Tourism and sustainability - Perspectives and pathways for social inclusion

Abstract

Sustainable tourism development is premised on balancing economic, environmental and social goals. Much has been written on tourism economics, and the tourism - environment interface yet the social interface of tourism remains less examined. Drawing on models, data and experiences throughout SEAsia this paper will examine the extent to which the social impacts of tourism ‘stand in the shadow’ of economic structures. Against a backdrop of ‘development for whom’ it examines the evidential base for employment (training and education policies), value chain (agricultural) support and enhancement and social entrepreneurship as pathways to improve the social (and sustainability) outcomes from tourism development.