The economy of sustainable tourism

摘要

Sustainability, as defined by the Brundtland Commission, which mentions the needs of present and future generations, is a concept that transcends concern with the environment, though this consideration remains important. Sustainability also relates to culture, way of living and economy. Applied to tourist destinations, sustainability offers guidance of great clarity. Tourism brings significant impacts, physical, economic and cultural, with important positive and negative aspects. A study of the subject reveals that the guidelines for sustainable tourism are exactly the guidelines for economic development and healthy living - non-sustainable tourist destinations actually tend to decline and even perish. A qualitative research was conducted in a tourist destination in Brazil, typical in several respects. Such destination has developed after the publication of the Brundtland report did not inherit certain prejudicial attitudes. The results show that the major players involved are not aware of all the challenges posed to a sustainable development, but this can be changed for the better with relative ease and highly positive consequences.