Sustainable recreation and tourism: Making sense of diverse conceptualizations and management paradigms. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cerveny, Lee K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of outdoor recreation and tourism. Volume 38(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Sustainability -- Tourism -- Recreation -- Social-ecological systems; Outdoor recreation -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Periodicals; Outdoor recreation; Tourism; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 338.47796505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jort.2022.100520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0799

Abstract

Abstract: Sustainability in the context of visitor management in protected areas is a notion that is widely employed and variously defined. Most definitions of sustainable recreation/tourism employ variations of the three pillars (ecology, economy, social equity) introduced in the 1987 Brundtland Report. In a survey of 217 recreation and tourism professionals and researchers, respondents provided working definition of sustainable recreation or sustainable tourism . Qualitative responses were systematically coded and analyzed to unearth common themes. Results suggest that notions of sustainability vary based on geography and institutional affiliation, reminding us that sustainability is a fluid construct that can be deployed to achieve agency objectives or in response to internal or external forces. Definitions of sustainable recreation and tourism are becoming more multi-faceted, nuanced, and layered – moving away from a vantage point that privileges environmental objectives to a socio-ecological systems framework that recognizes the interconnected web of socio-cultural, local-global, institutional, and relational, processes. Management implications: Managerial capacity and resource governance are of increasing relevance for sustainable development. The following key questions are crucial for the protected area management in the context of recreation and nature-based tourism: - How can it be designed to enhance healthy ecosystems and meet conservation goals? - How can it contribute to healthy communities and social institutions? - How can it enhance cultural revitalization and protection of cultural elements? - How can it contribute to poverty alleviation, equal job opportunities and a fair distribution of benefits? - How can it be conducted in a reasonable, cost effective and efficient way for management agencies? - How can it foster partnership and collective capacities? - How can it promote divers visitor experiences, visitor awareness and learning?