Sustainable Tourism Flashcards
6 cards from real HOSPITALITY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Sustainable Tourism flashcards as text
What is the definition of sustainable tourism?
Answer: Tourism that meets the needs of present tourists without compromising the ability of future generations to enjoy the same resources
Sustainable tourism seeks to balance the needs of tourists and host communities today while protecting environmental, cultural, and economic resources for future generations, based on the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability.
What does the term 'carrying capacity' mean in tourism destination management?
Answer: The maximum number of visitors a destination can accommodate without degrading the experience or environment
Carrying capacity in tourism refers to the maximum level of visitor use a destination can sustain before unacceptable impacts occur to the environment, cultural heritage, or visitor experience. Exceeding carrying capacity leads to overtourism.
What is 'ecotourism' as defined by the International Ecotourism Society?
Answer: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people
The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as 'responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.' It specifically requires conservation outcomes and local community benefit.
What is the 'triple bottom line' framework in sustainable hospitality?
Answer: A sustainability framework measuring performance across people, planet, and profit
The triple bottom line (TBL) framework measures organizational performance across three dimensions: People (social equity), Planet (environmental impact), and Profit (economic viability). In sustainable hospitality, it ensures business decisions consider all three outcomes, not just financial returns.
What is 'overtourism' and what are its primary negative effects?
Answer: Excessive tourist volumes that overwhelm infrastructure and degrade quality of life for residents and visitors
Overtourism occurs when visitor numbers exceed a destination's capacity to manage them sustainably, leading to environmental degradation, infrastructure strain, residential displacement, cultural commodification, and a deteriorating visitor experience.
What is a 'green certification' in the hospitality industry?
Answer: A third-party verified credential recognizing a hotel's environmental sustainability practices
Green certifications are third-party awards given to hotels that meet verified environmental sustainability standards in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and community engagement. Examples include LEED, Green Key, EarthCheck, and Green Globe.