and other trails has had very negative impacts downstream. But I also think that in some places, more "enlightened" resort planners are starting to realize they will need to integrate tourist needs with the broader ecological needs of the area. I just hope this notion becomes more widely accepted!

Seattle, WA: I have heard that the worst part of tourism is the planes. If eveyrone on earth had an equal share of jet fuel, would anyone fly anywhere?

Lisa Mastny: The energy use in air travel is very significant--already, scientists estimate it accounts for about 3.5% of human caused global warming. And as more and more people fly, it will onlu continue to go up! Unfortunately, in many cases there is little alternative to flying--so the burden is really on the aviation industry to continue to increase the energy efficiency of planes and to design more environmentally smart airports and aircraft.

New York, New York: Where would we rank the travel and tourism sector in relation to other sectors of the world economy in regards to its relative capacity to advance or hinder sustainable development? In other words, how important is it really?

Lisa Mastny: One of the most surprising things I have learned through this research is how large a contribution tourism makes to the global economy. By one estimate, travel and tourism activities accounted for about $3.6 trillion in economic activity in 2000, or 11 percent of the gross world product. Based on this enormous percentage, we can only image how things could change if tourism were steered onto a more environmentally appropriate path!

Hawaii: What should I do if I want to find a real eco-tour? Does anyone certify these things?

Lisa Mastny: One of the big problems right now is that there hasn't been enough of a coordination effort to certify genuine eco-tours. Around the world, there are some 100 different schemes to certify things like "green" hotels or tour operations. Groups like the Rainforest Alliance are trying right now to agree on a universalm, global standard for ecotourism that can apply across the board and assure travellers that they are doing "the real thing." It's a tough process. But I'm hopeful that it will eventually work, and that consumers will finally have genuine choices. For now, for starters, you can always try www.ecotourism.org or www.responsibletravel.org

Montreal, Quebec: Can over development of ecotourism be detrimental for the environment ?

Lisa Mastny: Yes, over development of ecotourism can definately be detrimental for the environment. One of the biggest misperceptions that exists is that all "ecotourism" must be good, by definition. But there's a wide spectrum of more- and less-responsible operators. Moreover, these activities usually take place in the world's most pristine environments, so the damage can actually be far greater than from "conventional" tourism.

St.Davids Pembrokeshire UK: We are working on becoming a carbon-nuetral adventure provider and strongly believe that gently steered tourism can have an enormous positive effect on the whole sustainability agenda by increasing awareness of the pressures on the very environments that are held as special and of some of the actions that can be taken to eliminate or reduce damage. Can you think of any reasons why this shouldn't work on a much broader scale?

Lisa Mastny: One of the reasons I remain hopeful about the future of sustainable tourism is because tourism businesses like yours are beginning to realize that it's actually in your best interest as well to promote more environmentally-sound practices. If the destination is destroyed, no one benefits--neither the tourist or the industry. Unfortunately, the drive to develop and market and promote the world's attractions has been so fast paced and poorly regulated that this basic reality is often ignored.

Montreal, Can: Is "responsible tourism" mean that we have to sleep in a hut? What option the "mainstream" traveller has to travel responsibily?

Lisa Mastny: By no means does it mean we have to sleep in a hut, though we should always have that option if it means having a culturally rewarding experience! Large hotels can also be efficient, if they are well-planned--not only in their siting, but in their use of resources and mangement of wastes. For starters, the mainstream traveller can ask basic questions about whether the accomodations or tours they take do display any environmental, social, or cultural committment. If not, they can ask why not and seek to raise awareness among the owners and operators. Many businesses are very alert to customer complaints!

Aberdeen, MD: Since Eco-tourism is picking up, are there checks and balances in place to make sure the tourist activities are not damaging the environment?

Lisa Mastny: Unfortunately, in many of the world's most spectacular ecotourism destinations, there aren't any checks and balances in place. Many developing countries in particular are so eager to capitalize on the rising worldwide interest in their natural attractions that they are rushing to develop these sites, without proper planning or consultation with local residents.

Montreal, Canada: Do most tourists come from industrial urban environments, i.e. relatively wealthy western cities? Is there any flow the other way, i.e. tourists from third world countries who visit "developed" countries?

Lisa Mastny: In general, most tourists have come from relatively affluent parts of the world. But this is beginning to change. In the next two decades, Asia and the Pacific is expected to become the top tourism region worldwide. China is expected to replace France as the most visited country. And a significant reason for this rise is that more and more Asians are themselves traveling. The flow IS beginning to reverse--and this of course means that with more and more people traveling than ever before, it is very important to figure out how to manage this growth!

Saint Paul, Minnesota: Eco-tourism has been promoted as an option for sustainable rural and community development particularly for communities bordering reserve and park areas. Nonetheless the large foreign tour operators often recieve the bulk of the profit since they are able to successfully market thier tours while local communities do not have access to tourist markets. Are there cases where eco-tourism has provided rural development benefits?

Lisa Mastny: You raise one of the biggest challenges in tourism--the question of who really benefits. Local communities are often ignored or not consulted in the development of popular regions, and end up receiving little revenue from the activity. An example of a more successful initiative is what is happening in Namibia, where the government is encouraging the development of regional community-based tourist areas called "conservancies.' One of the reasons this has been so successful is because there IS support at the highest levels, as well as careful planning.

Boulder, Colorado: To me the real problem is that any form of tourism with catch phrase "eco-tourism" has become big business as more and more "pristine" or "remote" areas become even ,more accessable to tourists.

Lisa Mastny: The real problem is that the phrase "eco-tourism" has essentially become meaningless, as you point out. It's become little more than a marketing tool, and is increasingly deceptive for tourists who may think they are "doing the right thing" when they may not be. This is why I am very encouraged by ongoing efforts to create an universal standard for ecotourism and to certify those operators and hotels that meet it.

Hilo HI: Considering that some industry experts are projecting peak production for oil by the end of the decade and resulting surge in fuel prices, isn't dependence on fuel-intensive airlines setting up local tourism-based economies for failure? Shouldn't the global community be attempting to establish rail, (sailing?) ship, and dirigible-based transportation networks?

Lisa Mastny: You raise a real dilemma. Given the huge energy use of air travel, the easiest solution would be to tell people NOT to travel. But of course this is unrealistic, not to mention a possible death sentence for the global economy, which is so dependent on travel and tourism! The challenge is finding more sustainable ways to get around, including by working with the aviation industry to find alternative fuels and to improve energy efficiency. The other alteratives also have their own challenges--and not just in terms of transport time. Just think of cruise ships and all the recent waste disposal and pollution problems that have arisen with them!

Oaxaca, Mexico: It seems that a lot of the greenwashing comes from ecotourism associations as they get larger and incorporated into mainstream tourism. This is particularly true when we discuss "certification." To whom are the ecotourism associations and NGOs accountable?

Lisa Mastny: Certification or "eco-labeling" works best when the certification is done by an independent third party, and when the standards are clear and meaningful. The danger, as you indicate, is when tourism companies are allowed to self-certify, essentially giving themselves a "green" pat on the back without being held accountable for their practices.

London, UK: With all the various terms around (sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, ethical tourism) - do you think the tourist is confused about what they actually mean? Also, do you think enough is being done to change buyer behaviour?

Lisa Mastny: These terms are definately confusing, and are no doubt very misleading for tourists. Of course, the reality lies in the practice, not in the definition or theory. I believe it is the responsiblity of governments, the tourism industry, and others to better educate tourists about the negative impacts of travel, to stimulate a demand for more sustaianble tourism products.

Oxford, Ohio: What do you think about ecotourism to devastated parts of the world: Haiti forests, Aral Sea, etc.

Lisa Mastny: That's an interesting suggestion. It would be an intriguing learning experience, but as with all ecotourism, I am very wary about the ability of these regions to do it appropriatly. Many developing countries like Haiti do not necessarily have the resources or regulations to carefully plan and monitor the development of ecologically appropriate tourism.

Pembroke, Ontario: The UN Environment Programme has designated 2002 as the International Year of Ecotourism, and a World Ecotourim Summit will be held in Quebec City in May. Does this international attention help by encouraging sustainable tourism practices, or does it pose a threat to fragile ecosystems by overstimulation of demand?

Lisa Mastny: You have struck at the heart of a raging international debate about the upcoming ecotourism summit. Proponents see the summit as a chance for ecotourism operators around the world to exchange experiences and best practices--what has worked, what hasn't worked, and why or why not. But critics of the summit are very worried (and perhaps rightly so) that the event will simply turn into a huge marketing and promotion fair, and wil be perceived by the public as a rounding endorsement of all ecotourism.

Vancouver, BC: I'm concerned about the increasing lavishness and levels of comfort advertised by many wilderness tour operators (even some eco-tour companies). While I don't expect modern tourists to travel like Shackleton and his men, it seems that even wilderness tourism aspires to opulence of beach resorts and luxury hotels. Even though these tour operators may act responsibly in the wilderness, the increased resources needed for these tours and the disparity between the tourists and the local people (even if there are few of them in many wild areas) hardly seems to promote a positive attitude towards sustainable tourism or sustainable local economies. Do I have a narrowly pessimistic view of the situation or is this a growing trend, and if it is, what are the implications for future tourism?

Lisa Mastny: You have struck on a growing trend in tourism. Many of these "posher" operators are hoping to appeal to a less-adventurous and more demanding clientele. The interest in nature and culture tourism has expanded so rapidly that it HAS begun to enter the mainstream. A classic example of this is Costa Rica, which once advertised its small-scale, personable ecotourism image, but is starting to change this by building large hotels and marinas. I agree that the implications of this are very disturbing, especially given that many of these operations advertise themselves as "eco" tours!

Boulder, Colorado: As Eco-Tourism becomes more popular and accessable in "remote" places how will this affect indigenous populations allready struggling to survive?

Lisa Mastny: I have a mixed perspective on this. The unfortunate reality is that as many of the world's more remote places are opened up to tourism, indigenous groups often get little benefit from this. They may be advertised as tourist attractions, making theirs lives little more than museum displays. On the other hand, there are some indigenous groups that are benefitting from tourism developments--making money and finding jobs. Of course, this works best when these groups are active participants in the development and feel ownership and control over the way this development proceeds.

Cambridge, England: Following from the previous question from Hawaii, it is clear that any tourism operator can try and promote their tours by labelling it 'eco'-tourism, with no regulation. Would the world not benefit from an independent global standard of eco-tourism, monitored by an alliance of independent organisations with strict guidelines on rating how particular tourism activities impact on social and environmental spheres? How can we go about getting such a globally recognised (large-scale) regulation adopted, so that the 'eco-tourism' label really means what it says?

Lisa Mastny: As I mentioned earlier, as we speak there is an ongoing effort to develop a universal ecotourism standard and an international accrediation body to cerftify sustainable tourism. This would be akin to the Oaxaca, Mexico-based Forest Stewardship Council, which certifies sustainably harvested timber, or the Marine Stewardship Council, which certfies fisheries. You can find out more about this from the Rainforest Alliance website, at http://www.rainforestalliance.org/programs/sv/stsc.html their website www.rainforest

Hannover, Germany: Coming back to one of your last answers, I am not opposing new standards for ecotourism, more efficient planes or whatever, but do we not need a change in our culture, and, simply, STAY AT HOME MORE OFTEN?

Lisa Mastny: I think that if people are willing to accept the decision to stay at home more often, and are happy with this choice, then this is fine. But I also believe there are many wonderful things we can learn from traveling, both about ourselves and about the world around us. For this reason I advocate making travel and tourism BETTER, not eliminating it altogether.

Darryl, BC: Should Cities that submit bids for Olympic Games be subject to Environmental Assessments at the Federal and Provincial Level?

Lisa Mastny: I think that without question such environmental assessments need to be done. And this hold true for any large development project, whether Olympic construction or other. I recently returned from Mexico City, where an enormous new airport project is being considered, and where the government has yet to do an appropriate environmental impact assessment. The opposition from environmentalists and local communities is intense, as the project is in many ways inappropriate for the chosen site!

Hilo, HI: The expansion of travel contributes to the potential for pandemics. Is any government/agency preparing for this potential?

Lisa Mastny: I didn't really get into the connections between travel and human health in my research, but you do raise an important point. Travel and tourism are globalizing disease transmission like never before, and in many ways no region is isolated from an epidemic that emerges across the world. THe World Health Organization has written extensively about the globalization of infectious disease, and is supporting the development of extensive global surveillance networks that would allow for rapid monitoring and response to any outbreaks.

Dick Bell, Worldwatch Institute: Lisa, Thanks for being online today. Don't forget to join us next week at the same time to talk with Anne McGinn about what we have to do to get toxic chemicals out of the environment.

Lisa Mastny: Thanks, Dick. I enjoyed the discussion. It's great to get a sense of the concerns people have about traveling and tourism. I urge everyone to think a little more closely about what this really means when they go on their next trip.

And in case anyone would like to read in more detail about tourism and its implications, my paper "Traveling Light: New Paths for International Tourism, is available on the Worldwatch website.