The Application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Sustainable Tourism Planning: A Review

Abstract

Decision-making in tourism development and planning is becoming increasingly complex as organisations and communities have to come to terms with the competing economic, social and environmental demands of sustainable development. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be regarded as providing a tool box of techniques and technologies of wide applicability to the achievement of sustainable tourism development. Spatial (environmental) data can be used to explore conflicts, examine impacts and assist decision-making. Impact assessment and simulation are increasingly important in tourism development, and GIS can play a role in auditing environmental conditions, examining the suitability of locations for proposed developments, identifying conflicting interests and modelling relationships. Systematic evaluation of environmental impact is often hindered by information deficiencies but also tools for data integration, manipulation, visualisation and analysis. GIS seems particularly suited to this task. This paper examines the progress tourism related organisations are making towards the utilisation of GIS and its integration with the principles of sustainable development in the UK.