Tracing the complexity-sustainability nexus in a small Mediterranean island: implications for hospitality and tourism education. (31st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rezapouraghdam, Hamed; Akhshik, Arash
• Is Part Of: Worldwide hospitality and tourism themes. Volume 13:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 476
• Page End: 487
• Publication Date: 2021-05-31
• Subjects: System thinking -- Sustainable development -- Complexity -- Tourism and hospitality -- Northern Cyprus; Hospitality industry -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.479105
• DOI: 10.1108/WHATT-02-2021-0030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4217

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gauge how tourism and hospitality students discern sustainability in the geographical context of the small island state of North Cyprus using systems theory and thinking framework. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a qualitative approach and draws on data from focus group interviews with final year students enrolled in a tourism and hospitality program. Findings: This study reveals that students lack a holistic understanding of sustainability and given this finding, the theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Originality/value: In spite of the close linkages between tourism and sustainability and the fact that the United Nations designated 2017 as the "International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, " education for sustainability in tourism has received relatively little attention. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature in terms of what tourism students know about sustainability and sustainable development.