The green host effect : an integrated approach to sustainable tourism and resort development

Abstract

This paper offers recommendations for responsible tourism and resort development in the tropics, to both minimize the industry's negative environmental and social impacts and increase the overall positive contribution of tourism to conservation and local well-being. It describes a series of management practices and technologies that developers can use to increase the environmental and social sustainability of their developments, as well as a series of planning and policy tools for governments to guide the development of tourism in their countries. Although these tools are principally for the public and private sector, they will also be useful to groups such as non-governmental organizations, development agencies and local communities seeking to become more informed participants in tourism development.